Tambo del Inka, Urubamba, Peru [Master Thread]
#136
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: SFO
Posts: 886
You'd be redeeming your points for 4.7 cents per point. My personal rule of thumb is to always use points when getting more than 3 cents in value. So it's a no-brainer IMO to do C&P.
#137
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
Well, I haven't stayed there yet. But in principle, yes, definitely.
Last edited by Thunderroad; Apr 7, 2012 at 12:30 am
#138
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Aeroplan 75K
Posts: 275
Getting to hotel from Cuzco airoort
As others have mentioned on this thread, taking a taxi from Cuzco airport ranges from 60-80 soles.
I ran into an issue where the taxi agreed to 70 soles, but ended up stopping at various hotels in Cuzco trying to pick up additional riders!! I told him no more passengers and then he wanted 100soles for the trip. Needless to say, I got out of the taxi. It went better than expected as I stumbled upon a collectiv van heading to urubamba and it cost 30 soles (although the other local passengers were charged 20). The van was very clean and pretty new, so I thought it was a good deal.
On the way back from urubamba to Cuzco, you can get a taxi by the gas station when you take a right out of the hotel entrance (about 5 minute walk). Just leave your luggage at the hotel, and walk over to the gas station and have the taxi swing by the hotel to pick up your luggage. I wasn't able to get the fare down too much and ended up paying 80 soles to the airport (70 to cuzco downtown, probably too high based on the other posts, but no one wanted to drive down to Cuzco).
I was contemplating taking a collectiv, but wasn't sure when the next one would show up. I cannot speak Spanish and the local person told me where to wait (gas station when your turn left out of the hotel on the other side of the street), however I had a flight to catch so didn't want to risk it.
I ran into an issue where the taxi agreed to 70 soles, but ended up stopping at various hotels in Cuzco trying to pick up additional riders!! I told him no more passengers and then he wanted 100soles for the trip. Needless to say, I got out of the taxi. It went better than expected as I stumbled upon a collectiv van heading to urubamba and it cost 30 soles (although the other local passengers were charged 20). The van was very clean and pretty new, so I thought it was a good deal.
On the way back from urubamba to Cuzco, you can get a taxi by the gas station when you take a right out of the hotel entrance (about 5 minute walk). Just leave your luggage at the hotel, and walk over to the gas station and have the taxi swing by the hotel to pick up your luggage. I wasn't able to get the fare down too much and ended up paying 80 soles to the airport (70 to cuzco downtown, probably too high based on the other posts, but no one wanted to drive down to Cuzco).
I was contemplating taking a collectiv, but wasn't sure when the next one would show up. I cannot speak Spanish and the local person told me where to wait (gas station when your turn left out of the hotel on the other side of the street), however I had a flight to catch so didn't want to risk it.
#139
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Programs: Military Space-A, UA Plat, AS MVP Gold 75K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,246
Having just checked out after 2 separate C&P stays (one before MP, one after), and already missing the place, I'd say it is YES worth the redemption. I also gave up my Platinum 500 amenity points both times to get the buffet breakfast for 2. The first stay was 2 nights, and the 500 points gets you buffet for both guests for all nights of your stay, so I thought that was a no-brainer. The second time, it was only for one night, but we did it anyway. It's just a nice place to have breakfast and hang out.
#140
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Hyderabad
Posts: 4,843
I am at this hotel now and am about to head to breakfast. But a quick report is:
The good:
The hotel is spectacular and all of the staff is excellent. Food at the bar is great and the portions are huge (a burger can feed two). The rooms are well thought out and very comfortable.
The bad:
The hotel didn't know I was platinum so had not upgraded me before my arrival. Once here (and after I told them I am platinum) they said no junior suites were available. This was contra to the sgp site, which I checked in the room (after waiting an hour for an upgrade to a deluxe room). This isn't much issue as we aren't in the room much. Also, this hotel is firmly in the "breakfast or points or local amenity" camp. We picked breakfast, but it sounds like this hotel used the recent spg changes to decrease their service to plats.
Overall - the hotel is a great property and I am happy I can use spg points here.
The good:
The hotel is spectacular and all of the staff is excellent. Food at the bar is great and the portions are huge (a burger can feed two). The rooms are well thought out and very comfortable.
The bad:
The hotel didn't know I was platinum so had not upgraded me before my arrival. Once here (and after I told them I am platinum) they said no junior suites were available. This was contra to the sgp site, which I checked in the room (after waiting an hour for an upgrade to a deluxe room). This isn't much issue as we aren't in the room much. Also, this hotel is firmly in the "breakfast or points or local amenity" camp. We picked breakfast, but it sounds like this hotel used the recent spg changes to decrease their service to plats.
Overall - the hotel is a great property and I am happy I can use spg points here.
#141
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,557
This thread has been incredibly helpful (not just about the hotel but about planning a trip to Machu Picchu in general).
So far, I've booked one night on the following schedule:
1. Arrive CUS on first flight from LIM. Take taxi to Tambo and check-in.
2. Explore Sacred Valley
3. Next morning, take taxi to Ollanta and catch train to Machu Picchu
4. Tickets already purchased for 10am(2nd group) climb of Huaynu Picchu
5. End of day, take train down and then head to CUS for the night (room book) and some exploring
6. Flight out the following morning
A couple of questions:
1. Does it make sense to leave my bags at Tambo while i'm at MP during the day or is there somewhere in Ollanta that I can store them? Otherwise, it sounds like I'd be taking a taxi from Ollanta to CUS with a pitstop at Tambo (unless that's no biggie or not out of the way)
2. Does it make sense to spend 2 nights at Tambo even though I do want to explore CUS a bit? Would you choose a 2nd night at Tambo or would you recommend the last nigth in CUS?
I realize it's a short/quick trip - it's just how I do it.
So far, I've booked one night on the following schedule:
1. Arrive CUS on first flight from LIM. Take taxi to Tambo and check-in.
2. Explore Sacred Valley
3. Next morning, take taxi to Ollanta and catch train to Machu Picchu
4. Tickets already purchased for 10am(2nd group) climb of Huaynu Picchu
5. End of day, take train down and then head to CUS for the night (room book) and some exploring
6. Flight out the following morning
A couple of questions:
1. Does it make sense to leave my bags at Tambo while i'm at MP during the day or is there somewhere in Ollanta that I can store them? Otherwise, it sounds like I'd be taking a taxi from Ollanta to CUS with a pitstop at Tambo (unless that's no biggie or not out of the way)
2. Does it make sense to spend 2 nights at Tambo even though I do want to explore CUS a bit? Would you choose a 2nd night at Tambo or would you recommend the last nigth in CUS?
I realize it's a short/quick trip - it's just how I do it.
#142
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,273
A couple of questions:
1. Does it make sense to leave my bags at Tambo while i'm at MP during the day or is there somewhere in Ollanta that I can store them? Otherwise, it sounds like I'd be taking a taxi from Ollanta to CUS with a pitstop at Tambo (unless that's no biggie or not out of the way)
2. Does it make sense to spend 2 nights at Tambo even though I do want to explore CUS a bit? Would you choose a 2nd night at Tambo or would you recommend the last nigth in CUS?
1. Does it make sense to leave my bags at Tambo while i'm at MP during the day or is there somewhere in Ollanta that I can store them? Otherwise, it sounds like I'd be taking a taxi from Ollanta to CUS with a pitstop at Tambo (unless that's no biggie or not out of the way)
2. Does it make sense to spend 2 nights at Tambo even though I do want to explore CUS a bit? Would you choose a 2nd night at Tambo or would you recommend the last nigth in CUS?
We left our bags at Tambo, had a taxi from the train take us to the hotel where we picked up our bags and showered/changed in the gym locker rooms while the cabbie waited for us, and continued on to Cusco.
After a day at MP, though, we were too tired to really explore Cusco, so had dinner and then went to sleep. Tambo is so relaxing and beautiful it would have been a nice change of pace after MP instead of only the day before.
The plus of spending the night in Cusco, though, is that you're right by the airport for your AM flight.
#143
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
1. Does it make sense to leave my bags at Tambo while i'm at MP during the day or is there somewhere in Ollanta that I can store them? Otherwise, it sounds like I'd be taking a taxi from Ollanta to CUS with a pitstop at Tambo (unless that's no biggie or not out of the way)
2. Does it make sense to spend 2 nights at Tambo even though I do want to explore CUS a bit? Would you choose a 2nd night at Tambo or would you recommend the last nigth in CUS?
2. Does it make sense to spend 2 nights at Tambo even though I do want to explore CUS a bit? Would you choose a 2nd night at Tambo or would you recommend the last nigth in CUS?
After a day at MP, though, we were too tired to really explore Cusco, so had dinner and then went to sleep. Tambo is so relaxing and beautiful it would have been a nice change of pace after MP instead of only the day before.
The plus of spending the night in Cusco, though, is that you're right by the airport for your AM flight.
The plus of spending the night in Cusco, though, is that you're right by the airport for your AM flight.
#144
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Long Beach, CA
Programs: AA PLTPRO, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,557
Thanks for the replies. This is making me think that I should just do the two nights at Tambo.
I was thinking that maybe I'd like to see some of Cusco but if I'm going to be too tired and it's going to be late, it certainly doesn't warrant spending the night there just for that.
I suspect the airport transit issue is just a longer ride in the morning but I've got a relatively late flight (10am) so it's not as bad as a 6/7am departure.
If anyone wants to offer a counter-point, I'm all ears!
I was thinking that maybe I'd like to see some of Cusco but if I'm going to be too tired and it's going to be late, it certainly doesn't warrant spending the night there just for that.
I suspect the airport transit issue is just a longer ride in the morning but I've got a relatively late flight (10am) so it's not as bad as a 6/7am departure.
If anyone wants to offer a counter-point, I'm all ears!
#145
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Programs: Military Space-A, UA Plat, AS MVP Gold 75K, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, HHonors Gold
Posts: 1,246
I have heard PeruRail has a bag check at the train station in Ollanta, which makes sense since they don't want you to bring large bags on the train. If you do have to go back to the Tambo though, it is on the way if you are taking a taxi. A train from MP straight to Cusco would also be an option though.
#146
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 81
Plan to try the breakfast buffet at the hotel and dinner at Tres Keros. Any other restaurant recommendations for breakfast/lunch/dinner?
Our flight will arrive in the am and as checkin is not until 3pm would like to stop somewhere along the way to tour. What place would be the easiest to get to from the airport Pisac, Moray, Maras etc. We plan on doing the full day tour of the sacred valley but would like to take advantage of our time and see something.
Our flight will arrive in the am and as checkin is not until 3pm would like to stop somewhere along the way to tour. What place would be the easiest to get to from the airport Pisac, Moray, Maras etc. We plan on doing the full day tour of the sacred valley but would like to take advantage of our time and see something.
#147
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,273
Plan to try the breakfast buffet at the hotel and dinner at Tres Keros. Any other restaurant recommendations for breakfast/lunch/dinner?
Our flight will arrive in the am and as checkin is not until 3pm would like to stop somewhere along the way to tour. What place would be the easiest to get to from the airport Pisac, Moray, Maras etc. We plan on doing the full day tour of the sacred valley but would like to take advantage of our time and see something.
Our flight will arrive in the am and as checkin is not until 3pm would like to stop somewhere along the way to tour. What place would be the easiest to get to from the airport Pisac, Moray, Maras etc. We plan on doing the full day tour of the sacred valley but would like to take advantage of our time and see something.
We checked in early at the hotel without a problem.
#148
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
We had a private guide to pick us up at 9am from the airport and were able to hit up Sacsayhuaman, kenko, awanacancha, and Pisac with a leisurely lunch and still get to the hotel around 4pm. We probably could have spent another hour at Pisac though if we weren't so tired.
#149
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 81
How are you getting to the hotel? Pisac should be right on the way.
We had a private guide to pick us up at 9am from the airport and were able to hit up Sacsayhuaman, kenko, awanacancha, and Pisac with a leisurely lunch and still get to the hotel around 4pm. We probably could have spent another hour at Pisac though if we weren't so tired.
We had a private guide to pick us up at 9am from the airport and were able to hit up Sacsayhuaman, kenko, awanacancha, and Pisac with a leisurely lunch and still get to the hotel around 4pm. We probably could have spent another hour at Pisac though if we weren't so tired.
Do you mind saying who you used as your tour guide.
#150
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 81
I responded to an email from the concierge regarding room requests and asked about a room upgrade.
I am only Gold this year and was told that there is a $20 charge to be upgraded from a regular room to deluxe.
It looked like in the past that most of the Golds were upgraded. Is this charge something new?
I am only Gold this year and was told that there is a $20 charge to be upgraded from a regular room to deluxe.
It looked like in the past that most of the Golds were upgraded. Is this charge something new?