Casa Andina Standard Cusco Catedral

Casa Andina Cusco Catedral is a modern hotel, in contrast with its ancient surroundings. Yes, an Inca wall is visible inside the hotel's lobby, but otherwise there's not much to suggest this hotel's historic provenance -- a fact that will endear or deter certain travelers. Rooms are arranged around a central atrium, which means the corridors are nice and bright. Guests are usually here on short stays to explore the Inca ruins and hike Machu Picchu, and there are beautiful regional photographs on the walls. It's a decent option for a mid-range hotel, and some rooms have views of impressive cathedral. This Casa Andina outpost is most popular with young flashpackers and tour groups -- especially travelers from Europe and North America.

Casa Andina Classic Cusco Catedral is set right in the center of this ancient city. It's just down the block from the cathedral and Plaza de Armas, which is the town's main square. There are restaurants and shops all around on the surrounding streets, and it's a five-minute walk to El Sol shopping mall. It's also five minutes on foot to Qurikancha and the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as numerous ancient churches. Getting to the main train station, Wanchaq, is do-able on foot -- it's about a 15-minute walk. However, the same trip only takes five minutes in a cab for those saving their hiking legs. The city has its own international airport, Alejandro Velasco Astete, which is a 15-minute drive from the property, while Poroy Station -- for trains to Machu Picchu -- is 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms are modern and basic, with simple decor that's brightened by pops of orange in the bed runners and Machu Picchu photos on the walls. Light wood furniture and carpeting help give the units a cozy finish. There are a variety of configurations available -- including internal rooms that look onto the inner atrium, rooms without windows, and rooms that fit up to three guests. Street-side rooms feature small balconies, some with views of the cathedral. The location in the heart of the old city means it can be noisy, and especially when there's a celebration on in the plaza. For travelers who are light sleepers, rooms in the rear of the hotel tend to be quieter. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, safes, free Wi-Fi, and heating. Matrimonial Rooms add a small sitting area. Bathrooms are nothing special, though they do feature rainfall showerheads. They have a white tile finish, and include hairdryers and basic toiletries. 

Features at this mid-range hotel are functional, though guests tend to be passing through fairly briefly so there aren't an abundant number of distractions found on-site.  A buffet breakfast includes hot and cold options and is served in the dining room beside the lobby. There is no other meal service. Free coca tea, which helps with altitude problems, is available all day. Two internet stations and a printer can be found in the lobby, plus an ATM, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The front desk can arrange transfers, tours, and laundry. Aside from noise outside, some guests have mentioned that there's no elevator, which is worth noting for guests adjusting to the altitude.