Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel

Palacio Nazarenas, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco, stands as a beacon of luxury and historical elegance in the heart of Peru's ancient Inca capital. This Michelin Key One-Key property consistently earns high praise for its impeccable service, stunning design, and thoughtful amenities, making it a top choice for discerning travelers.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Palacio Nazarenas is overwhelmingly positive, often described as "exceptional" and "extraordinary". The MICHELIN Guide gives it an outstanding "Overall Experience" score of 19.9 out of 20, with near-perfect ratings for rooms, services, and public spaces. Guests frequently rate their stays as 10/10, considering it one of the finest hotels in Cusco, if not all of Peru.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Palacio Nazarenas:

• Service: The service is frequently highlighted as "exceptional," "amazing," "wonderful," and "attentive". A standout feature is the 24-hour dedicated butler service for every suite, providing personalized assistance from unpacking to arranging tours and even teaching Pisco Sour lessons.
• Location: The hotel boasts a "super" and "perfect location" on a quiet square in Cusco's historic center, moments away from the Plaza de Armas, the lively San Blas neighborhood, and various museums and shops.
• Design: Palacio Nazarenas seamlessly blends its rich history as a 15th-century Inca palace and later a 17th-century convent with modern luxury. Guests appreciate the preserved Inca stone walls, colonial frescoes, intricately carved antique furniture, and Peruvian marble, creating a timeless and tranquil atmosphere.
• Amenities: A signature amenity is the oxygen enrichment system in every room, crucial for helping guests adjust to Cusco's high altitude. The hotel also features Cusco's first and only outdoor heated swimming pool, a serene oasis for relaxation. The Hypnôze Spa offers treatments using local Peruvian ingredients and unique glass floors revealing ancient Inca ruins. Complimentary mini-bars and iPads preloaded with a city guide are additional touches that enhance the guest experience.

3. Room Quality

All accommodations at Palacio Nazarenas are suites, offering spaciousness, comfort, and luxurious design. The suites feature vaulted high ceilings, soundproofed walls, blackout curtains, and elegant four-poster beds. Bathrooms are particularly noteworthy, featuring Peruvian marble, underfloor heating, and often separate bathtubs and showers. The decor harmonizes Inca and Colonial influences with modern comforts, including a personal bar for cocktail preparation.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a distinguished dining experience:

• Mauka Restaurant (formerly Senzo): This poolside, candle-lit restaurant serves modern Peruvian cuisine, emphasizing hyper-local biodiversity and ingredients grown on the property, including fresh herbs and edible flowers. Chef Pía León, a celebrated Peruvian chef, directs Mauka, blending traditional ingredients with cutting-edge culinary methods. Guests have described the restaurant as "spectacular" and "Michelin star quality".
• Breakfast: The buffet breakfast is highly praised as "delicious" and "copious," offering a mix of fresh, authentic Peruvian, and international options. Enjoying breakfast by the beautiful pool is a memorable experience for many.
• Senzo Bar: Located by the swimming pool, the bar offers a selection of cocktails and beverages.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Palacio Nazarenas is consistently described as a highlight. Guests praise the staff for being "amazing," "wonderful," "attentive," and "magnificent". The personalized 24-hour butler service is a frequently mentioned example of the extraordinary hospitality, with butlers assisting with various needs and offering local insights. The staff's attention to detail and ability to anticipate guest needs contribute significantly to the memorable stays.

6. Location & Accessibility

Palacio Nazarenas is ideally situated at 223 Nazarenas in an exclusive and tranquil square, directly adjacent to Cusco's main square, Plaza de Armas. This prime location allows easy walking access to major attractions, including museums, shops, and the vibrant San Blas neighborhood. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) is approximately 5 km away, a 15-25 minute drive, with transfers readily available.

7. Value & Pricing

As a "five-star" and "ultra-luxurious" property, Palacio Nazarenas comes with a premium price tag. While some guests acknowledge the cost, the overwhelming consensus is that the exceptional level of service, unique amenities (like in-room oxygen and heated pool), historical ambiance, and overall luxurious experience make it well worth the investment for those seeking an unparalleled stay in Cusco. KAYAK indicates rates starting from around $849, with potentially cheaper deals available in the low season, such as March and February.

8. Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms are notably few for Palacio Nazarenas. One minor point raised by a guest was that the room's thermostat wouldn't go lower than 18C (approximately 65F), and the comforter was very warm. Another review suggested that guests who prefer ultra-modern interior design might find the suites "a bit lacking" due to the hotel's commitment to historical ambiance, though they still affirmed the luxuriousness of the rooms. A more recent (July 2024) Reddit comment expressed a mild disappointment with the hotel's main restaurant, Mauka, finding it "just ok" and "a bit gimmicky" compared to other high-end dining experiences. However, this is largely an isolated comment compared to the numerous positive remarks about the dining.

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