The hype
Travelers are obsessed with the history, the courtyard alpaca, and the breakfast buffet, but many feel stung by the extra fees for the spa and the lack of AC.
Palacio Del Inka Luxury Collec
$250-400/ night
Book this if You want to sleep inside a living museum where 500-year-old Inca walls meet Spanish colonial luxury, and you don't mind paying extra for the privilege.
Why People Love It
- The 'museum hotel' vibe with original Inca walls and colonial art in the hallways
- Inti, the resident baby alpaca who hangs out in the courtyard for breakfast
- Location directly across from the Koricancha (Temple of the Sun)
Quick Take: A stunning historic property that nickel-and-dimes you for the pool and lacks AC, but makes up for it with undeniable atmosphere.
Reviewed by @ScottsdaleTravelChick: I’ve never stayed anywhere that felt so much like a living museum. Walking through the candlelit lobby after a day exploring Cusco was the highlight of my trip. The silence and the history in these walls are just incredible.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Classic' rooms are tight and often dark; you are paying for the common areas, not the square footage of the entry-level rooms.
- You are a history buff who wants a private tour of Inca walls without leaving your hotel
- You appreciate a massive, high-quality breakfast buffet with live harp music
- You want a central location that feels like a sanctuary once you step inside
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Generally thorough daily service, though some guests report missed dust under beds or in corners.
- Bathroom hygiene: Bathrooms are stone-clad and usually spotless, but older plumbing means occasional drainage speed issues.
- Maintenance: Excellent preservation of historic elements; creaky floors are a feature, not a bug.
- Linens & towels: High-quality, crisp white linens and plush towels, consistent with the Luxury Collection brand.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of fresh lilies and eucalyptus; rooms are neutral but can get stuffy.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street traffic (taxis, buses) on Santo Domingo
- Thin walls in older sections of the building
- Creaking original wood floors in hallways
Before you book
Good to know
- The 'Destination Fee' (~$38/night) includes a Pisco Sour class, hotel art tour, and wifi—make sure you actually use them to get your money's worth.
- Oxygen enrichment is available in rooms but often costs extra (~$20-40/day) unless you book a suite.
- The hotel is at 11,152 ft (3,400m); drink the coca tea in the lobby immediately upon arrival.
What to pack
- Earplugs (essential if you get a street room)
- Light pajamas (rooms can get stuffy without AC)
- Hydration packets (altitude dehydration is real)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Courtyard-facing Deluxe rooms for silence and historic views
- One-Bedroom Suites if you need space (Classic rooms are very small)
Rooms to avoid
- Street-facing Classic rooms (noise issues)
- Rooms near the elevator in the older wing (noise from creaking floors)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and requesting a room facing the inner 'Cuatro Bustos' courtyard, away from the street. Please ensure the room is not near the service elevator.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there air conditioning?
No. Rooms have heating for cold Andean nights, but no cooling. You must open windows to cool down, which lets in noise.
Is the pool free?
No. The 'Andes Spirit Spa' thermal circuit (including the hydrotherapy pool) typically carries an access fee for guests.
Is breakfast included?
Often yes, especially for Marriott Platinum+ members or specific rates, but check your booking. The buffet is excellent and costs ~$25-30 if paid separately.
Do they have oxygen in the rooms?
Yes, the system is built-in, but turning it on usually incurs a daily fee unless you are in a premium suite.
How far is it from the main square?
It's a 5-10 minute flat walk to the Plaza de Armas. Very central.
Is it kid-friendly?
Surprisingly yes—kids love the baby alpaca in the courtyard, though the vibe is definitely more 'quiet luxury' than 'playground'.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask the bartender at Rumi Bar to show you the '8-angled stone' inside the hotel walls—it's a private piece of Inca history most tourists miss.
- ✨
The daily 5:00 PM art tour is actually worth it; it ends with a traditional Inca ceremony in the courtyard.
- ✨
Buy your souvenirs from the ladies in the courtyard; the quality is higher than the street vendors and the prices are fair.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Classic' rooms are shockingly small for the price point.
💡You have to pay to use the indoor pool, which feels cheap for a Luxury Collection hotel.
💡The lighting in the rooms is very dim/moody—great for romance, bad for finding things in your suitcase.
💡The cheese and wine station in the lobby in the evenings is a hidden gem.
💡The pisco sour class included in the resort fee is actually fun and gets you a free drink.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Palacio Del Inka Luxury Collec is located and what's nearby.