Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its luxurious experience, exceptional service, and prime location at the foot of Machu Picchu. Guests frequently describe their stay as unforgettable, highlighting the hotel's commitment to comfort and Andean elegance.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently rating it as "exceptional" or "superb." It is widely considered a top-tier luxury hotel in Aguas Calientes, providing a superior level of comfort and service. While undeniably expensive, many guests believe the experience justifies the cost. However, a minority of recent reviews express disappointment regarding perceived value and noise levels.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel for several key aspects:

• Exceptional Service: The staff's attentiveness, professionalism, and friendly demeanor are frequently mentioned.
• Prime Location: Situated on the banks of the Urubamba River at the edge of Aguas Calientes, it offers scenic views and convenient access to Machu Picchu (approximately 20 minutes away by bus).
• Andean Design & Ambiance: The hotel's decor incorporates rich textiles, dark wood, hand-cut stone, and vibrant accents, reflecting its Andean roots.
• Culinary Excellence: The Qunuq Restaurant is celebrated for its delicious Peruvian and Andean fusion cuisine.
• Spa & Relaxation: The Aqlla Spa, offering hot stone massages, aromatherapy, and hydrotherapy, provides a relaxing retreat after exploring.
• Thoughtful Touches: Welcome drinks and hors-d'oeuvres upon arrival, along with luggage assistance to and from the train station, are appreciated perks.

3. Room Quality

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel offers spacious, luxurious, and comfortable rooms, renovated in 2017. All rooms include a seating area, cable TV, and heating. Many rooms boast private balconies with breathtaking views of the mountains and the Urubamba River. The design features Andean motifs, woven textiles, and pre-Columbian art.

Specific room features mentioned include:

• Comfortable Beds: King-size beds with goose feather comforters and a choice of hypoallergenic pillows are highlighted for ensuring a peaceful sleep.
• Luxurious Bathrooms: Marble bathrooms come equipped with bathtubs and rain showers, upscale amenities, bathrobes, and slippers. Junior and Imperial Suites may feature Jacuzzi tubs.
• In-Room Conveniences: Rooms typically include a refrigerator/minibar, safe deposit box, coffee station with aromatic MLesna teas, and air conditioning.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is a significant highlight. The à la carte Qunuq Restaurant serves acclaimed Peruvian gastronomy and Andean fusion cuisine, utilizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Guests have described the food as delicious and a true taste of Peruvian cuisine.

• Breakfast: A superb buffet breakfast with a wide selection of hot foods and drinks is served daily, starting as early as 5 AM, which is highly beneficial for guests planning early visits to Machu Picchu.
• Afternoon Tea: An included afternoon tea service features sweet and savory bites, fruit cups, mini sliders, and sandwiches.
• Suquy Café & Bar: This bar offers traditional cocktails and unique creations using native ingredients, alongside a relaxed atmosphere and river views.
• Special Dining: Private dining options and cooking classes are also available, including a participatory class focused on Peruvian cuisine and a tasting menu crafted by the chef.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel consistently receive glowing reviews. Guests frequently use words like "attentive," "professional," "friendly," "helpful," and "amazing" to describe their interactions. Staff members are noted for going above and beyond, such as assisting with the complex process of booking Machu Picchu tickets and offering warm welcomes with iced tea and hors-d'oeuvres upon arrival. Many guests specifically mention individual staff members for making their stay unforgettable.

6. Location & Accessibility

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel boasts a "privileged location" at the edge of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), nestled by the Urubamba River and at the foothills of Machu Picchu Mountain. It is approximately a 20-minute bus ride from the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site. The hotel is conveniently located about a 5-10 minute walk from the train station, with luggage assistance provided. While at the end of town, offering a quieter atmosphere, it remains within easy walking distance to local markets, restaurants, and attractions like Plaza Manco Capac.

7. Value & Pricing

Sumaq Machu Picchu Hotel is a luxury property, and its pricing reflects that. The average price per room is around $446, significantly higher than the average $103 for other hotels in Machu Picchu. Some recent prices found indicate a nightly stay for two adults can be around $719.09. Many guests consider the hotel to be "worth the money" or an "exceptional value" for the unparalleled comfort and service it provides, describing it as a "treat" or an "indulgence." However, some reviews indicate a feeling that the hotel is "overpriced" for what it offers.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring criticisms and issues have been noted by guests:

• Noise: A significant complaint for some guests is the noise from the nearby "raging torrent" of the Urubamba River and, occasionally, the train tracks. This has been reported to affect sleep for some.
• Value for Price: While many feel it's worth the cost, a notable number of guests have expressed that the hotel is "overpriced" or that they were "extremely disappointed" with the value, especially in comparison to expectations for a five-star property.
• Room Discrepancies: One recent negative review mentioned a very small room and a "beautiful view" that turned out to be dense plants against the window, not the river.
• Outdated Facilities/Spa Concerns: A recent review criticized outdated shower stalls and the practice of using shared brushes in the spa, which was perceived as "grossly offered."
• Isolated Service Issues: An isolated but highly critical recent review cited issues with a misadvertised room price (USD vs. soles), a $200 deposit not being returned, and a "humiliating" room inspection at checkout.
• Spotty Wi-Fi: While free Wi-Fi is available, some guests have reported it can be spotty.
• No Pool: The hotel does not have a pool, which is common for the area but worth noting for guests expecting this amenity.

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