Hotel Monasterio

Still Cusco's most extraordinary place to stay, though competition is on the rise, this beautiful hotel occupies the San Antonio Abad monastery, constructed in 1592 on the foundations of an Inca palace. An Orient-Express property, the Hotel Monasterio exudes grace and luxury. As much a museum as a hotel, it has its own opulent gilded chapel and 18th-century Escuela Cusqueña art collection. Located on quiet Las Nazarenas square between the bohemian San Blas district and the main square, the hotel makes fine use of several courtyards with stone arches; one is set up for lunch outdoors, about as beautiful a setting as is to be found in Cusco. Rooms are impeccably decorated in both colonial and modern styles, with large Cusqueña School paintings; the accommodations off the first courtyard are more traditionally designed and feel more authentic. For a special treat, consider one of the two-story junior suites. One restaurant, Tupay, is housed in the original vaulted refectory of the monastery; early risers, many on their way to Machu Picchu, can enjoy a terrific breakfast buffet as they're serenaded by Gregorian chants. As a special bonus, the hotel was the first in the world to offer oxygen piped directly into rooms through the ventilation ($40 per day). It sounded gimmicky to me, but my wife, who was suffering from a bout of soroche (altitude sickness), says she slept wonderfully and woke up without a pounding headache.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; cafe; bar; concierge

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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