Libertador Palacio del Inka, Cusco

I was in Cusco on business and several people recommended the Hotel Libertador. This hotel is set up for tourists. Rooms are small with no table or desk. Several rooms are right above major intersections on the roads so the traffic noise went until midnight. Internet service was just in the lobby and barley worked. The description online was different on check in. There are better places in Cusco for the money.

Looked like a 5-star hotel, but the air quality really ruined my stay. Both of our rooms (we broke our stay for a 2-day trip to Machu Picchu) had not been aired. The first (on the colonial side) smelled a little musty, and we had to air it out ourselves. Overnight, I also developed breathing problems because the air in the room was so dry. The second (a newer suite) had not been aired either and smelled truly atrocious. It may be the cleaning detergent the hotel uses.

Excellent combination of a historical building (patio!) with modern comfort. Perfect service, great breakfast buffet, maté de coca available 24/24. Ideally located close to main sights. Complimentary spa after a long day sightseeing.

From the moment we arrived at the small Cuzco airport, the Libertador people were there to take care of us in every way. They offered excellent advice, gave interesting insight and information into ancient and modern Cuzco, and made us feel comfortable and secure at all times. The coca tea is available at all times in lobby. We did not need oxygen, but we observed that it is readily available and hotel staff bring it out quickly for any guest who might need it. Don't underestimate how the combination of exhaustion from travel (21 hours door-to-door for us) combined with the altitude (11,000 feet for Cuzco)will knock you out. You truly do need to plan to just rest for the first day. We will mention in particular [...] at the front desk and [...] in the restaurant, both tourism interns from NY ... these two are real pros and I am sure they will have brilliant careers in the hospitality industry. But this is not at all to ignore the top quality service by every other hotel employee, from front door through lobby and front desk to rooms and restaurants. Every area is beautiful and comfortable. Breakfast buffet is expansive and outstanding and accessible, 4:30 to 10 am. Business center is well equipped and offers about 8 private work areas ... never a wait. Location is perfect, right in center, near Plaza de las Armas, Qorikancha Temple, wonderful restaurants, markets, etc. We had a fantastic view from our window in Room 450.

The photos of the hotel on the website do not do it justice. It's a great location and within short walking distance (5 minutes) to Plaza De Armas (the main square of the town). Plenty of restaurants nearby. The staff and service were outstanding. Rooms were clean. The breakfast buffet was excellent. There is also a room with several computers in it for hotel guest (no charge). Leave the laptop at home! Several small stores (including a drug store) right outside the front door selling water, gatorade, laundry service, etc... It's one of the best hotels in town! The big thing to remember is that you are at 11,000' elevation and if you body doesn't agree with the altitude, you better be in a comfortable room while you adapt. This place fits the bill!