El Albergue Ollantaytambo

El Albergue doesn't look like much from the outside, but once you're inside it's a different world. This hotel is full of character and charm, and is decorated in a rustic style, with exposed wooden beams and many original features -- like the fireplace in the lobby. The historic building dates back to 1925 and has been family-owned ever since, giving it a warm and authentic atmosphere. Perhaps the most surprising feature of the hotel are its gardens, which offer a peaceful respite away from the noisy train station at the front of the property. The garden is serene and has wonderful mountain views, plus an array of passionflowers and avocado trees, which all adorn the early 20th century lodge's exteriors. There's a colonial-style restaurant and bar in the main building, offering a relaxed atmosphere plus live Peruvian music some evenings. Most of the guests here are tourists, with many couples attracted to the hotel's romantic setting. The on-site primary school, which the hotel helps support, adds some additional local atmosphere to the property, as does its commitment to using its own farmed goods and products like coffee and beer. 

Ollantaytambo is a charming Inca village in Peru's Sacred Valley. It's lined with narrow cobblestone pedestrian streets and enveloped by a stunning mountain backdrop. It sits alongside the Urubamba River and is home to the historic Ollantaytambo ruins, which are a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel itself is situated right next to the train station, making it a convenient stopover for tourists heading to or from Machu Picchu. There are a few quaint restaurants and local shops in the immediate vicinity, though the hotel has its own very popular restaurant. Plenty of archaeological sites are located right in town and there are numerous hikes in the surrounding mountains, so it's a great base for exploring. Many archaeological sites are easily reached on foot, but guests can rent bikes or arrange for a driver at the front desk. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is around a two-hour drive from the hotel. 

This boutique hotel has a total of 16 individually designed rooms with furnished balconies. All are impeccably clean and have been traditionally decorated with whitewashed walls, hardwood floors, dark wooden furniture, exposed trusses, and white linens. Authentic artwork adds color, while fresh flowers brighten things up. Standard Rooms are slightly smaller, and are located in the original hotel building, which dates back to 1925. Superior Rooms are located at the back of the hotel and have larger balconies. Standard in-room amenities are basic and include phones, safes, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. There's no air-conditioning or proper heating systems, though a small electric heater and thick alpaca blankets are provided. Bathrooms are clean but small, with showers, hairdryers, and toiletries. Superior Rooms have bigger bathrooms, with shower/tub combos. Guests should be aware that rooms facing the railway can be noisy, whereas garden-facing rooms tend to be quieter.

El Albergue Restaurant serves up a selection of highly-rated traditional food sourced from the hotel's own organic farm. There's a small cafe serving freshly baked cakes and coffee, plus a bar for light snacks, local beers, and wines. The hotel gives guests the opportunity of joining a tour where they can observe how Pachamanca (a traditional Peruvian dish) is made using hot stones underground. The tour also includes a visit to the hotel's distillery and coffee shop, where the coffee beans are selected and processed. A free breakfast includes continental and a la carte options, plus healthy choices like fresh fruit and granola. Room service is available, but hours are limited. Many guests are also charmed by the on-site primary school, Kuska School, which the hotel helps run.The wood stove and eucalyptus steam sauna is a great place to unwind at the end of a long day of hiking, and massage sessions can be arranged for a fee. Other services include a 24-hour front desk, concierge, tour desk, bike rentals, laundry, dry cleaning, luggage storage, and airport transfers for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.