Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
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Hotel Details
Location
Machu Picchu
Peru, South America
Brand
Belmond
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Expert Review: Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu
Sanctuary Lodge, A Belmond Hotel, Machu Picchu, a Michelin Key Selected property, stands as an unparalleled luxury retreat due to its exclusive location directly at the entrance of the ancient Inca citadel. Guests consistently laud the hotel for its exceptional service and unique proximity to Machu Picchu, often describing their stay as magical and unforgettable.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The overall sentiment for Sanctuary Lodge is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "wonderful" or "excellent." Key metrics often reflect high satisfaction, with location and staff frequently scoring 9.8 out of 10, cleanliness at 9.6, and comfort at 9.7. While value for money receives a slightly lower score of 7.3, many guests still consider the splurge worthwhile for the experience it offers.
2. Key Highlights
The most significant highlight is undoubtedly the location, being the only hotel situated just yards from the entrance gate of Machu Picchu. This allows guests unparalleled access to the ruins for sunrise and sunset, avoiding the crowds and bus lines from Aguas Calientes.
Service is another consistently praised aspect, with staff described as outstanding, attentive, responsive, and friendly, often going above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay. The design of the property is characterized as beautiful, well-appointed, and harmoniously suited to its site, featuring landscaped ponds, a quiet orchid garden, and hidden meditation areas.
Amenities that guests appreciate include free Wi-Fi, two on-site restaurants, a bar/lounge, a daily complimentary manager's reception, and free breakfast. The hotel also offers aromatherapy massages and can arrange trips to the citadel.
3. Room Quality
The rooms at Sanctuary Lodge are elegantly decorated in a palette of tans and earth tones, featuring cable TV, work desks, and iPod docking stations. While some guests note that standard rooms can be "smallish" or "downright cramped" at the lowest category, they are consistently described as comfortable and well-appointed. Many rooms offer pleasant views of the mountains or gardens, with some upgrades providing panoramic mountain views and furnished terraces. Thoughtful amenities include hyp0-allergenic bedding, down comforters, 24-hour room service, free stocked minibars with snacks and drinks, fluffy robes, and quality bath products.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at Sanctuary Lodge is highly regarded. Guests praise the excellent and delicious food, with inventive menus featuring local Andean ingredients and artisanal produce. There are two on-site restaurants: Tampu Restaurant, offering à la carte international cuisine with panoramic jungle views, and Tinkuy Restaurant, which provides Andean flavors in a rustic stone interior with a fireplace. A buffet lunch is also served, which can be shared with day-trippers, while hotel guests enjoy exclusive access to more upmarket Peruvian and international fare. A complimentary breakfast buffet is served daily, starting early at 5:30 AM to accommodate early explorers, and a daily manager's reception is also included. High tea with French pastries, chocolates, and finger sandwiches is also available.
5. Service & Staff
The service and staff at Sanctuary Lodge consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently highlight the exceptional hospitality, describing staff as professional, friendly, attentive, and proactive in addressing every detail of their stay. Specific mentions include dedicated concierges who check in with guests and assist with arrangements, guides who enhance the Machu Picchu experience, and staff who provide luggage assistance from the train station in Aguas Calientes. Small touches, like mini Polaroid photos during dinner and local souvenirs upon departure, contribute to the five-star experience.
6. Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is its defining feature. It is the only hotel immediately adjacent to the entrance of Machu Picchu, allowing guests to be among the first to enter the ruins in the morning and to experience the site after the day crowds have departed.
To reach the lodge, guests typically take a 3.5-hour train journey from Cusco to Aguas Calientes, followed by a 30-minute bus ride up a winding road. While the bus ride can be steep, the hotel staff often assist with luggage transport from the train station, making the journey more seamless. The hotel does not directly face the ruins but offers views of Huayna Picchu mountain from public areas and some rooms.
7. Value & Pricing
Sanctuary Lodge is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects its exclusive location and five-star service. As of February 2026, prices for a one-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $1,950.0, excluding taxes and fees. While some guests find it expensive or "overpriced" for the room size, many conclude that the unparalleled access to Machu Picchu and the exceptional service make it a "worthwhile splurge" and "excellent value" for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The included meals (often full board) and thoughtful amenities contribute to the perceived value.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include the relatively small size of the standard rooms, with some guests finding them cramped. Some guests have also noted that the quality and variety of the buffet in the coffee shop can be "mediocre and uninspiring" compared to the à la carte dining. Additionally, there have been recent concerns and discussions regarding the hotel's lease with the Peruvian government, with some reports suggesting a potential closure or change in management in the future, as the government plans to redevelop the property, possibly into a museum or another luxury brand. However, as of early 2025, an agreement was reached to keep it open.
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