Hotel Review
Hotel Tambo Del Inka, Sacred Valley Peru
THE BACKGROUND: In Peru’s Sacred Valley,between Cusco and Machu Picchu, the Tambo del Inka hotel opened in June 2010.It is owned by Peru-based Libertador Hotels and is a member of Starwood Hotels’ Luxury Collection. It has 128 rooms in four categories. Traditional building materials and textiles give the hotel local character, with impressive stonework, huge timbers, colourful rugs and wall hangings.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel is perched on the banks of the Vilconata River on the outskirts of Urubamba, a 45-minute drive from Cusco and around three hours by train from Machu Picchu. A new train station at the hotel offers guests direct access to the Inca fortress.
THE ROOM: My ground floor deluxe room was fitted out in warm shades of reds, browns and oranges, with Inca motifs, fabric wall coverings, brightly-striped textile cushions and hardwood flooring. There was a king-size bed, 32-inch satellite TV, iPod dock, desk, sofa and armchairs, air conditioning, large walk-in wardrobe and a bathroom with twin sinks, separate bath and shower and Gilchrist & Soames amenities. The room was a little dark, but a lovely sun terrace (with loungers) that led to the hotel gardens compensated for this.
THE RESTAURANT: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all served in the Hawa restaurant and terrace. Specialising in traditional Andean cuisine with a modern twist, the restaurant uses predominantly organic, locally sourced ingredients.
THE FACILITIES: A spa has 12 private rooms and treatments that take their inspiration from Inca culture, such as Misti Mud Therapy, Gold from the Gods and Andean Chocolate scrubs. There’s also a sauna, steam room, gym, two swimming pools, gift shop, business centre and games room.
THE ACTIVITIES: The majority of guests are in the region for one reason only: to visit Machu Picchu. However, there are plenty of other excellent day trips on offer in the area, including the historic Inca town of Ollantaytambo, Pisac for its famous market, and Maras for the striking salt pans. The Sacred Valley is also perfect territory for activities such as trekking, horse-riding, cycling and rafting, all of which can be arranged at the on-site T’ikariy tour desk.
HIGHLIGHTS After a day exploring the Sacred Valley, it was the simple pleasure of sitting on the sun terrace by the river, sipping an ice cold Cusquena beer and enjoying excellent Ceviche.
THE COST: Doubles from $250 (£155) a night for a low-season Superior room.
THE DETAILS: Tel: +51 84 581 777
The Verdict
Exceptional
Pass
Loved It!
Farce
A beautifully designed hotel that emanates an aura of calmness. The staff were superb and
cuisine excellent, if expensive, though there’s a selection of restaurants in the town
Andy Hoskins
Journalist, Selling Long Haul
