A short walk from the Ollantaytambo ruins
10 minutes from the train station on foot
Homey atmosphere and tiny size means family-like vibe
Clean, simple rooms with private bathrooms
Some rooms offer nice views of the mountains or river
Free breakfast with hot and cold options; packed breakfasts available
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Basic amenities and facilities -- rooms lack things like TVs and fridges
Nights can be chilly as rooms lack heating
Noise issues due to thin walls
Hotel only takes cash as payment
La Casa del Abuelo is a two-pearl, 10-room budget hotel in Ollantaytambo. It's a short walk from the main ruins and a 10-minute walk from the train station. Rustic decor makes it feel cozy and homey, but facilities are limited. Guests shouldn't expect a full-service restaurant or bar, though there's a free American breakfast including cooked-to-order eggs, fresh fruit, and hot coffee. Rooms are clean and comfortable, with basic amenities, but the lack of heating means it can be chilly at night. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but keep in mind that the hotel only accepts cash as payment. Guests looking to stay near the train station might consider rates at El Albergue Ollantaytambo instead, which adds a well-liked organic restaurant and sauna.
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Scene
Small, homey hotel with rustic decor and a family-like atmosphere
La Casa del Abuelo has a cozy, homey feel due to both its rustic decor and a family-like atmosphere. The hotel is mostly geared toward travelers on a budget and isn't very fancy, but it's fine for tourists passing through on their way to or from Machu Picchu. From the outside it looks like a typical residential property, with pale stone walls, traditional wooden shutters, and Juliet balconies. On the inside there's a small lobby with yellow painted walls and a tiny wooden front desk, plus a seating area with padded sofas and potted green plants. The guest rooms are designed around a central stairwell. There's not much in the way of communal areas or outdoor space at the hotel, but there's a small patio and cozy breakfast room next to the lobby where most guests gather in the mornings. The hotel is popular with tourists, particularly couples and small groups.
Location
Close to the Ollantaytambo ruins, in the center of town
The hotel sits on the corner of a small street in the main area of Ollantaytambo. It's ideally located for tourists exploring the area, and the train station is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel for those traveling to Machu Picchu. There's a cafe and a couple of other hotels in the area, plus a small local store. In terms of dining, there are numerous restaurants and bars around the squares, which are only a short walk away. The ancient Ollantaytambo ruins (a huge Inca fortress with large stone terraces) are just a two-minute walk from the hotel, while other archaeological sites can be easily reached by foot or bike. There's plenty of hikes and cycling trails within the surrounding mountains, and around the corner there's a artisanal market. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is roughly a two-hour drive from the hotel.
Rooms
Basic rooms with small bathrooms and minimal amenities -- no heat means they can be chilly
La Casa del Abuelo has 10 guest rooms with either twin or double beds. They're all clean and simply decorated, equipped with basic amenities and private bathrooms. Most offer lovely views of the mountains or river, and some add Juliet balconies. The decor is traditional, with yellow accent walls, chunky wooden furniture, and orange throw pillows adding a splash of color. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi and bottled water, but there are no TVs, fridges, safes, or phones. There's also a lack of heating, which can make most rooms feel chilly at night. Some guests have complained of thin walls, with audible noise from other guests in the hallways and nearby rooms. Bathrooms are small (and more like wet rooms), though they're equipped showers, toilets, sinks, and free shampoo and soap.
Features
Free American breakfast and free Wi-Fi
The hotel offers very little in the way of amenities. A free American breakfast is served every morning in the small breakfast room next to the lobby. It's simple, but receives good reviews from previous guests, consisting of eggs, fresh fruit salad, orange juice, coffee, breads, and butter. Packed breakfasts are available for those going on hikes or excursions, but there's no room service at the hotel. The front desk is open around the clock, and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. Parking is available, but spaces are limited. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Keep in mind that the hotel only accepts cash as payment.
