Palacio del Inka

Palacio del Inca stands directly across from the Qurikancha, the most important temple to the Incas and an important destination for many tourists. Just three blocks away, Plaza de Armas, the historic square of the city, also beckons many visitors. The square is lush with trees during the day; some people like to take a lunch to enjoy outside among the old stone buildings. The same square is lit brightly at night, offering a completely different atmosphere.

Speaking of atmosphere, Palacio del Inca demonstrates consistent attention to it from the moment you step through the heavyset doors to the enormous, richly decorated lobby. It sets the tone for the rest of the hotel.

Some of the ornate bedrooms and adjacent living areas have patterned ceilings or walls; others feature more solid themes, but all rooms are set in deep tones that contrast nicely with the beds’ fresh white linens. Bathrooms are lined in stone and offer bathrobes and slippers for your comfort. All guest rooms feature an iPod docking station, alarm clock, one or more LED televisions, electronic safe, and Signature Luxury Collection beds. The entire hotel is non-smoking. The hotel also offers a nightly turndown service, two daily rounds of housekeeping, and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. Balconies in any room or suite face either the active Cusco streets or the quiet hotel courtyard.

The hotel offers a range of extravagant rooms. Deluxe rooms have an alcove with a hand-carved wooden work desk, and some have a balcony. Junior suites’ single bedroom faces an oversized window, while the living room offers a sofa and armchair as well as a 4-person dining table. One-bedroom suites offer the above amenities, but some also have an open-air terrace with a breakfast table for two, a separate work area, separate bedroom, and guest bathroom off the living room.

Senior suites offer similar accommodations, but take the style up a notch with hand-painted ceiling beams in the bedroom and a canopied king-size bed. Presidential suites advance a step further with hand-woven rugs and an audio system. This capstone in luxury offers two bedrooms, each with its own television, walk in closet, and vanity desk. The bathroom’s tub features Jacuzzi jets and a separate shower.

The courtyard is lined with stone and features bright flowers and a fountain. The hotel boasts a spa outfitted with a number of treatment rooms and a therapy pool for guests seeking relaxation.

The restaurant serves meals from a buffet offering neo-Andean cuisine, enhancing guinea pig, lamb, or trout entrees with a variety of traditional foods such as quinoa or stewed potatoes. The restaurant offers outdoor and indoor dining, both of which continue to meld the historic mansion’s old-world stonework with smart, classic decoration.

The bar, a separate venue, also capitalizes on its stone walls, lighting the interior cozily and offering bar seating and lounge seating while you explore Chilean or Andean wines and international beers.

The hotel also offers a meeting facility that can be outfitted for large group gatherings or private meals. A banquet hall also offers a space for larger groups. A newspaper service is also available for guests wishing to stay in touch with home while enjoying the ambiance of Palacio del Inka.