Hotel Casa Andina Premium. Cusco, Peru

Rupert Parker Finds Peace And Quiet at Hotel Casa Andina Premium In The Centre Of Cusco.

Since I was last in Cusco forty years ago, it’s grown by three times and outside the historic centre, it’s now an urban sprawl. However, it still retains its magic, with its mix of indigenous street sellers, religious processions and the odd llama or two. All the more reason then for basing your stay right at the heart of the action.

Casa Andina Premium Cusco is located in a beautiful eighteenth century mansion, just 4 blocks away from Cusco’s main square. Inside, its majestic colonial courtyards provide that authentic Cusco experience, occupying a timeless historical space delivers a much needed sense of calm.

The hotel is made up of two sprawling buildings with six courtyards. The older building dates back to the 18th century and contains many of the main social areas including the lounge, restaurant and bar, with walls exposing the original stonework.

The newer building is more modern in design and style, with modern artworks on the walls.

All the accommodation combines comfort and convenience, with TV, hot drinks maker and en-suite facilities. Suites, located in the colonial section, each have their own character defined by their original furniture. The period feel continues through the hotel with antique furnishings and old paintings.

There are 93 rooms including 79 Superiors and 14 Suites. We stayed in a Superior King in the newer building which was large enough and had bathroom with washbasin, shower and toilet. The King size bed was comfortable and the room faced the courtyard, quiet enough to get a decent night’s sleep.

Complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee making facilities plus a desk and free Wi-Fi ensured a pleasant stay. An electric heater plus gown and slippers kept us cosy.

On the ground floor, in the colonial building, the Alma Restaurant serves a hearty breakfast with seasonal fruit, juice, pastries, cheese and ham, coffee and tea and egg dishes. At lunch and dinner the dishes are inspired by Peruvian gastronomy, highlighting regional ingredients combined with the best international cuisine.

There’s also the Sama2Go convenience store for snacks and drinks open all day. The Alma Bar serves and variety of drinks and there’s complimentary afternoon tea with homemade cakes and a range of hot beverages in the lounge. The hotel has a massage room and also an internet centre. There’s also an Alpaca clothing store should you want souvenirs to take home

The Hotel Casa Andina Premium is located 15 minutes away from the airport, and 4 blocks away from the main square of Cusco. It sits on one side of the Plazoleta Limacpampa and opposite are a selection of good value restaurants and bars. The towering Church of Santa Domingo is just a two-minute stroll away and the must-see archaeological ruins of Koricancha are a further minute’s wander. If you’re feeling energetic you can walk up to the ruins of the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman.

Located in quiet square yet near enough the hustle of the city, the hotel makes for a pleasant base to enjoy all the amenities of the city. All the archaeological attractions are nearby and you can spend hours wandering the narrow streets in complete safety.