Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Hotels and Places to Stay > Marriott | Marriott Bonvoy
Reload this Page >

Tambo del Inka, Urubamba, Peru [Master Thread]

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Feb 9, 2020, 12:17 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: margarita girl
Hotel email: [email protected]
Print Wikipost

Tambo del Inka, Urubamba, Peru [Master Thread]

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 25, 2011, 9:43 pm
  #61  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 1,138
Oasis in the Sacred Valley (Tambo Del Inka Review)

We had an absolutely incredible stay at the Tambo Del Inka towards the end of March and I am only getting around to posting the review at this time. To sum up our experience, this is a beautiful property located in an incredibly beautiful setting, and has hands down the most wonderful staff we have ever had the chance to interact with at any hotel in our stays worldwide.

Background: We had been planning a trip to the Sacred Valley for a while and with the Tambo Del Inka coming up, decided to use it as our base for exploring the Sacred Valley. We travelled to Peru in the end of March, which was towards the end of the rainy season. The weather was gorgeous during our entire time there, and we also benefited from the absence of many tourists who usually come in over the Summer (in North America). There was plenty of C&P availability for our entire stay there - we divided our visit into two separate stays, the first (3 nights) on C&P, and the second (2 nights) under a special package rate, that included breakfast, round-trip airport transfers from Cusco as well as a complimentary Coca Leaf treatment at the Spa. In between the two stays, we spent 4 days hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu. While there was C&P availability for the second set of days as well, I decided to book the package given that we were planning to make use of all these amenities in any case and the overall package seemed to be a reasonable value (in comparison to using C&P for the room and paying for the rest of the services). Note that the prices listed on the website usually include the 19% tax that only Peruvian natives need to pay.

Location/Transport: The hotel is located in Urubamba which is in the Sacred Valley and about an hour or so from Cusco airport. The hotel provides round-trip transportation to Cusco for US $80 each way in the hotel car. Alternatively, the hotel arranges for one of the local cab drivers to transport you to Cusco for ~US $35 each way (95 soles). The drive from Cusco to Urubamba is beautiful and takes about an hour to get to (slightly longer if there is lots of traffic in Cusco). It is a good base for exploring much of the sacred valley - we engaged a car+driver (arranged through the hotel) for one day for a Sacred Valley tour (Chinchero, Moray and Maras) and paid around 80 USD for the same - the tour was great but the driver unfortunately turned out to speak very little english. Ollantaytambo is a short drive away (~30 min) and the main bus/van station in Urubamba is about a 10 min walk from the hotel. Vans depart at short intervals to Ollantaytambo and are quite inexpensive (around 6 Soles each way, IIRC). The location was also perfect for starting the Inca Trail trek to Machu Pichu, as all trekkers start the trek from Km 82 of the Highway, and you shave an hour or more off your commute to Km 82 by starting from Urubamba, as opposed to starting from Cusco (which is where all trek groups start). If you are interested in taking the train to Machu Pichu, the hotel does have its own train station from which you can take a direct train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Pichu is a ~25 min bus ride from there). I believe this train service runs once a day in each direction. Ollantaytambo has trains leaving for Aguas Calientes frequently though. The town of Urubamba itself doesnt have much to offer in terms of sights.

Room: The check-in process was very smooth and we were seated and given cups of Coca tea from the Coca tea station in the lobby (this is available throughout the day and is a good way to get used to the altitude). The lobby area is beautiful and has plenty of comfortable seating. It looks especially spectacular at night once the fireplace is turned on (pictures below). We arrived around 11a and the hotel had arranged a nice suite for us (Room 241, I think) which was ready to be occupied. The suite had a large living room with a DVD player/TV, a couch, a dining table and a loveseat by the window. The french doors open out to the yard, which had great views and also very comfortable recliners for seating. We enjoyed a leisurely cup of coffee in the morning here every day. The decor in the room (as with the rest of the hotel) was luxurious but understated, and blended well with the surroundings, with touches of local flavor. The bedroom has a small dressing room, and a very comfortable bed.

Room Service/Dining: We ordered lunch using room service the first day as we were too tired to venture out, and opted for a couple of sandwiches (pics below). Twhich were around US $13 each (all prices inclusive of VAT and other charges). The sandwiches were good but not spectacular. We didnt eat in the hotel restaurant except for the last couple of days when we had the buffet breakfast (which was included in the rate, and is otherwise US $22 or 1650 starpoints. Continental breakfast runs $14) which was excellent, both in variety and quality (some of the items like hot dogs seemed unusual as a breakfast choice). The made-to-order omelettes and quinoa pancakes were especially good. We also ate and had cocktails in the hotel bar on our last night, and it was a great setting to unwind. On the concierge's recommendation, we ate dinner at Tros Keros (a short walk from the hotel; turn left once you exit and you will see it on your right eventually) and the food was outstanding (highly recommend the Avocado salad). We also ate a few times at one of the cafes near the main square (its name escapes me at the moment) and the food there was really good as well, with plenty of good vegetarian options (veggie burgers were ~$6).

Spa: Our package included a spa treatment for two: coca exfoliation followed by a 45 minute massage. The entire treatment lasted for about 90 minutes and was incredibly relaxing. The spa has a very serene setting and the masseuses did a terrific job of working on resuscitating our sore muscles (we had just returned from the Inca Trail hike the day before). After our treatment, we relaxed on the heated recliners for over an hour sipping pisco sours - it doesnt get much better! PM me if you would like to take a look at the spa brochure (not sure how I can attach/post a link to it in this post)

Staff: I cannot complete this review without mentioning the absolutely wonderful staff that work in this resort - each and every request that we had was met with a smile, and we were very favorably impressed with each and every interaction we had. Before our visit, I corresponded extensively with the Concierge desk (mainly Erika), especially given that we had a somewhat complex itinerary with our stays broken into two parts and had to coordinate for airport pickup etc. Every email was responded to very promptly. A couple of examples of the ways in which the staff excelled: when we were picked up from the airport, we requested a small detour in order to pick up some hiking gear from Cusco. The hotel graciously arranged it with the driver and we ended up making a one-hour stop on the way, at no extra charge. We stayed at the resort on my birthday and my wife called the front desk to see if they could arrange for a cake to be sent up - Alan, one of the room service staff members, came up around 1130 and did a fantastic job of setting up cake and champagne. After the first part of our stay, we left our bags behind with the bellman and left on the Inca Trail trek. When we got back 4 days later and checked in, the hotel had already assigned us to the same suite we had before, and had thoughtfully placed our bags in the room already. We didnt even have to check in! In fact, all the staff members we met when we got back greeted us with "Welcome Home" and it really did feel like we were back home (after 4 days of sleeping in the wilderness). Everyone is very proud to be working for the hotel and for Starwood - of course, we did go in the lean season so there werent as many guests around and we got a lot of personalized attention...but I am sure service would be great in the peak season as well.

In all, this was a fantastic start to our vacation and we cant wait to get back already! This is a true gem and a great addition to the portfolio of properties that SPG has - having access to properties like these is what keeps us loyal to SPG - hope the Palacio Del Inka gets to be part of the program soon (current estimate is around July 2012).

Last edited by Quasiconvexity; Jun 1, 2011 at 2:51 pm
Quasiconvexity is offline  
Old May 25, 2011, 9:44 pm
  #62  
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 1,138
Pictures

View of the Hotel (and Urubamba) from the mountain
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/6291/dsc0081rl.jpg

Room
http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/8903/dsc0006jr.jpg
http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/4733/dsc0007dz.jpg
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/7248/dsc0009np.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/7716/dsc0011sr.jpg
http://img718.imageshack.us/img718/6231/dsc0014hj.jpg
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/6518/dsc0015to.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3889/dsc0018wx.jpg

View from Room (Outside seating area)
http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/4237/dsc0024z.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1792/dsc0026qh.jpg

Room Service Sandwiches
http://img577.imageshack.us/img577/1705/dsc0037m.jpg
http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6336/dsc0038g.jpg

Lobby area
http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/5219/dsc0054r.jpg
http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/839/dsc0060um.jpg
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/5519/dsc0065t.jpg
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/336/dsc0500y.jpg
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/5638/dsc0502kd.jpg
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/739/dsc0503rd.jpg

Platinum Amenity (Local Gift) and Turndown chocolates
http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/2607/dscn0268e.jpg
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3139/dsc0455y.jpg

Hotel Grounds
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/6406/dsc0465l.jpg
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/1483/dsc0469v.jpg
http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/122/dsc0475h.jpg

Local Transportation in Urubamba
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/9920/dsc0476n.jpg

Pool, Business Center and Game Room
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/3512/dsc0482m.jpg
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/8522/dsc0489s.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6131/dsc0498aj.jpg
Quasiconvexity is offline  
Old May 25, 2011, 10:26 pm
  #63  
Tak
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Programs:  UA 1MM, JAL JGC Diamond, SPG Lifetime PLT, AMEX PLT
Posts: 1,231
Thanks for the detail report and photos.
When I visited Sacred Valley, the hotel was still under construction.
I wished I could stay there.
Tak is offline  
Old May 30, 2011, 3:28 pm
  #64  
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
Great review and photos, kingsubbu. Thanks for sharing this info!
Thunderroad is offline  
Old May 30, 2011, 9:03 pm
  #65  
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: New York City
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
Great photos and review. Sad that the photos here are much better than the photos on the hotel website!! lame.
mizzou miles is offline  
Old Jun 11, 2011, 8:19 pm
  #66  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 395
Originally Posted by captain_starwood
As a follow-up, I'd love to know what day trips people recommend from the Tambo. I'd like to visit Ollayantamba, not sure what else is worth doing
We spent a great half-day white-water rafting on the river not far from the hotel. There are a couple of companies that run these tours and I believe they're all based in Cusco and come for the day. I'd recommend booking online or in Cusco (they'll pick up at the Tambo) or else you'll pay quadruple the price if you book through the Tambo's service.

Also, if you don't want to pay the $80 US the Tambo charges for a ride to the airport, walk 5 minutes to the bus station (left out of the gates, follow the main road) and hire a taxi there for about $30. There are a couple of quality restaurants in town as well, so don't be afraid to wander.

There are a few other sites nearby that can be seen in a loop: Salinas (salt works), Moray, and Maras. Again, hire a local taxi.
j3brooklyn is offline  
Old Jun 12, 2011, 12:32 pm
  #67  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Marriott Platinum, United Gold, Virgin Silver
Posts: 418
taxis

There are a few other sites nearby that can be seen in a loop: Salinas (salt works), Moray, and Maras. Again, hire a local taxi.[/QUOTE]

How much did you end up sending on local taxis for the above sites? I'm debating between getting a taxi in advance vs. just negotiating once I'm there.
captain_starwood is offline  
Old Jul 18, 2011, 7:07 pm
  #68  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Massachusetts
Programs: UA GS/3MM; American EXP; Hilton Diamond; Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 272
Fantastic hotel and restaurant was best meal we had in Peru -- a little pricey for Peru but much less overpriced than many Starwoods. All prices in the hotel are USD but they convert to Soles at checkout before they charge the credit card...bit strange...
actonma is offline  
Old Jul 18, 2011, 8:22 pm
  #69  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 395
Originally Posted by captain_starwood
How much did you end up sending on local taxis for the above sites? I'm debating between getting a taxi in advance vs. just negotiating once I'm there.
I think we paid US$30-35. The drivers will probably start at twice that, but you can work them down to a fair price. The price is about that to go to Cusco as well.
j3brooklyn is offline  
Old Jul 19, 2011, 8:45 am
  #70  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Marriott Platinum, United Gold, Virgin Silver
Posts: 418
Review of Tambo Del Inka

Two nights here at the end of June with my brother, wish it had been three. I used Cash + points for both nights, and had a $50 SPG certificate, which sweetened the experience.

Terrific, eager, well-trained staff. This is the first hotel i've stayed at where the concierge sent a personal email prior to my visit asking if they could help.

As SPG Gold, we got upgraded to a Deluxe room with a river view. Room was spacious, walk-in closet was perfect for unpacking, large bathroom with separate shower and bathtub and toilet areas (westin/luxury collection marble?). Waterfall shower, Gilchrist and Soames Toiletries. High attention to detail, tissues and toilet paper stamped with Tambo Del Inka symbol. While I believe it was full/near-full, the place seemed deserted. Not unlike a giant upscale ski-lodge, the sort of place you'd find in Colorado. Fireplace in lobby, self-service tea stand.

I talked them into free wifi internet for the first twenty four hours. I had asked for a DVD player in the room, and it was ready when I arrived. I used the business center extensively: 4-5 new computers, fast internet.

The patio outside the room (river side) is quite pretty and a nice place to sit with tea or a drink.

Urubamba is a nice little town, and worth walking around. The Seminario pottery studio should be seen (two blocks from Hotel), and Tres Keros is a good restaurant (one block from the hotel). The hotel is a perfect location from which to journey out into the Sacred Valley to see Maras/Moray, Chinchero, Salineras/the Salt Pans, Ollanta, and perhaps even Pisac. Local taxis are much cheaper than user a tour service, and provide the same (or better experience). We found a guy in Pisac who picked us up from the Ollanta train station and later took us around to Maras/Moray, Chinchero, and Salineras. The hotel is close the bus station, and we took the regular bus back, which must have cost less 2-3 dollars for both of us. I'd recommend springing for a smaller shared van (combi?) or share taxi.

I took a jog around the property my first morning there, there's a good running path. There's a water treatment plant onsite, and apparently the tap water is drinkable. We stuck to the bottled water that they provided.

There is a game room, though we didn't use it. I get the sense that the place is perfect for families with children. Nice bars, too and plenty of lounge space perfect for late-night conversations.

The pool is well-lit, warm, and has both indoor and outdoor sections. Very pretty, well maintained.

We had the continental breakfast on our last morning, and got Eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. They even gave us a styrafoam box to take extra pastries as a snack. Good selection of pastries, juices, etc.

Constructive Criticism:
1) As other reviewers may have noted, it makes no sense that the hot tub area is off-limits to non-spa users. This should be changed.

2) The robes are too small for Westerners. My brother suggested that they are sized for Peruvians.

3) Worth getting a US keyboard for the business center.

All in all, a wonderful visit. One of my favorite SPG properties.

Room Tip: Stay river side. we liked the first floor.
captain_starwood is offline  
Old Jul 19, 2011, 6:17 pm
  #71  
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Massachusetts
Programs: UA GS/3MM; American EXP; Hilton Diamond; Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 272
Constructive Criticism:
1) As other reviewers may have noted, it makes no sense that the hot tub area is off-limits to non-spa users. This should be changed.

I found that they will accommodate guests....The first day the spa whirlpool was being used by other (paying) guests and my wife, daugther and I were invited to use the whirlpool in the women's locker room (there was no one else there) and the second day we were allowed to use the spa whirlpool....
actonma is offline  
Old Aug 23, 2011, 7:25 am
  #72  
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: London
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plt
Posts: 2,607
Has anyone had three adults in one room? Looking now it doesn't seem to offer that option. Happy to share two beds but don't want to get bounced out if they are intolerant.
BobbySteel is offline  
Old Aug 24, 2011, 12:15 pm
  #73  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG Plat, CX Bus
Posts: 173
Hi - we will be staying at this resort in September. Can anyone give me more information about the Urubamba train station? I'm trying to do a day tour to Machu Picchu and am unable to make reservations via PeruRail (everything is "sold out"). I know it's the Autovagon 601 there and the Vistadome 304 back which costs roughly USD60 each way. The tour company @ the hotel is trying to charge me $300+ per person for train tickets and an entrance ticket which I think is a rip off. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations about a day tour to MP from this hotel?
Any advice is greatly aprpeciated.

Thanks
PROBBE is offline  
Old Aug 25, 2011, 7:41 am
  #74  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Washington DC
Programs: Marriott Platinum, United Gold, Virgin Silver
Posts: 418
trains

Basically, the train station is in the hotel. $300+ per person is ridiculous. I would reccomend getting a ride to Ollanta and take the train from there- there should be more trains.


Originally Posted by PROBBE
Hi - we will be staying at this resort in September. Can anyone give me more information about the Urubamba train station? I'm trying to do a day tour to Machu Picchu and am unable to make reservations via PeruRail (everything is "sold out"). I know it's the Autovagon 601 there and the Vistadome 304 back which costs roughly USD60 each way. The tour company @ the hotel is trying to charge me $300+ per person for train tickets and an entrance ticket which I think is a rip off. Does anyone have any suggestions/recommendations about a day tour to MP from this hotel?
Any advice is greatly aprpeciated.

Thanks
captain_starwood is offline  
Old Aug 25, 2011, 8:33 am
  #75  
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 321
Originally Posted by captain_starwood
Basically, the train station is in the hotel. $300+ per person is ridiculous. I would reccomend getting a ride to Ollanta and take the train from there- there should be more trains.
What would be considered a reasonable price? Thanks
onlybeef42 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.