Hilton Garden Inn Cusco

This mid-range hotel from the Hilton brand impresses with its chic and stylish interiors that feel more boutique than chain-like. Tasteful contemporary decor is paired with subtle Incan accents, while pops of rich colors contrast mostly neutral hues. Gray stone walls and floors in the lobby are a backdrop to an eye-catching geometrically patterned rug, chic seating, and golden details like an attractive lamp fixture commanding the center of the space. The bar has the same kind of look, with plush seating in jewel tones set against gray stone. The property also has an attractive interior courtyard patio that's full of arches and colonnades, and offers stylish wicker seating.The hotel draws both business travelers and leisure tourists, and does a great job at catering to both. Its hillside location grants beautiful, sprawling views over the terra-cotta rooftops of the city and mountains in the distance, and is certainly a highlight. But the location does necessitate uphill walks back to the hotel that can be a nuisance -- plus it's common for some travelers to suffer from altitude sickness in Cusco.

The hotel is situated on a hillside overlooking the rooftops of Cusco and mountains in the distance. There are a couple of other hotels and hostels nearby. It's right on the edge of the historic center, so many attractions as well as plenty of restaurants and shops are within walking distance (but note that the walk back to the hotel is uphill and can be a challenge for some; many guests take cabs back up to the property). Plaza de Armas, the city's main square, is a 13-minute walk from the hotel, and there are lots of dining options and bars surrounding it. Qorikancha, the ruins of an Incan temple, can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. San Blas Temple is also about a 20-minute walk away. Other notable Incan sites in the area include Saqsaywaman (20-minute walk or seven-minute drive) and Moray (an hour- and 15-minute drive). Travelers bound for Machu Picchu can take trains departing from the Poroy station, which is around a 20-minute drive from the hotel, to arrive in the village of Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Pueblo. Cusco's international airport is about a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms feature tasteful decor in a neutral color palette accented by red velvet armchairs and large headboards adorned with Incan-inspired patterns. Beds are topped with plush white linens, while the headboards feature mirrors and built-in nightstands and lamps. All rooms have work desks paired with ergonomic chairs. Some rooms have lovely private terraces with chic wicker seating. Standard amenities include 42-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, electronic safes, air-conditioning, irons/ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi. Suites upgrade to separate living areas and add Keurig coffeemakers. Bathrooms are sleek and contemporary, clad in cream and beige hues and equipped with walk-in showers. There's lots of storage space on the sink vanities, plus hairdryers and Neutrogena toiletries are provided.

The hotel offers a good set of features that add convenience and value to a stay here. Dining-wise, the property has a restaurant that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus there's a bar. Room service is available in the afternoons and evenings. There's also a small shop that's open 24/7 and sells snacks and sundries. A microwave is available to heat up food.Though there's no fitness center, the hotel has a yoga room. Other wellness features include a small, but inviting spa treatment room. A chic, sunlit lounge features stylish decor and lots of seating in which to relax or gather, plus it has great views over the city and surrounding mountains. There are three meeting/event rooms available (plus outdoor space in the courtyard) as well as a business center with two computers and a printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Other amenities include guest laundry facilities and valet parking (but it's the only type of parking available).