Cusco Hotel: Monasterio

Located on the Las Nazarenas square between the bohemian San Blas district and the main square, the Monasterio hotel is only a short walk from the Plaza de Armas, Cusco’s central square, where you can find the Cathedral and most important museums in the city. The graceful and luxurious hotel is operated by Orient-Express and is one of the leading Small Hotels of the World properties.

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Description

A stay at the Monasterio will allow you to discover the charms of this hallowed colonial San Antonio Abad seminary built more than 300 years ago. The seminary is an excellent example of 17th century Andean Baroque architecture and offers a unique atmosphere.

The Monasterio hotel holds 4 lovely and well-maintained courtyards surrounded by colonial arcades and beautiful gardens and fountains which will transport you back to historic times while providing the comforts and quality of a modern 5-star hotel.

As much a museum as a hotel, it has its own opulent gilded chapel and 18th century Escuela Cusqueña art collection. The Chapel, dating from colonial times, has been restored and contains an altar and “retables” covered in gold leaf and paintings from the Cusqueñan School. The past is overwhelmingly present in this hotel even while you are pampered with every luxury and modern comfort. At night, the view of the stars from the Monasterio’s courtyard, soft lighting, and sounds from the fountain are truly serene.

There are 2 restaurants in the Monasterio hotel offering a delicious taste of the excellent Peruvian gastronomy. With its view of the main patio and intimate ambience, Restaurant Illariy never fails to charm. Its unique atmosphere and distinctive Andino-Nikkei cuisine, created by Chef Mariano Takinami, have been huge successes since inception. Restaurant El Tupay serves a delicious buffet breakfast from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the antique refectory.

Room Amenities

Rooms are impeccably decorated with an elegant combination of colonial and modern styles. Each room is exclusive varying in size and design, and many offer charming views of the colorful rooftops of Cusco or of the wonderful main courtyard. The accommodations off the first courtyard are more traditionally designed with an authentic feel. For a special treat, consider one of the two-story suites. There are 91 Deluxe Rooms, 12 Junior Suites, 3 Presidential Suites, and 2 Royal Suites. The decorations and furnishings are a tasteful combination of colonial and modern styles.

The original architecture and design of the Monasterio have not been significantly altered, and thus the rooms reflect their origins as a home for Jesuit seminarians. The hotel has also alleviated many guests’ altitude sickness with its oxygen enrichment systems found in most of the rooms. Wireless Internet, a telephone, safe deposit box, and TV complete this hotel’s modern amenities.

Hotel Services & Facilities

• Lobby bar
• Restaurant
• Relaxation massages
• Excursions & extra activities in Cusco