Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge

Description:

• Back in the 1970s, the Peruvian government built a temporary hotel on the top of the mountain just steps from the entry to Machu Picchu as a way to show off the ruins to international movers and shakers. As the ruins grew in popularity as a destination, the hotel was rewarded with a begrudged permanence. Today the hotel stands as the only major alteration to the ruins' isolated setting, but as hotels go, it is pretty sensitively inserted into the hill and is not visible from the ruins themselves.

  Formerly a rather plain but overpriced modern hotel, the rustic inn was taken over by Orient-Express Hotels (which also manages the Hotel Monasterio in Cusco) and transformed into a very pricey luxury lodge, now with a full meal plan program for guests. Without question, it has one of the most dramatic and unique settings in the world, and, as the only hotel perched right next to the ruins, it can pretty much charge what it wants (and does). Guests need very deep pockets to stay here; despite the cost, the hotel remains in high demand most of the year, so advance reservations are absolutely essential. Rooms are not especially large, but they now have a good deal of Peruvian character, with some lovely modern furnishings, and most have small terraces that open to lovely gardens with impressive views of the ruins and the surrounding Andes.

  Although some will always decry the hotel as an unwelcome modern intrusion in this mystical and sacred place, it's here to stay. And who can blame travelers for wanting to stay as close to Machu Picchu as possible, waking up to see the sun rise over the ruins and, at night, visiting the ruins in the dark or gazing at the stars from an elevation of 2,400m (7,870 ft.)? If you can afford it as a special treat, you'd be wise to reserve 3 to 6 months in advance during high season (May-Oct). The buffet lunch ($25/£13) is open to all ruins visitors.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2009

Conde Nast Traveler

•  Readers' Travel Award Winner 2008

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010

Other features:

It has a terrace with a view overlooking the sanctuary. Spa services including massage-therapy are available.