Casa Cartagena
Remarkable design-led boutique hotel offering first class comforts and bold, strikingly contemporary décor within a classic colonial building.
The remarkable Casa Cartagena hotel in central Cusco, just a couple of blocks from the Plaza de Armas, is packed with surprises. Behind the heavy wooden doors and the gabled façade of a colonial mansion, supported by Inca walls, you might expect to find a style inspired by the Spanish imperial age. But no – this is a boutique hotel where contemporary designers have been allowed to let their imagination loose, and they have come up with something really special.
A first class establishment, it offers the high level of comfort, service and facilities you’d expect, but in its striking décor, defined by geometric designs and modern, boxy furniture, it is unique in Cusco. Colours are bold – reds, golds, rich browns and salt-bright white, with large checks and patterns. There’s nothing remotely Peruvian about the style, but if you like the design hotel concept you won’t be disappointed.
The 16 luxury suites are huge, with a balcony or terrace and the option of an oxygen-enrichment system to combat altitude sickness. There’s also a comprehensive spa complete with Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna rooms.
The well-established restaurant has a good reputation and Chilean poet Pablo Neruda apparently used to eat here long before the building became a hotel. It serves a sophisticated menu making imaginative use of local produce.
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Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
