A year ago, we traveled to Cuzco, Peru, and we purchased a tour package with Peru Gateway Travel.** The tour company had originally selected a different hotel for us, but I requested a change to the Emperador Plaza because I saw on the Peru Gateway website (map of hotels) that it had a much better location, and it was a short walking distance to the many attractions in Cuzco. There was no change in the price, and I think we got a much better deal at this hotel. This hotel is a 3-star establishment, as rated by the Peruvian government.

The Peru Gateway representative drove us to the hotel and came up to the Reception desk with us and gave the hotel employee a payment voucher. The Front Desk employee requested a $20 cash deposit (refundable if not used) for incidentals, such as phone calls, etc. We also had to provide our passports for identification. Our room was ready, even though it was barely 10:30 am when we arrived. The receptionist was pleasant and polite, although not overly friendly.

From the street level you will readily see the hotel entrance as the sign is visible, but other than that, it doesn't look like a typical hotel. Luckily for us, the Tour company person drove us there, so finding it was not a problem. The glass door is kept locked and one must ring a bell to enter. A hotel employee ran downstairs and opened the door to let us in; he welcomed us and grabbed some of our luggage.

Once you enter, immediately you’ll be faced with a long stairway of about 25 steps. Cuzco sits at 11,000 feet elevation… and if you’re coming in from the lower elevations, 25 steps promises to take your breath away, and my heart felt as if it was going to pop out my ribcage! At the top of the stairs is the lobby.

The lobby

The lobby is rather small but is nicely decorated with local Cuzco tapestries and paintings on the walls. There are a couple of couches and coffee tables, and in a separate little alcove, you’ll find a pot of coca-leaf tea and coffee, and you can help yourself any time of day. The lobby isn’t fancy, just comfortable.

Room Quality

We stayed one night before heading out on the Inca Trail and stayed two nights after the Inca Trail trek.

The first night we were assigned to a room with a window facing an inner courtyard, but we couldn’t really see the courtyard. There was a lot of loud chatter coming from people hanging out in the courtyard, and during the daytime all that talking was not a problem, but at night, it was very annoying and it kept me awake. I made a mental note to ask the front desk to give us different room, away from the courtyard, when we returned from Machu Picchu.

Our room had ample windows with thick curtains to block the outside light. There were two comfortable double beds, a small closet, a dresser, two night tables, a television with cable channels and a telephone. An alarm clock radio was bolted to one of the night tables, and that came in handy when getting up at 05:00 the next day. The room was very clean.

The linens were white, soft, and smelled clean. Two heavy wool blankets were provided for each bed.

June is winter in Cuzco and the temperatures dropped to the low 30’s when we arrived. We saw a small heater by the window, turned it on, but nothing happened. I had to call the front desk and tell them it wasn’t working. They told me that they had to turn it on, and surely, within a few minutes, it started working.

The second room assignment when we returned from Machu Picchu was on the third floor (top floor) and faced several city roof tops. While the view wasn’t spectacular, it was quiet and we were able to sleep without any interruptions. This room had the same double bed set-up, and was as comfortable and clean as the first room.

The Bathroom

The bathroom was huge (in both rooms), with attractive tiles throughout the floor and walls. The shower stall, toilet, and sink were immaculately clean, as were the floors and walls. When I tried to take a shower, the hot water didn’t come on, so I had to call the front desk. Apparently, they had to manually turn on the hot water for each room. After a few minutes, it worked, and the shower had excellent water pressure and the hot water was consistent. There were plenty of towels on a bathroom rack above the toilet; they weren't terribly thick towels, but were acceptable.

Two small bars of soap were provided, but no shampoo or conditioner. No problem, we carried our own.

Staff/Service

Folks at the front desk seemed very serious (must be cultural), but were helpful whenever a request was made, such as turning on the heat or the hot water for the shower, help us place a phone call, etc. Since we weren't familiar with the area, they were very helpful in telling us about the local restaurants and the type of cuisine offered, shops, hours of operation, etc.

The hotel offers printed maps of downtown Cuzco, and they would always mark a map when giving us directions. Housekeeping did a nice, thorough job cleaning the room.

The café

Continental breakfast was included in our package, and since the majority of the guests are hiking the Inca Trail, breakfast begins promptly at 5:00 a.m. The Continental breakfast consisted of toast, small croissants, fresh bananas, papaya, mango and cantaloupes, fresh jams, orange juice and awesome coffee. The café has a small a la carte menu, if you wish to eat eggs, ham, or bacon. The price for two scrambled eggs, for example was $1.25, and $0.75 for two slices of ham. Guests can pay the attendant then or charge it to the room.

Laundry Facilities

There is no laundry room for guest use, but you can have your clothes laundered for $0.75 a piece. If you leave your items with the front desk in the morning, you’ll have your clothes back on your bed by 6:00 p.m. We used their laundry services when we returned and while things were not pressed, they were neatly folded and smelled fresh.

Hotel Location

The hotel is located in an older building, attached to other buildings (as seems to be the typical architecture in Cuzco). This hotel is only two blocks away from the Plaza de Armas. Across the street there is a British-style pub, a pharmacy, and down the street we found two small grocery stores, a Tourism center, a library, a small post office, and quite a few restaurants. The hotel’s location is excellent, felt safe. I’m glad I requested this hotel, as the initial hotel assignment would put us about 7 blocks away from the Plaza de Armas.

Other Amenities

The Emperador Plaza a superior class, tourist hotel and as such, there are no extras offered, other than the ones previously mentioned.

If we booked this hotel ourselves, the nightly rate last year was $45.00 a night/double occupancy. I don’t believe the rate has gone up.

Free luggage storage is provided for those embarking on other excursions outside of Cuzco and are returning to this hotel. The storage room is by the Front Desk and I noticed it’s locked at all times.


Gracias por leer mi articulo! (Thank you for reading!)


Many thanks to Chris (cr01) for setting up this link!

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©reginafug 2007


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**See review for Peru Gateway Travel: http://www.epinions.com/content_375439134340 "

Recommended: Yes