Tierra Viva Cusco Plaza

For $50 a night, we got a double room and free breakfast, with friendly staff and everything within walking distance. From my room window I could also see a giant statue of Jesus. A hotel about 50 yards away was charging $600 a night.

I found my room key in my pocket in the end, and only then did the staff member unlock the padlocked front door so I could leave. Before that, he said I couldn't go without the key. I offered to pay for it, but he needed to call his boss to find out the cost, and the boss didn't answer. It was about 5:30 am, I was locked inside, and I had a flight to catch. I had come down around 5:15 for an early departure and found the entrance locked with a padlock and nobody at the desk. Someone eventually came out. I thought I'd left my key on the desk in my room, so he went upstairs to look, but it wasn't there. The money I'd left for housekeeping was missing too. Being kept inside over the key really ruined my stay.

The main downside in my room was no AC. That wasn't a problem in October, though I think it could be rough in summer. The traffic cop whistles and car horns are constant, too. Still, I highly recommend this place for backpackers who want to be right in the middle of things. Opening the window onto a 500-year-old plaza was absolutely amazing.

From the restaurant there's a great view, and breakfast is a good buffet. The rooms are fine, though you can hear cars and police whistles directing traffic until around 11 pm. I guess that comes with staying near the Plaza. Even with the noise, I'd stay here again.