CHECKING IN FELT LIKE BEING BOOKED FOR SOLICITATION. I FELT LIKE AN OUTSIDER RATHER THAN A WELCOME GUEST. THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT OUR U.S. MONEY WITHOUT PAYING AN OUTRAGOUS EXCHANGE RATE. THE MONEY CHANGING BOOTHS CHARGE 1-2% (VERY LITTLE) THIS HOTEL WANTED MORE THAN 6 TIMES THE GOING RATE. THE BELLMAN WAS HELPFUL, BUT THE KITCHEN DENIED MY REQUEST FOR PORK IN MUSTARD SAUCE TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. THAT DISH IS WHAT PROMPTED ME TO RESERVE A ROOM THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE ROYAL INKA I (SEE MY REVIEW) WAS $85 BUT THE MIRADOR LOS APOS WAS $115 PLUS A 19% TAX FOR MY GUEST. TO TOP IT OFF, THE "COURTESY SHUTTLE" BACK TO THE AIRPORT WAS A TAXI THAT CHARGED ME FOR THE RIDE.
The time we spent in Cusco would not have been so perfect without "a spot on" hotel choice. Los Apus is a small hotel on a quiet pedestrian street a stone throw from the Plaza Armas square. The distinctly different architecture is made up with tasteful use of stone and wood in a way which makes the visitor feel like at home - when I heard about the Swiss management of the hotel, I could not help making comparison with Swiss skiing cabin decor - really cosy. The rooms are nice, clean, hot water was not a problem unlike in some of the other hotels we have stayed in Peru. The breakfast was basic, but ok, TV had the normal international channels. As backpackers on a longer trip, we were happy to find several cheap laundries on the other side of the street. The hotel has a small bar, but has a limited menu. But really what set this hotel apart is the genuinely friendly and helpful staff, and with many of them we felt like friends after the week.
Los Apus hotel was built on the foundations of an ancient colonial house. It is a 20 roomed hotel restored in a Swiss colonial style. There are public balconies and a terrace on the top which provided good views of the city although they are partially obstructed.
The rooms themselves are small but tastefully decorated and comfortable. The walls were a peach/pink color with wood trim. Spanish styled recreated religious painting on a wood frame were hung around the room. The room had a double size bed and wood furniture and wooden floors. The bathrooms were clean with plenty of hot water. The rooms had old styled radiators instead of heaters. The rooms are built around a central atrium, so you can hear the noise from the lobby as well as some of the other rooms. A good tip is to try for rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors since they have private balconies with good view. My room had a window opening into the atrium but I could walk to the public balconies a few doors down to take in a view.
In the mornings a free continental breakfast is served in the lobby with eggs, milk, tea, coffee, cheese, juice and bread. If you are on an early morning tour and have to get up at 4 AM breakfast is on the top level with the same foods. Cocoa tea is available thoughout the day for free in the lobby to help you if you have altitude sickness. The food served for lunch and dinner is a bit pricey so it is better to try a restaurant outside.
The staff was friendly and helpful. They helped me to call my tour company when they did not come to pick me up a half hour late.
The best feature of the hotel is the location. It is near San Blas and a few block away from the Plaza de Armas. The street is too narrow for buses or cabs to go to. You have to walk a few blocks down where the streets are wider to catch a cab or bus.
Of note is that three Peruvian films were filmed here:1) Bala Perdida, 2) Un Marciano Llamado Desea and 3) Cuando el Cielo es Azul. .
