I stayed at four Inkaterra properties over the course of a couple weeks. The first caveat I’ll give is that my necklace from my wedding day was stolen at the Inkaterra Urubamba hotel. (Some stars are missing due to that experience and the way the hotel handled it). That being said, I did enjoy some of their hotels. My rooms at the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica (river facing cabin) and Inkaterra Casona Cusco (the plaza suite) were beautiful. ||||My excursions at the properties were enjoyable and I really liked all of the guides I had! Tino at Amazonica was delightful. He was funny, knowledgeable, and he really let everyone customize their excursions during their stay. I would say there was a high level of professionalism and friendliness with all the staff I encountered at Amazonica and La Casona. ||||The setup at Inkaterra Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo was interesting- it is a bit of a tourist farm feeling, where they cater to large tour groups that come in on a bus, stay for one night, and leave on a tour bus the next day. While the properties are pretty, they didn’t seem geared to individual reservations by guests who want to spend leisure time at the hotel. The common areas were often overtaken by large groups all checking in or out at once, and the employees seeming stressed trying to manage them all at once.||||As other reviews state, there is no way to contact an individual hotel (unless you are directly on property). You email a main Inkaterra email account, and they email back after a few days. They also do not respond nights or weekends. This is an odd setup for hotels that are open nights and weekends, and seems under resourced for such a high price point. ||||The service wasn’t as friendly or professional at the Urubamba and Machu Picchu locations. They sometimes seemed annoyed when having to bring something from the main building to a casita, though that’s the setup of the hotel. At one point I had room service dishes in my room at Urubamba for three days. They would usually be flipping all of the rooms daily after a big tour group so this could be why. ||||I overall got the impression that employees didn’t seem to be paid much and seemed tired and overworked, at all of the locations. I know at least with the Amazonica location I would see the same employee working day after day, all day. When I asked, I heard they work for multiple weeks straight every day until they get some days off. That doesn’t seem right. When I left a tip for a dining room employee who had been there at breakfast each morning, another employee ran over quickly and took it. ||||When I contacted the Inkaterra Urubamba explaining that my necklace (that was taken) was from my wedding day, and that I hadn’t taken off in 5 years since that day, the response was dismissive. The Urubamba manager called it a “chain” and said verbatim, no one had seen it or knew anything. No acknowledgement or apology. It was a pendant with a diamond on the front and my wedding date inscribed on the back. ||||For a $500 a night price point, the level of professionalism, kindness, and respect just isn’t there for some of their locations. I would recommend the Belmond hotels if you are looking for a more luxurious experience. Otherwise there are plenty of 5 star rated guesthouses in Ollantaytambo where your sentimental items probably...
Read moreRecently, I had the pleasure of spending a night at the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba, a stunning retreat nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley in Peru. From its exceptional facilities to its courteous staff and enlightening guided tours, the Hacienda is an epitome of Peruvian charm and hospitality.
The immediate allure of the Hacienda is its mesmerizing location. Surrounded by a verdant tableau of rolling hills and blue skies, the retreat offers a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley's untouched beauty. The scene from my room was nothing short of a live painting, capturing the unspoiled grandeur of the Peruvian landscape.
The accommodation at Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba beautifully merges modern convenience with traditional aesthetics. My room was clean and comfortable, complemented with subtle local decor that echoed the country's rich cultural heritage. Every convenience, from high-speed Wi-Fi to cozy bedding and well-stocked amenities, was thoughtfully provided for a pleasant stay.
The Hacienda is lauded for its comprehensive range of facilities. The on-site restaurant serves up an array of delectable Peruvian cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. The fitness center, though not expansive, is well-equipped for a solid workout. The communal areas, adorned with local art and artifacts, provide comfortable spaces for relaxation and socializing.
One standout facility is the Earth to Table concept, where guests can pick their own vegetables and herbs from the organic garden, providing an authentic farm-to-fork experience.
During my brief stay, I participated in a guided tour through the surrounding landscape. This was an enriching venture, with the knowledgeable guide sharing intriguing insights about the local ecosystem and history.
These tours are carefully curated to provide guests with an immersive experience of the Peruvian countryside. What truly sets Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba apart, however, is its exceptional staff. Their warmth and hospitality were apparent from the moment I stepped in. Every need, from room service requests to tour arrangements, was attended to with a smile and the highest level of professionalism. Their genuine commitment to guest satisfaction significantly enhanced the overall appeal of the Hacienda.
In conclusion, Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba is a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and warm hospitality. Its commitment to providing an authentic Peruvian experience is evident in every aspect, from its facilities to its guided tours and exceptional staff. My brief stay left a lasting impression, and I can wholeheartedly recommend this beautiful retreat to anyone seeking a genuine encounter with the...
Read moreSimply astounding hotel. To stay here and Los Portales in Cusco in the same (Llama Travel) holiday is quite strange with the latter being a pretty basic tourist hotel and the Inkaterra Hacienda being totally luxury with an incredible eye for detail.
From the hot towels and sofas welcome through to the spa, guided walks and beautiful public areas, I find it hard to criticise this hotel.
Perched up a hillside with the main block surrounded by individual bungalows, it is more deserving of a sweeping country-house style drive way than the rough dirt track so typical of the area.
All Peruvian style with dark beams, lots of ethnic art and solid wood everywhere. Main building rooms are mostly arranged around a lovely central courtyard which reminded me of cloisters. There is no reception- the staff meet you at the door and sit you in the lounge for a welcome talk.
Then taken to your room- wow! We stayed in the main building and each door off the cloisters served two rooms. The rooms are enormous with a bed which is ridiculously oversized, sofa, table. Easy chairs etc. The best safe I've ever seen- fixed into a drawer with a lid that opens upwards and could contain laptop, handbag and much else.
To give some idea of the 'uniqueness' of the hotel, the 'do not disturb' sign is a basket of herbs that is to be placed outside the door.
The room was quiet (except when the people next door went through the lobby) and well lit with floor spots in each corner, lots of lamps and two spots in the ceiling. The bathroom was equally well presented with full length lighting up the mirror sides, fabulous hair dryer and a shower with decent pressure. Towels were soft and decent sized.
Breakfast is excellent with a good cooked menu as well as small buffet.
Niggles? During the introduction talk they did not mention that there is a decent bar menu. Hence on the first night none of our party (about 10 people) found it and those who ate in the main restaurant were disappointed. On the second night one person found the bar meal menu at the back of the cocktail menu and instantly 8 orders went in. The bar food was good.
If I could afford it (which I can't) I would love to stay longer at the Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba and try out the spa and included walks and lectures. If you get the chance you will not be...
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