rxgal

We just returned from a 3-night stay at the Tambo del Inka and my only wish is that we could be held "captive" there for another week It was an amazing experience. I'll be posting a detailed review on TripAdvisor in the next few days. There are a lot of options for day trips to take in and around Urubamba. The wonderful concierge staff there (Maria, Erika, Giancarlo) can help you with the planning. They have an in-house travel agency, but you can also request them to get you a car and do your own trips (much more cost-effective)

/mod note

See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...iscussion.html for discussion before the hotel opened.

/mod

iahphx

How is the driving from Cuzco and around the region?

I've driven in lots of unusual places, but I've never really thought of driving on this trip. Should I reconsider? I love the freedom of going where I want, when I want. If the roads are in decent enough shape, and there are road signs, I might want to drive.

imm2b

It would not be worth it. Roads in the region are full of pot holes and speed bumps. Virtually no road signs other than the sign upon a new town. Hiring a private car will give you the same freedom without the hassles of driving.

iahphx

Yeah, I kind of had that suspicion. Is there a "best way" to higher a car & driver in the region, or is everyone about the same price for the same level of service?

rxgal

I completely agree with imm2b, hire a car. I have great recommendations for car service in both Lima and Cusco/Sacred Valley. Both drivers speak English, are safe drivers and are extremely affordable. I'll post contact info for both this evening

brahms77

I am also very interested in going to this property in July - I would like to know more information about going to Machu-pichu from the hotel and to and from the airport in Cuzco.

P.S. How was the Platinum treatment?

3galsontour

I have booked in for three nights in Aug. I would like to find a local car and driver if anyone has a suggestion and an idea of cost.

rxgal

The driver that we used in the Sacred Valley is Sabino Chirinos and his email address is [email protected]. Just mention that you got his name from guests at the Tambo who he took to Maras, Moray and Chinchero. He speaks English and will work with you on price. He offered to do pickups from the Cusco airport and he lives near the Tambo in Urubamba, so I'm sure he'll be available for car service in and around the Sacred Valley. We wanted to see the countryside, but didn't want to pay the Tambo tour rates ($150 pp), so Sabino was a great option for us.

Platinum treatment was wonderful, but I suspect that they will treat all guests well. The staff is well trained and anxious to make the hotel a premiere destination in Peru. Be sure to stop by Kiri bar and talk to Fritch. He has some great stories.

3galsontour

I thought i would let you know that when i called spg they gave a great AAA rate of $319.00 for the junior suite. Much less then the SPG website and no matter what i did I was not able to replicate it online.

damaxer91

How far is this property from Cuzco?

imm2b

IIRC, it was an hour by taxi.

3544quebec

If you can make your reservations by June 28th the hotel's Offers page has the following special:

Discover the majesty of the Sacred Valley in Peru

Experience one of the world’s most emblematic destinations to discover the fascinating history of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley in Cusco. Receive 30% discount for reservations made between June 20 and June 28, 2010.

A minimum stay of 2 nights is required. Valid for stays between August 15, 2010 and July 15, 2011.

I got a rate of $225/night +29% tax and service compared to a rate of $390++ with the regular search. The rate is cancellable until 2 days prior to check-in

My only regret is that the Palacio del Inka in Cuzco is not scheduled to be open until July 2011. Take a look at the link- the hotel should be very impressive

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefe...ropertyID=3287

Quasiconvexity

For those of you that managed to get C&P reservations, did you get in touch with the hotel directly to find availability? I couldn't find any availability online, neither can the Plat desk so I am wondering whether I should get in touch with the hotel directly.

Thanks.

j3brooklyn

The 19% tax is only for Peruvian natives and visitors who spend more than 60 consecutive days in Peru. The 10% charge is a country-wide hotel service charge.

I had difficulty booking with cash and points, but thought that it was because I did it mid-May, when the hotel first became available on SPG.com. I had to call in and the CSR contacted the hotel directly to get the rate and make the booking.

osutraveler

Mrs. osutraveler and I are going to enjoy some of our free weekend night certificates and a few additional days on points in the first week of September. A few questions for the Tambo del Inka experts:

Trip to Machu Pichu:
We're going to take the easy way out and take the train to Aguas Calientes from Ollantaytambo and probably spend one night in in Aguas Calientes so we can get up to Machu Picchu ealy. What is the best way to get to the train station from the hotel?

Activites around Tambo del Inka
Are there activities around the hotel (hiking, kayaking, etc)?
What activities do you recommend around the Sacred Valley?

Tambo del Inka Resort
Is it worth designating some time just to hang out at the resort? The Mrs. is the layaround the beach kind of gal but I usually need something to do constantly

Based on earlier recs, I'll probably reach out to the driver to get a ride from the airport and maybe do some day trips. Thanks!