Hotel Review: Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel

3.1K

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

After spending a few days in Lima at the Sheraton Lima Historic Center (full review here), we took a LATAM flight to Cusco so we could make the trek to see Machu Picchu. I have been eyeing Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel since it was part of SPG. I would thumb through the Luxury Collection book that showcases the brand’s hotels and it always stood out. It’s housed within a 500-year-old mansion and centrally located within the city.

Anthony’s Take: Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel has a gorgeous lobby and comfortable accommodations. It does not offer air conditioning and this was an issue during our stay. Due to altitude sickness, I did not get to fully enjoy the hotel. The staff are excellent and took good care of us including having a boxed breakfast ready for our early departure to Machu Picchu. The original Inca-constructed walls, tons of art, and other artifacts fill this historic landmark. You feel like you’re staying in a museum and the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Booking

The room was booked through Marriott.com. I booked a Classic, Guest Room, 1 King using two 35K Free Night Certificates that I topped off with Marriott Bonvoy® points. If you’re looking to redeem only Marriott Bonvoy® points here, redemptions cost between 43,000 and 70,000 points per night for a standard room. The cash rates were over $400 per night.

Transportation to/from the Hotel

We took an Uber from Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). I still cannot get over how inexpensive Ubers are in Peru. The approximately 5.2-kilometer ride took 15 minutes and cost $14. We returned to the airport the same way and at a similar cost.

Location

The hotel is located just a quick walk from many restaurants, shops, Plaza de Armas (Cusco’s Main Square), and Cusco Cathedral. The hotel was a good jumping off point for the trek to Machu Picchu.

Check-in

We arrived around 6:00 PM and the agent informed me that we had been upgraded to a 1 King Bed, 1-Bedroom Suite. He also explained that breakfast was in the hotel’s restaurant and asked if I would like a late checkout. I requested 2:00 PM and it was granted without hesitation. We were not told nor charged the destination fee, but my mother had it added to her bill. It’s $38.40 per day (including tax) and offers a spa discount, two bottles of water per day, and Wi-Fi.

I was immediately struck by how beautiful the lobby is and how many works of art and antiquities filled the room.

Everywhere I looked, I found more art.

The rooms are divided up into several wings. Elevators service different areas.

The hallways are dark and have an old-world elegance to them.

Our suite was not far from the elevator.

1 King Bed, 1-Bedroom Suite (362)

There are 203 rooms and suites at the hotel.

A half bath was to the right when entering the suite. It had a small vanity.

The toilet was tucked behind the door. The room was pretty tight overall.

A bar of Le Chemin by BYREDO soap was on the counter. All of the toiletries were this brand throughout the suite.

The living room was straight ahead. It held a chaise, armchair, coffee table, desk and chair as well as a large TV.

Another welcome amenity was on the table: chocolate covered strawberries. This was addressed to Ms. Losanno (my mother) and she had one addressed to me in her room.

The chaise lounge was the most comfortable spot in the room.

The desk was small and cramped.

The coffeemaker, cups, coffee pods, and condiments took up most of the desk.

A cabinet with a mini-bar was next to the desk.

The refrigerator was not sensored and we used it to store our beverages.

I liked the lights. They fit the decor perfectly.

The bedroom was off of the living room. It had a comfortable king-sized bed, two nightstands, and a chair.

The chair served as a place to hold some clothes.

These figures I found creepy. They were facing the bed while we slept.

The closet was on the right side as you enter the bedroom (just before the en suite bathroom).

It held a robe, umbrellas, a luggage rack, and more.

The safe was also here.

Slippers were found on the bottom shelf.

We had a nice view of the courtyard from the suite.

Rooms have heaters but no air conditioning. We both were overheated and suffering from altitude sickness. I was not happy to have no option to turn on air conditioning. Opening the windows let in tons of noise from the street.

The full bathroom was also on the smaller side. It housed a single-sink vanity, shower/tub combo, and toilet.

More toiletries were on this counter.

I’m not a fan of shower/tub combos and the glass door just makes a mess.

Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash were in large bottles in the shower.

Public Areas & Amenities

As mentioned, the lobby is large and impressive. The hotel houses 195 works and antiquities dating back to the pre-Inca period. Sixty of these are from the 17th-century Cusco School of Art. The hotel offers a free 45-minute guided art tour daily at 5:00 PM.

There are seating groups tucked all around the lobby.

More seating.

Even more seating.

More places to relax.

Some of the history

Everywhere I turned there was more art.

An ATM is near the front door.

There are concierge desks near the hotel entrance.

Tea was always available.

The hotel has a small spa, but we did not have the chance to visit.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the Inti Raymi restaurant in the lobby. Platinum, Titanium, and Ambassador Elite members should get breakfast as an amenity choice. It was also included in my mother’s room rate. We were too sick to go to breakfast, so she went and took some photos for me after she had her meal.

Diners can choose what they want from the buffet as well as order eggs made to order.

A harpist plays throughout breakfast.

Muffins, danish, and croissants.

Fresh fruit

Fresh squeezed juice

Cheese and meats

Sacred Valley Honeycomb

Bread

Local Peruvian dishes

Gluten-free options

Tea

The boxed breakfast from the first day included a muffin, croissant, pain au chocolat, juice box, apple, and bottle of water.

Room Service

After returning from Machu Picchu we were all exhausted. Room service worked out perfectly. They messed up our order twice, but comped some of it as an apology. My mom joined us for dinner. The three of us each started with the Shrimp Creole Soup above.

I had the Seafood Rice. It was tasty and filling.

My husband chose the Squid Ink Pappardelle with Shrimp. He liked the flavors.

My mother had a Steak Sandwich. She said the steak was cooked perfectly.

We shared two of the Cacao (brownies, bananas, and vanilla ice cream).

My mother’s room rate included two Pisco Sours. We got these from Bar Rumi.

My mother and I were not interested, so my husband drank both.

Overall Impression: I loved the elegant and historical Palacio del Inka, A Luxury Collection Hotel in Cusco. The service, rooms, and all facilities are great. It’s only drawback is the lack of air conditioning, which is not acceptable at a hotel of this caliber.

Anthony’s Credit Card Pick: When I’m staying at a Marriott hotel, I want to maximize my points earned. My card of choice is the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card. With it, I earn six Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar spent at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. It also includes up to $300 statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month ) for dining in restaurants worldwide. Plus, a free night award that I can redeem at any Marriott hotel with a redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points. Rates & fees. Terms apply.

(Featured Image and Spa Image Credit: Marriott.)