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Located in the heart of the Centro Historico district, the grounds of the Palacio del Inka have lived many lives—from an entryway to a sacred temple to a palace that housed Spanish conquistadors and a museum. But for the past 50 years, the centuries-old mansion has functioned as a hotel. However, the property does its due diligence to weave together its rich history, as almost 200 artworks dating back to the pre-Inca and Incan period hang around in the same rooms where Pisco Sours are shaken and shared. Not to mention, the hotel sits just a few steps away from Qorikancha, or The Temple of the Sun, one of the most important sites in Incan culture.
What are the rooms like at Palacio del Inka?
The 500-year-old former mansion with its 203 rooms seamlessly blends its colonial quarters with modern-day touches. My imperial junior suite featured a gilded headboard with a plush king bed, an iron wrought chandelier that could be turned on with the flip of a switch and a painting of an archangel that hovered above the coffee maker. The marbled bathroom was a tad more modern and standard with a walk-in shower and a line-up of Byredo products for hair and body. But the standing balcony, closed off with deep blue shutters (the color, a call back to the Spanish era), with views of the city at large brought me back to the old city.
What is the food and drink like at Palacio del Inka?
Down the hallway from the lobby sits the Rumi Bar. It is a bit of a dim and moody find, but one that should still be discovered as 200 feet of the back wall is made up of original Incan stone that dates back to the 15th century. It is a nice tidbit of information to have as you simultaneously learn about Peru’s national cocktail during one of the daily Pisco Sour classes.
But the heart of dining lies with The Inti Raymi Restaurant. Breakfast brings a fine buffet of tamales and soups or eggs and bacon, if that's more your speed. Plus, there's a harpist who plays during it, ushering in an even better morning. The evening leans more fine, as the white tableclothed tables play host to ceviches with pearls of roe, local trout with its crispy skin—fished fresh from Urubamba—and the traditional guinea pig, cut into squares. When the weather is nice, the courtyard through the Spanish-style stone arches is the place to be, what with its tinkling fountains and plumes of flowers. Even fuzzy friends agree, as local vendors bring along their baby alpacas while they sell wares.
What is the spa like at Palacio del Inka?
The basement level houses the Andes Spirit Spa, where you can get all sorts of treatment geared toward relaxation—think massages, salt scrubs and facials. $93 extra gives you access to the only hydromassage circuit in Cusco with cold plunges and jacuzzis.
What’s the area like around Palacio del Inka?
With a prime location in the Centro Histórico district, there’s plenty to see right out the door. Literally, as the Qorikancha, a temple turned museum, is right next door, and the bustling Plaza de Armas is just a walk down the street. A short drive or a 30-40 minute walk away is Sacsayhuaman, an Incan fortress that still serves as a stage for religious events, particularly the yearly Festival of the Sun or Inti Raymi. But if you’ve come to see Peru’s wonder of the world, Machu Picchu, you can, just know it is about a four to five-hour trip by train.
Why you should book a stay at Palacio del Inka?
Palacio del Inka easily pleases modern-day travelers with a spot of luxury while seamlessly incorporating its storied past. Simply put, if you’ve ever dreamed of spending a night at the museum, this is the place to do it.
DETAILS
Address: Plazoleta Santo Domingo 259, Cusco, Peru
Price per Night: Prices start at $339 per night
Closest Transport Link: The Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is about a 15 to 30-minute drive away.
Book Now: Booking.com
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