Tambo del Inka, Urubamba, Peru [Master Thread]
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 23
Tambo del Inka, Urubamba, Peru [Master Thread]
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
/mod note
See http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...iscussion.html for discussion before the hotel opened.
/mod
Last edited by SanDiego1K; May 25, 2010 at 8:25 am
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,404
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.
#3
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Saigon/Hanoi/San Francisco
Posts: 1,779
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.
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.
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,404
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?
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 23
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
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2008
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 23
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.
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.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: New York
Programs: AA Platinum, Marriott Platinum Elite, SPG Gold
Posts: 320
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.
#12
Join Date: May 1998
Location: australia
Posts: 5,761
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
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
Last edited by 3544quebec; Jun 26, 2010 at 12:47 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 1,138
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.
Thanks.
#14
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 395
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.
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.
Last edited by j3brooklyn; Jun 30, 2010 at 7:58 pm Reason: clarified # of days in Peru to avoid tax
#15
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: New Orleans, LA
Programs: Starwood Platinum, HH Gold
Posts: 133
Tambo here we come!
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!
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!