El Mercado Hotel

Cusco & the Andes

Rating: Deluxe

highlights

A short walk from the main square
Ideal for exploring Cusco's sites
Atmospheric central courtyard
Enjoy the warmth of an open fire
Original features and mod cons

El Mercado Hotel overview

El Mercado Hotel is built on the site of a former market from which it gets its name. It's a stone's throw from the Plaza da Armas, Cusco's main square, so is well-placed for your city stay. The hotel is built in a traditional colonial style and the interiors have been created by Jordi Puig, a well-known Peruvian designer. The bright paintwork, artworks and stylish design combine to make this an eye-catching and characterful property.

Accommodation is a mix of superior rooms, junior suites and suites, all with original features that provide character and charm. En-suite bathrooms are standard. Suites are especially spacious and have a private sitting room or terrace.

La Taberna is the hotel's inviting bar, a great place to relax after a busy day out sightseeing. The restaurant, La Bodeguita, serves delicious fresh food and there are separate breakfast and coffee lounges. The hotel also has a large courtyard where you can sit and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and bask in the glow of the firepit after dark. Famiiles are welcome here and children will enjoy touches like the rocking horses placed in the communall areas.

The hotel is owned and run by Mountain Lodges of Peru, so can be easily combined with the Luxury Lodge Trek to Machu Picchu.

details

Open: El Mercado Hotel is open all year. It first opened in July 2013.

Location: El Mercado Hotel is in central Cusco just a 3 blocks from the main square. The airport is about a 10 minute drive away.

Rooms: There are 32 rooms in all, including superior rooms (10 doubles, 10 twins and 7 singles), junior suites (3) and suites (2). All rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child (up to the age of 10 years), while the suites can sleep up to 2 adults and 2 children. All have en-suite bathroom, heater, coffee maker, safe, TV, Wi-Fi, clock radio and phone. Junior suites have a bathtub as well as a shower, and an open fireplace, as do the suites which also have a second bathroom and a TV room. The design is colourful and contemporary. There is a lift to access upper storey rooms.

Activities: Sightseeing in and around Cusco, shopping. There are many restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance. Reception staff can arrange excursions and sightseeing tours.

Facilities: The hotel has a restaurant and a separate breakfast room, as well as a coffee lounge. Large open fires provide welcome heat on cool evenings. There is a cosy bar and a large inner courtyard open to the sky with plenty of seating and a firepit. On some evenings there is live music in the courtyard. The hotel offers a laundry service and the reception is staffed 24 hours a day.

Dining: Meals are eaten at individual tables. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the hotel, with snacks are available throughout the day.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome. The hotel has a collection of rocking horses that children are welcome to use.

Health: Cusco is not a malarial area.

Communication: There is free Wi-Fi internet access in all guest rooms.