I went to Peru in 2016. Arrived in Lima, stayed 1 night in Miraflores. Travelled to Cusco but stayed 2 nights Urubamba, can't recall the hotel. Train to Ollaytantambo and then on to AC where we stayed at the El MaPi hotel by InkaTerra in Aquas Caliente. I remember us being very pleasantly surprised at how nice it was. AC itself is a very small place and skippable, except that your idea of using it for a base for MP is excellent.