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Hotel Monasterio Cuzco About Hotel Monasterio Accommodations Spa

ABOUT THE HOTEL MONASTERIO - in their own words:
At the heart of Cuzco is the 16th-century Hotel Monasterio.The Monastery was originally built in 1595 on the site of the palace of Inca Amaru Qhala. In 1598, it was founded as the Seminary of San Antonio Abad by the sixth Bishop of Cuzco, Monsignor Antonio de la Raya, to train Catholic priests.

The building was seriously damaged by the earthquake in 1650, and upon restoration the beautiful Chapel was added. It is decorated in the indigenous Baroque style with gold-plated pictures frames and truly magnificent paintings by the best artists of the Cusquenian Art School, depicting scenes from the life of San Antonio Abad.

In 1692, by papal edict from Pope Innocent II and the Royal letters Patent issued by King Charles II, the seminary became a Royal Pontifical University. However in 1816, a royal decree from the King of Spain rescinded this authority and the institute reverted back to being a seminary until, May 30, 1965 when the building was remodeled into a hotel.

In May 1999, Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises took over the management of the renamed Hotel Monasterio.

The Hotel remains a national historical landmark, protected by the INC (National Institute of Culture) and has retained its characteristics and charm. It is a splendid model of the colonial renaissance style, consisting of three sections in different levels. The heart of the Hotel is the central courtyard with its soft fountain and 300-year old Cedar tree surrounded by gardens and the famous stone cloisters.

The stones around the huge wooden entrance doors looking on to the Plazoleta Nazarenas still bear the Spanish Arms Escutcheon and the image of Bishop Monsignor Juan Serricolea y Olea.   

LOCATION:
Hotel Monasterio is only a ten-minute drive from the airport and just two blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Cuzco's central square, where the cathedral and most important museums are located.

ACCOMMODATIONS:
Hotel Monasterio has 125 rooms - click here for complete details

The decoration and furnishings combine the best of modern and traditional Spanish colonial style, many of them with charming views of the city or the colourful rooftops of Cuzco. You can feel the presence of the past even if you are pampered with every luxury and modern comfort. Laundry and Room Service are available 24 hours a day.

The original architecture and design of the Monasterio has not been significantly altered, and thus the rooms do reflect their origins as a home for Jesuit seminarians. There are no two rooms alike and they all vary in size and format.

The Hotel Monasterio has counteracted the sickness altitude problem by introducing an oxygen supplementation system in most of our rooms.

RESTAURANTS & BARS:

El Tupay is the location for our well known Buffet Breakfast and Saturday Inca Dinners - set in an architecturally significant location, the original refectory of the ancient monastery, the service is warm and friendly.

Illariy Restaurant: With its view onto the Main Patio and intimate ambiance, Restaurant Illariy will charm you with its unique atmosphere and distinctive Peruvian and International cuisine, created by our chef Marco Albán. Enjoy delicious snacks, sumptuous meals and a lovely view of the hotel's largest courtyard and gardens.

The Lobby Bar boasts a large variety of the best quality liquors, cocktails and refreshments, which our skilled bartenders are pleased to prepare for you, or, you may prefer to dine in the privacy and comfort of your own room with our 24-hour Room Service.

BATH BUTLER SERVICE:  menu of services
Relaxing Moments with our Bath Butler Service

End the day on a warm and tranquil note with a relaxing bath, specially drawn and prepared to suit you. It’s our pleasure to introduce you to our Bath Butler service aimed at providing you with that extra touch of indulgence to complete the hospitality and care of the Hotel Monasterio.

Revitalise after a long day with a steamy bath, softly lit with the glow of candles and fragrant with aromatic salts, or celebrate your Andean romance in style, with satiny rose petals, champagne, candles and bubbles.

MASSAGES AT HOTEL MONASTERIO:   menu of services
The Incas believed that Cuzco was the navel of the world and undeniably, there is an energy and vigor in the air which is almost tangible. Specialists in ancient Andean healing techniques combine oriental influences on relaxation to channel this energy through the body - cleansing and eliminating negative elements and transmitting peace and well-being.

ACTVITIES