Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge: August 2005

I liked this hotel and felt very privileged to stay here. I read some bad reviews beforehand but was pleasantly surprised. I think many improvements were made in the years since it opened. It didn't remind me of the pre-fab shed that someone described. The restaurants were pretty, particularly the a la carte one reserved for guests only (glass sunspace, fireplace, cozy chairs in the bar), and the food was great. We had a standard room in the main building, which although small, was very attractively decorated (king bed, small table and chairs, TV, minibar, bathroom (shower only). The linens and toiletries were nice, and I loved both the afternoon snack and the burning candle that was left at the evening turndown. Perhaps the upgraded rooms in the new building at the back of property were larger, and they had direct access to the patio and garden with teak tables/chairs and 2-person cushioned loungers. I felt that it was worth every penny to be right onsite, although the hours for visiting MP (and the prices) aren't any different for hotel guests than for the general public. The room rates are expensive, but consider that it includes three meals and all taxes (in 2005 anyway). And the food was really good! They rose to the occasion and presented wonderful multi-course meals. I didn't feel isolated or "stuck" like others had mentioned, although I did only stay for one night (two would have been ideal, but only one was available). One thing I wish I knew beforehand: there are Lodge porters just after exiting the train station who transfer your luggage to the hotel. Conversely, they also deliver it back to the exact train car that you travel home on so that you can spend some unencumbered time in Aguas Calientes without dragging your bags around. If I ever return to MP, I would love to stay again.

Keep in mind that the exhorbitant price for the Sanctuary Lodge does include three wonderful meals. Multi-course, anything on the menu (drinks--neither alcoholic nor nonalcoholic--are NOT included). I was really impressed with the quality of food in the restaurant reserved for guests only (not the lunch buffet restaurant where anyone can eat). I would value our meals for one day at $25 breakfast (combination cold buffet and hot served entree), $60 lunch (served, 3 courses if you wished), $120 dinner (served, 3/4 courses if you wished), so that brought the price of the room itself down to an acceptable level. I would definitely stay there again if I were lucky enough to go back for a second visit.