Casa Cartagena

Casa Cartagena Review

Just a few blocks north of the Plaza de Armas on a quiet cobblestone street lies this elegant boutique hotel of spacious rooms decorated with trendy lamps and contemporary Italian furniture. Whitewashed walls and exposed wood beams temper the modern feel of this 17th-century restored property. Rooms also boast colorful Peruvian embroidered pillows (available for purchase in the gift shop), down duvets, iPod docks, flatscreen TVs, and oxygen (to help with altitude sickness). The service is spot-on, as is the glorious breakfast—try the homemade cheese, yogurt, and aguaymanto (gooseberry) jam. Many rooms have balconies that overlook the well-landscaped courtyard. At the spa a large indoor hot tub and steam room are open to all guests—great after walking the hilly streets of Cusco; some rooms also have modern soaking tubs. For a real splurge, opt for the Royal Suite, which has a private Jacuzzi adjacent to the king-size bed, dry sauna, private massage room, and terrace.