Cusco's Royal Qosqo Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Cusco's Royal Qosqo Hotel: Unforgettable Luxury (Almost!) Awaits! - A Review From a Real Traveler (and Some Honest Gripes)
Alright, adventurers, history buffs, and anyone with a serious case of wanderlust – let's talk Cusco and, more specifically, the Royal Qosqo Hotel. They call it "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!" – and yeah, they're mostly right. But trust me, I've got the inside scoop, the good, the slightly less good, and a whole lotta anecdotes to share after spending a few glorious (and occasionally slightly frazzling) days there.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Let’s Get Real:
First off, navigating Cusco is a workout in itself – altitude! So, let's talk accessibility. Royal Qosqo does offer facilities for disabled guests, including an elevator, which is crucial. However, I didn't see specific information about room accessibility in the initial description. While the hotel itself is well-maintained, Cusco's cobblestone streets can be a nightmare for wheelchairs or anyone with mobility issues. Be prepared to plan your airport transfer (airport transfer available!) and excursions carefully if accessibility is a major concern.
The Rooms: Plush, Pretty, and Potentially Overwhelming (in a Good Way!)
Okay, the rooms. They're… gorgeous. Seriously. We’re talking serious comfort here. My room had air conditioning (a godsend!), lovely blackout curtains (essential for catching up on sleep after a pre-dawn Machu Picchu trip), and a super comfy extra long bed. They even left fresh complimentary tea, which hit the spot after a long day of exploring. I also appreciated the in-room safe box for valuables.
And the private bathroom? Divine! The bathrobes were fluffy, the slippers were appreciated, and the hair dryer actually, you know, worked. The separate shower/bathtub setup was luxurious, though I will admit, navigating the sheer number of toiletries was a bit much. I mean, there were so many tiny bottles of lotions and potions! I’m pretty sure I could’ve opened my own skincare boutique from the leftovers.
The carpet in the room? Nice, but maybe due for a refresh in some corners? (Minor detail!)
Amenities & Relaxing: Spa Day Dreams & Poolside Musings
Let's be honest, after a week of hiking and scrambling around ancient ruins, a little pampering is essential. The Royal Qosqo boasts a solid selection of ways to unwind. I spent a whole afternoon at their spa, and it was pure bliss. The massage was top-notch – I swear, my masseuse could feel my emotional baggage as well as my tight muscles! There's a sauna, a steamroom, and a pool with a view of the city (which, by the way, is gorgeous!). I didn't try the foot bath, but it sounded tempting. I would have loved it had they a separate spa for couples.
The fitness center is decent, too, though I confess I was more interested in eating delicious food than working out.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Celiac Woes and Buffet Bliss
Okay, food. This is where things get interesting. Royal Qosqo offers a variety of options, including restaurants, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. They boast Asian cuisine and a vegetarian restaurant. This is all good news!
The breakfast buffet was a highlight. Seriously, everything you could possibly want: Western breakfast, Asian breakfast, fresh fruit, pastries, and – Hallelujah! – they had coffee that actually tastes like coffee!
Now, I need to be upfront: I have a mild gluten intolerance. Finding trustworthy gluten-free options in Peru can be a challenge. While the hotel offered alternative meal arrangements, I found the labeling of food items wasn't always super clear. Sometimes, I had to chase down a staff member for clarification. They were always accommodating, but a clearer system would've made things easier (and prevented that minor moment of panic I had when I accidentally took a bite of what I thought was a gluten-free pastry).
Another thing – the room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver. Especially after a long day of exploring!
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitization Station Success (Mostly!)
This is a big one, especially post-pandemic. The Royal Qosqo takes safety seriously. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff wore masks and followed safety protocol. I noticed daily disinfection in common areas, which was reassuring. They provide anti-viral cleaning products. They even offer room sanitization opt-out available, which is a thoughtful touch. Rooms sanitized between stays. And staff trained in safety protocol.
They offered cashless payment service which was convenient.
There are fire extinguishers in the hallways, smoke alarms, and CCTV in common areas. Front desk [24-hour] – always a plus! I felt safe during my stay.
One tiny, unsolicited suggestion: more visible signage about the cleaning protocols would have helped enhance the feeling of safety even further.
Services, Conveniences, and Other Bits & Bobs: The Little Things Matter!
They offer a ton of services! Concierge, daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, and even luggage storage.
The Wi-Fi [free] worked well in my room and the Wi-Fi in public areas was also reliable, which is essential for staying connected. They offer Internet access – wireless and internet access – LAN as well.
The currency exchange was handy, although I found better rates outside the hotel.
What about the "Unforgettable"?
Okay, so was it unforgettable? Well… almost. The Royal Qosqo is a beautiful hotel with a lot to offer. The staff were generally fantastic.
However, there were a few minor imperfections. One day, the pressure in the shower was a bit weak. Another: the elevator sometimes took a while.
And then there was the incident with the… well, let’s just say the hotel's offer of a proposal spot was tempting. I ended up using the terrace.
The Offer: Cusco's Royal Qosqo - Your Peruvian Adventure Starts Here!
Here's What You Need to Know Before You Book:
- Accessibility: Check for specific room details, and plan transportation carefully.
- Food Allergies: Be prepared to ask questions about ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.
- The Extras: The spa, the breakfast buffet, and those fluffy bathrobes are worth every penny!
- The Vibe: Cusco is magical. Embrace the chaos, the altitude, and the adventure! Royal Qosqo provides the perfect (mostly!) luxurious base for your explorations.
My Verdict: Book It!
Despite a few minor hiccups, I'd absolutely recommend the Royal Qosqo. It's comfortable, well-located, and offers all the amenities you could need after a long day of adventures in Cusco.
And Now, the Deal!
Book your stay at Cusco's Royal Qosqo Hotel today and receive a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival, PLUS a 10% discount on all spa treatments!
Click here to book your escape and start your Peruvian adventure!
(Don't forget to mention this review when you book!)
**Kease Ghadeer B-1: Riyadh's Royal Touch AX25 Experience (Unbelievable!)**
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to embark on a Cusco adventure… my Cusco adventure, to be exact! I'm typing this from the slightly lumpy, yet charmingly Andean, bed at the Hotel Royal Qosqo. Let's see if I can actually manage a coherent itinerary. (Spoiler alert: probably not.)
Day 1: Arrival - Altitude, Anxiety, and Alpaca Blankets
- Morning (or what passes for it at 11,000 feet): Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). The air hits you like a brick of, well, thin air. Seriously, I felt like I'd run a marathon just walking to the baggage claim. Cue the first panic attack of the trip. "Oh God, am I going to ac-climatize? Am I going to be that person, the one who vomits in the Plaza de Armas?"
- Transport Chaos: Luckily, the hotel pre-booked a transfer, a lovely, albeit slightly terrifying, SUV driven by a guy who clearly thought the mountain roads were a personal race track. (Tip: Ask for a driver who doesn't moonlight as a rally car champion.) We made it in one piece, thankfully, and I immediately flopped into the hotel, clutching my oxygen tank… just kidding (maybe…).
- Check-in… and the Great Luggage Debacle: The Hotel Royal Qosqo is charming, all colonial arches and courtyards. The reception staff are genuinely lovely, even when I was fumbling with my Spanish (which, let's be honest, is more of an 'aspiring to' than a 'fluent in' situation). But here's the kicker: my luggage? MIA. Apparently, my bag decided to take a scenic detour to… who knows where? The first test of the trip for my patience.
- Afternoon: Coca Tea and Existential Dread: After a (thankfully successful) attempt to get a new phone connection, I downed a cup of coca tea, which, I swear, is the only reason I’m still able to breathe and not throwing up. Found a cafe, and I swear, the coffee tasted like heaven. I then spent the afternoon wandering around the Plaza de Armas (basically, the main square). The Incan architecture is incredible, but to be honest, all I could think about was my missing suitcase, and whether I’d packed enough underwear in my carry-on.
- Evening: Dinner and the Inca Kola Incident: Found a lovely little restaurant near the Plaza. The alpaca was delicious, and I even managed to order it in Spanish, kinda! Then… In a moment of weakness, I ordered Inca Kola. (It's a neon-yellow, overly sweet soda that Peruvians are obsessed with.) Biggest mistake. It tasted like pure, concentrated sugar. I’ll stick to the water, thanks. The rest of the night was spent trying to figure out what to do about my suitcase, which wasn’t any fun
Day 2: History, Hustle, and Headaches*
- Morning: Sacred Valley Tour – The Good, the Bad, and the Quechua: It’s the day of the Sacrad valley. The tour was incredible, with its stunning mountains, the old Inca sites, but honestly? I spent half the time fighting off salespeople. Apparently, my "I'm-totally-not-interested" face isn’t as convincing as I thought.
- Lunch: The Chinchero Market – A Rainbow of Textiles…and Bargaining: Ah, the Chinchero market! I thought I was prepared, I thought I knew how to bargain. But these women are masters. After an argument or two, I got a beautiful, hand-woven scarf for what I'm pretty sure was a steal. (Or maybe I was just too exhausted to fight anymore… altitude and haggling just don't mix.)
- Afternoon: Ollantaytambo – Lost in the Stone Labyrinth: Ollantaytambo! This place is mind-blowing, a fortress-city. The stone carvings are so precise, and the scale is awe inspiring. I imagined the Incas building this, and my head throbbed, the air thin, the sun beating down. I probably should have brought a hat. Took some great photos.
- Evening: Back to Cusco, and the Great Luggage Update: Back in Cusco, totally exhausted. Found out there was still no sign of my luggage! I’m starting to suspect it eloped with a llama. Managed to find some replacement clothes (thank God for souvenir shops!). The worst part? My toothbrush was in there. (Shudder)
Day 3: Machu Picchu (FINALLY!) - Dreams, Disasters, and Dawn
- Early Morning: The Train to Aguas Calientes – A Dream, a Nightmare, and a Broken Toaster: Okay, this is the big one: Machu Picchu! Travel to Aguas Calientes by train. The scenery is stunning, all mountains and rushing rivers, but the price of the train tickets is a crime! A quick aside: The hotel had breakfast prepared for us. It wasn’t good. I swear the toaster was broken.
- Morning: Aguas Calientes – The Scramble to the Top: A bus up to Machu Picchu. Honestly, I was already exhausted, and I hadn't even been to the main attraction! The sun. The crowds. The anticipation. It was all a bit much. But it was AMAZING.
- Machu Picchu: The Grand Reveal – Tears (of Joy and Exhaustion): And then… there it was. Machu Picchu. Wow. The scale. The views. The history…it was breathtaking. Seeing it in person is an experience you cannot describe. And I cried. Well, maybe a few times. Mostly out of joy, but also because I was still running on three hours of sleep, and my legs felt like lead. It was awesome!
- Afternoon: Downhill…literally: After a few hours of wandering around the city, we finally started to head down the mountain. The bus ride back to Aguas Calientes, the train journey back to Cusco. Feeling sad that my adventure was just about to end.
- Evening: Celebrate! A celebratory PISCO SOUR. I think I might have had a few. And now I am back at the hotel, typing this up as I am waiting for my luggage. All I can do is wait and hope it actually gets back.
Day 4: Recovery and Reflections (and Maybe a Nap)
- Morning: The Hotel Royal Qosqo - The day I was expecting for my luggage Woke up to nothing. Maybe I wasn’t meant to find my luggage. What a disaster but I got one last chance to explore. I spent the rest of the day walking around the hotel, eating the amazing breakfast, and buying some gifts.
- Afternoon: Farewell Cusco…or, Until Next Time? Had to say goodbye, but I will see you again. I am starting to think that I fell in love with the country.
Final Thoughts:
Cusco is exhausting. Cusco is exhilarating. Cusco is beautiful beyond words, even if you lose your luggage, and drink too much Inca Kola. The altitude will kick your butt. Embrace the chaos, the crowds, the haggling. You'll probably cry. But you'll also experience something truly unforgettable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to stuff my face with an empanada and pray my luggage magically appears. Wish me luck!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ji Hotel Huainan's Hidden Gem!
So, is the Royal Qosqo Hotel *actually* "unforgettable luxury," or is that just marketing fluff?
Alright, let's be real. "Unforgettable luxury" gets thrown around like confetti at a wedding. But... and this is a BIG but... the Royal Qosqo delivers. Picture this: you arrive, altitude sickness is kicking your butt, you're sweating buckets from the trek, and then BAM! You're greeted with a coca tea that actually tastes GOOD (a miracle, I tell you!). The lobby? Forget your average hotel lobby. It's like stepping into a museum, filled with Incan artifacts and enough warmth to melt your frosty soul. Is it perfect? Nope. More on that later. But unforgettable? Absolutely. The *feeling* of being pampered after battling the Andes? Priceless.
What's the deal with the altitude? I'm worried! And can the hotel help?
Oh, the altitude! It's the elephant in the room, folks. Cusco is HIGH. I'm talking, like, *really effing high*. I remember the first time. I felt like I’d run a marathon after walking to the bathroom. The Royal Qosqo is surprisingly well-equipped to handle the high-altitude hiccup. They have oxygen on hand (bless them!), and coca tea is practically a river flowing through the place. (Seriously, drink it. It helps!) AND, the staff is AMAZING. They seriously saved my life (okay, maybe just my sanity) the first night when I felt like my head was going to explode. They'll check on you, give you advice, and generally hold your hand. My anecdote is, I once saw a guy just straight up pass out in the lobby with his backpack still on. The staff sprang into action like a well-oiled machine, oxygen, tea, the works. He came to, sheepishly apologized, and was brought to his room. True story.
The rooms... are they as luxurious as they claim? What about the views?
Okay, the rooms. Let's break this down. Yes, they're luxurious, but not in a "sterile, everything-matches-perfectly" kind of way. It's more like, "warm, inviting, and with a hint of ancient history." Imagine heavy wooden furniture, plush beds (seriously, I could have slept for a week!), and maybe a touch of local artwork. The views? Well, it depends on the room. Some rooms face the courtyard, which is lovely. Others... well, let's just say my room, the first time, overlooked a construction site. Not ideal when you're trying to soak in the magical vibes. But! Request a room with a view of the city or the mountains. They're worth it. The view from the rooftop terrace? DO NOT MISS IT. Especially at sunset. That's where the magic REALLY happens. It's like the gods themselves are putting on a show.
How's the food? (Because, you know, food is important.)
Oh, the food. Where do I begin? The breakfast buffet is a work of art. Eggs cooked to order, fresh fruit galore (try the passion fruit, it's an explosion of flavor!), and an assortment of pastries that could make a grown man weep. The restaurant, located in the hotel, is AMAZING! I am not a foodie, I'm actually pretty simple, but I tried the trout (a Cusco staple) and it was cooked perfectly. However, a word of warning… sometimes the service can be a little slow. Like, "order your coffee, wait 20 minutes, contemplate your life choices while waiting for said coffee" slow. But hey, you’re on vacation. Relax. Breathe. And maybe order a pisco sour while you wait. Trust me, it helps. And is delicious.
Is the location any good? Is it easy to get around?
The location is PRIME. Seriously, you can walk to the Plaza de Armas (the main square) in like, five minutes. Surrounded by restaurants, shops, and historical sites. You're pretty much in the heart of everything. Getting around Cusco is, well, an adventure in itself. Taxis are readily available, but agree on a price *before* you get in. My first taxi ride, I ended up paying twice what I should have! Note to self: learn some basic Spanish. But mostly, walking is the way to go. The streets are cobblestone, which makes it a little tricky with luggage, but the hotel staff is super helpful with that part. It is a bit challenging to navigate the area if you're not used to the altitude. Walking uphill will make you feel like you did 100 lunges.
Alright, the staff. Are they as lovely as everyone says?
Okay, get ready to be charmed. The staff at the Royal Qosqo are *amazing*. Seriously, they're the kind of people who genuinely seem to care about your well-being. They speak multiple languages, are incredibly helpful and will do whatever it takes to make you happy. One time, I was trying to book a last-minute train to Machu Picchu, and I was completely lost. I was stressed to the max! This incredible concierge, with a smile, not only managed to grab a ticket for me but also gave me a crash course in Peruvian culture while I was at it. They went above and beyond. They are genuinely nice, and the hotel's greatest asset.
Any major downsides? (Because nothing's perfect.)
Okay, the imperfections. Let's get them out in the open... Sometimes, the Wi-Fi can be a little spotty. Like, "trying to download photos of Machu Picchu and failing for an hour" spotty. The walls are a bit thin. You can sometimes hear your neighbors, um, *enjoying* their vacation. The elevator is a little small, so expect to wait a bit during peak times. And, as I mentioned before, the service in the restaurant can be… leisurely. But honestly? These are minor gripes. Tiny, insignificant blips on the radar compared to the overall experience.
About that rooftop terrace... you mentioned it. Is it *that* amazing?
Okay, the rooftop terrace needs its own paragraph. Seriously, it's a transcendental experience. Picture this: You’re up there, and you're looking out at the city. You're smelling the distant aromas of cooking food. You're hearing the bells of the Cathedral. The setting sun is painting the sky in a fiery masterpiece of orange, purple, and gold. You’re sipping a pisco sour (they're not kidding about making a really good one, by the way). You're surrounded by the ancient history of Cusco. I once spent *hours* up there, just staring at the view, completely lost in the moment. It was as close to pure, unadulterated bliss as I'veNomad Hotel Search
