El Retablo

Cusco & the Andes

Rating: Mid-range

highlights

Bright, hand-painted artwork throughout
Sunny breakfast room
Near the Plaza de Armas
17 en-suite rooms
Open courtyard for relaxing

El Retablo overview

This 17-room bed and breakfast is a renovated townhouse decorated throughout with bright, cheerful paintings that showcase Peruvian art and give the property a character of its own. On entering the lobby you see dozens of 'retablos', small wooden boxes adorned with figures of religious, cultural and historical significance that give the hotel its name.

Each of the guest rooms is beautfully decorated with hand-painted designs and textiles in vibrant colours contrasting with the white walls and ben linen. All rooms have a compact, but well-designed modern en-suite shower room. Rooms are arranged around a sunny courtyard with tables and chairs where guests can unwind at their leisure, with tea and coffee available all day. The breakfast buffet offers plenty of choice and is served in a light room with a colourfully painted ceiling that leads out to the courtyard.

El Retablo is 3 blocks from the city centre and the Plaza de Armas, the main square and site of the impressive cathedral. There's a selection of restaurants and cafes here too, and it's a good place for relaxing and people watching.

details

Open: El Retablo Art Boutique B&B is open all year.

Location: El Retablo is on Calle Ese just 3 blocks from Cusco’s main square, the Plaza de Armas.

Rooms: There are 17 guest rooms, made up of 10 superior and 7 superior deluxe rooms, all with an en-suite shower room and a supply of toiletries. Every room has a smart TV, phone, clock radio, Wi-Fi, heating, safe, hairdryer and shower cubicle. The main difference between room types is their size, with superior deluxe having a seating area, and the fact that superior deluxe rooms have better views and some have balconies. Each room has unique, hand-painted artwork.

Activities: The main sites of Cusco are a short walk away, as are bars, restaurants, cafes and shops.

Facilities: The lobby includes a small sitting area and reception. Outside there’s a courtyard with tables, chairs and parasols and a firepit for chilly evenings. Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.

Dining: Breakfast is a buffet with a selection of dishes and eggs cooked to order accompanied by fruit juice and hot drinks, served in a light, high-ceilinged room. There are cafes and restaurants in the vicinity for other meals.

Children: Children of all ages are welcome.

Health: This is not a malarial area.

Communication: There is complimentary Wi-Fi in guest rooms and communal areas.

Notes: El Retablo is owned and managed by Mountain Lodges of Peru.

This property is located on a steep street with the last part of the approach accessible on foot only, so may not be suitable for people with limited mobility.