Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu

Excellent service from Russell actually came back twice in day! Excellent food, excellent drinks and on price point! Will return

Wow… This has been the most amazing life experience. You walk out of this absolutely beautiful hotel. And right there is Machu Picchu. We were greeted with drinks and a surprising upgrade to the Terrace apartment. By Kitty. The friendly amazing staff, wonderful food, drinks, silver service. The gorgeous Karen was an absolute delight. And the barman entertained us with his hospitality. This is definitely one of the best hotels in the world. It just tops off the spiritual experience of Machu Picchu. Thank you Belmond. We love you. Carol and Warren

I'm not sure where to start, but a good place would be the staff: Mirko, Darinka, Freddy, Gabriel, Raisa, "Trainee" (that was her name tag - she was awesome), Alex, Alex, and Alex. These folks, and everyone else throughout the hotel, from the moment I walked in fresh off an 4-day Inca Trail hike, made my stay comfortable, fun, and unforgettable. In every interaction the staff did everything they could to create an experience that led with a service-first, luxury, whatever-you-need-we're-happy-to-help orientation. Having the privilege of staying for three nights, it was a pleasure to get to see everyone everyday, interact, laugh, and genuinely get to know them. The folks there were top notch and should be commended for their exemplary work and work ethic. Second to the staff was the food and space. The food was some of the best that I had in Peru. I was especially amazed by the lomo saltado and the chocolate desserts. Paired with a fantastic wine selection (along with the pisco sours and Cusquenas), the cuisine and its presentation were also top notch. We also had the pleasure of a cooking class where we made ceviche and lomo saltado, had a local liquor tasting with Freddy, a presentation on coffee and cocoa with Mirko, and yet another presentation on potatoes with Alex. These experiences, matched with the incredible in room treats (chocolate trees and endless treats and drinks), heightened the experience at the hotel and demonstrated the care and awareness of the Peruvian culture and identity brought to you by the people there. Last, the hotel itself. Overlooking the buses coming to and from Machu Picchu all day, the space is terrific. The outside seating area next to the waterfall, hummingbird feeders, and orchid walk was the perfect place to unwind with a drink and stare at the mountains. From that same spot you can see folks walking around Machu Picchu and the extraordinary mountains. Simply phenomenal. Additionally, the rooms were exceptionally clean, quiet, comfortable, full of all the treats and drinks you enjoy. The turn down and room services were second to none. Overall, if you have the means, you need to say here. And if you can, get the inclusive drinks and food. My entire stay was magical only made better by the people. I could go on and on about them and other experiences; but the main point is that they did everything and went beyond any of my expectations to ensure my stay was perfect. Staying at The Sanctuary Lodge at the end of our time on the Inca Trail and in Peru left me fulfilled and happy. Thank you to everyone for making this experience truly extraordinary.

We had a delicious lunch and Russell and Elias looked after us very well. Watching the humming birds while we enjoyed our meal was very special too.

We had a lovely two night stay here in a room with a patio, full board. Each night cost a tad over USD2000. Worth it? Overall, a big yes - with some very small qualifications. Big pluses: the service is excellent (ignore other reviewers who say or even suggest otherwise) at every level. The rooms are very comfortable and quiet. Food at the restaurant is very good (breakfast perhaps could offer more variety and better fruit?) with all fish dishes a highlight. If you're booked to see MP at e.g. 08.00, you're on the doorstep - great. If you think you're going to see MP from the property - you're wrong but they absolutely don't claim that you can - but hey, you're 20 metres from the entrance and the views of the wonderful surrounding geography are to die for, the gardens are gorgeous too. Are the rooms large? No, roughly 15m squared, small bathroom and shower. Are they comfortable and well-fitted? You bet they are, with a very comfortable bed and excellent amenities. (Ours was a patio room, there are other rooms that overlook the MP entrance and bus park that might nor be so quiet??) The hotel seems still to be under threat of closure after the lease ran out in May this year, so watch this space - but hopefully it will go on and if it does and we go back to MP, this is absolutely where we'll stay.