Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco

The building is actually a museum owned by the Vatican church, and the location is really convenient. When I felt unwell on our second night, a doctor and nurse were sent up within ten minutes, right in the middle of the night. Our butler EDI did so much to make us feel at home, from giving us water for the taxi to taking our pictures and telling us about the hotel's history. The hotel's tour guide was another highlight, a very elegant and professional lady. Just wow, the service was outstanding. Keep it up.

The service was the best part of our stay, from the beginning through to the end. The snacks in the airport ride were so good, and they made arranging a luggage transfer to Rio Sagrado easy since we couldn't take our suitcases on the Haram Bingham train. Opera dinner was amazing and breakfast was great. The historic property is very well maintained. My wife and I have stayed at many Belmond properties around the world; this is now our second favorite, after La Residencia. We had a hard time choosing between here and Palacio next door. Unless your main priority is a small, very quiet place and you're visiting in high season, I'd highly recommend Monasterio. Palacio's spa, pool, bar, and restaurant were all excellent too.

We felt safe throughout our stay, right in the heart of the city, and could walk to everything. Belmond arranged transport to the airport and the train station for Machu Picchu, which saved me from feeling completely lost. Executive Lucas welcomed us when we arrived and looked after us until we left more than a week later. I've never had such kind, caring attention at a hotel, and Lucas was the most accommodating person we've met in all our travels. Brunch at OORE was lovely, and Maria made our breakfasts special each morning with exceptional service. At the bar, Steve introduced us to an Andean Spirit Tasting, and Fernando was so welcoming that we came back for a glass of wine almost every night. The museum suggestions and dinner reservations we got were all great too. Thank you so much, Lucas, Maria, Fernando, Steve and Soncco. I'd recommend this stay to people of any age.

Turn-down service felt fit for royalty, and the bed was roomy and comfortable, with lovely baby alpaca throw blankets. We also slept soundly with the shutters closed because the room got so dark and stayed quiet. The rooms were clean and beautiful, and the staff were amazing. The grounds are gorgeous, with breathtaking artwork everywhere. Live opera with dinner was the highlight of our stay. We were sad to leave, and if we're ever back to Qosco, this is where we'll stay again. Do yourself a favor and stay here.