There are plenty of Sacred Valley hotels that will set you back less. But if you’ve come to see one of the world’s great architectural marvels, you may as well stay somewhere monumental.
That would be Tambo del Inka, far and away the most lavish place to stay along the route to Machu Picchu (rooms from $515). Designed by Miami’s hip Arquitectonica firm and ably run by Starwood’s Luxury Collection, the 128-room hotel is all triple-height ceilings, towering stone chimneys, and glammed-up weavings in a riot of fuchsias and crimsons.
There’s much ado about the private train station for the ride to the ruins. But since the one daily departure (very early) and return (late) sell out far in advance, you’re arguably better off taking a car to the nearest public stop, in Ollantaytambo. The drive is quicker and the train fills up at that stop anyway.
(Speaking of trains: No need to splurge on the $658 round-trip Hiram Bingham from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Perurail has several classes of train, and the next-highest, the clear-ceilinged Vistadome, is more than comfortable for about a quarter the price. Also, it’s a three-and-a-half-hour journey from Cusco, which makes for a very long day or an overnight at a lodge that’s no better than it needs to be.)
While Tambo del Inka’s train promises don’t really play out, there are plenty of pleasures to be found: captivating Andes and river views, especially from the guest-room bathtubs, heated swimming pools, and free-flowing coca tea (said to help with the high altitude, and a mild stimulant in the cocaine family). Unlike at many of its competitors, the WiFi works, and the rooms are full of modern connectivity conveniences.
Source: Forbes Lifestyle
