Have you ever slept in a historic convent? Well, you can at JW Marriott El Convento Cusco in Peru. This historic and majestically reimagined hotel is in the heart of bustling Cusco. The destination is a mecca for adventure travelers, tourists and those seeking some sacred energy. You are just a one-minute walk from the main square and excellent dining, shopping and historic sights. These are the five best reasons to stay at this popular Marriott Bonvoy hotel, which also just happens to be the only hotel in town to pump oxygen into every single room and suite.
The setting
The hotel’s architecture and interiors are truly something special. It took Marriott several years after buying the property to prepare it as a hotel because it kept discovering artifacts that it wanted to preserve. Designers actually worked around many of these features while respecting local regulations and the building’s history.
Arrivals pass through an entry courtyard and then reach the reception with its Swarovski crystal display, designed to look like the sun. Its 76,500 crystals cover the wall behind the front desk. It’s mesmerizing and quite the juxtaposition to what this space must have once been like. A complimentary selection of herbal teas (like coca leaf), to help with the high altitude, are available at all hours and come fresh from the hotel’s gardens.
If you don’t have time for the hotel tour, be sure to take a look at the book on display by the antique altar in the stone-lined lobby. You can truly appreciate what this convent looked like centuries ago, how it sat unused for many years and how JW Marriott recreated its splendor as a hotel.
Just by walking around the lobby and its stone-lined hearth, you will notice historic pieces of art and furniture that take you back centuries. Save time to explore the patio and its upper terrace where original art frescoes are preserved and cover the walls.
The cuisine
With an emphasis on supporting local farmers and purveyors JW Marriott really follows through on this commitment. Almost every vegetable and fruit on property comes from a small radius of the hotel, and much of the meat and seafood is also sourced from regional farmers.
In the courtyard, the JW Garden (a signature feature of every JW Marriott hotel) grows herbs, vegetables and spices that are often used by the bar and restaurant team, too.
Breakfast is included in all rates at the Peruvian restaurant Qespi. It’s a not-to-be missed treat. You can expect a wide array of fresh fruit (many local and unfamiliar varieties), Peruvian specialties, egg dishes made to order and an entire corner dedicated to vegan and vegetarian guests.
Most impressive is the wide variety of spices, salsa and flavored salts that the chef’s team makes in house. They change daily and help visitors learn more about the flavors and ingredients indigenous to the area.
For lunch and dinner, the menu includes a wide variety of Peruvian specialties. The lomo saltado is a must and impeccable, but there are also dishes like ceviche and prime cuts of steak prepared to your liking. The chef can even make a vegetarian ceviche with mushrooms and local corn plus the delectable leche de tigre.
The rooms
Fresh from renovations, they feature historic artifacts on the wall and local touches in the woven accent fabrics and patterns. JW Marriott’s familiar bedding is plush and soft, and bathrooms hold the popular, scented Aromatherapy Associates toiletries for guests to use.
Complimentary bottled water is a daily gift from housekeepers although travelers can refill their bottles via filtered water stations in the hallways. Espresso machines, large closets with robes and slippers, comfortable armchairs and ample power outlets are standard in every accommodation.
The entry-level rooms are actually below the lobby level and look towards the ancient walls of the convent. The city is famous for these walls that were built with geometric stones stacked atop each other without any cement. While they do not have a notable view, they are cozy and quiet. For those with jet lag, these are the ideal choices, especially if you plan most of your day out exploring. Rooms on higher floors have different views with many looking over the red-tiled roofs of Cusco and the Andes Mountains in the distance.
Popular for couples are the those that have small patios that look towards the serene inner courtyard. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while listening to the chirping birds.
Housekeeping does a magnificent job here, and they are always available to deliver extra items like dental and shaving kits upon request. They return for turndown service with more water (it’s important to stay hydrated at this height) and locally produced dark chocolate. Especially impressive are the cards with QR codes. Each day, they share different information, perhaps a link to local music or sleep-inducing meditations.
The spa and pool
Yes, this former convent now has a stunning indoor pool and whirlpool. For those doing hiking through the valleys and mountains here, especially up the steep cliffs of Machu Picchu, it can be a great way to soothe tired muscles. There is also a glass-walled sauna overlooking the pool area. One thing missing is a fitness center, but few people want to work out at this altitude as it can leave you quickly without breath.
Besides, wandering the main square or exploring the nearby sights provides ample cardio opportunity. There is also a boutique spa with several treatment rooms for massages or beauty treatments. Many of the products they use have local ingredients and make nice gifts to take home.
The activities
Every day, the hotel has something special going on for guests, and all of this is available via a calendar provided to guests. Each day, a costumed monk delivers a free history tour of this ancient building and explains the meticulous restoration in detail. It’s short and interesting, especially because it takes you to hidden corners of the hotel where you can see some of the ancient ruins that like below it.
There’s also a complimentary Pisco Sour making demonstration at the bar where the staff will explain the history of the drink. You can also sample various piscos used in different cocktails before shaking your own to enjoy at the bar.
Each morning, there is always something interesting happening in the patio. Local vendors set up tables with all kinds of handicrafts, apparel and locally made souvenirs to sell. This is a great opportunity to purchase these items in the comfort of the hotel without worrying about the quality because the vendors are vetted by the hotel.
Even more popular is Conchita, the baby alpaca that visits most morning so that guests can pet her and snap their photo. It’s a favorite of all ages and a memory of a great stay at this popular Marriott Bonvoy hotel.
