Antigua Casona San Blas

Hotel · Cusco

Antigua Casona San Blas

Hotel · Cusco

Carmen Bajo 243, Cusco 08003, Peru

Highlights

Traditional hotel with ornately carved furniture, offering upscale dining & a bar. Set on a cobblestone alley in historic Cusco, this traditional hotel is less than 1 km from both Highway 3S and the renowned 15th-century Coricancha temple, and 2 km from the massive ruins of Saqsaywaman. Featuring hand-carved furniture and wood or terra-cotta brick floors, the simple rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and safes. Upgraded rooms add sitting areas and balconies with ornately carved railings. A breakfast buffet is offered. Amenities include a bar and a fine-dining restaurant, along with a courtyard with seating, plus a flower garden featuring a stone fountain.

Carmen Bajo 243, Cusco 08003, Peru Get directions

antiguacusco.com

@antiguacasonasanblas

@cntraveler

"Why book Antigua Casona, much like the bohemian-leaning hillside neighborhood of San Blas it resides in, is a quiet escape from downtown Cusco—yet the adobe walls and carved wood decor are rooted in the city’s quintessential charm. Set the scene On a narrow cobblestone street, Antigua Casona sits amid a string of colonial buildings—but step through the wood door, and you’re in a new world of your own. In the courtyard—home to the cozy bar and restaurant—you’ll likely spot a couple or two huddled in front of the low-slung fire pits, flicking through their photos of Machu Picchu with a glass of wine. Most people are in their refined mountain-town comfies: y’know, that black puffer or fleece with jeans and boots, or maybe an alpaca sweater just purchased in town—and they’re either gearing up for a day of exploration, or unwinding after crossing pre-Hispanic wonders off their bucket list. The backstory ‘The Casona’ is a natural representation of Cusco’s unique blend of pre-Hispanic and colonial architecture—perhaps because, having been built between 1750 and 1800, it doesn’t have to fake anything. A restoration in 2016, under Peru's Ministery of Culture’s supervision, has brought the building into the 21st century without compromising the soul of it—the courtyard, the heart of the hotel, has a hand-carved balcony that replicates the original; some of the red tiles on the roof were salvaged from the initial construction; and colonial adobes, made with cactus, mud, and straw, make up the walls. This neighborhood is the longest-inhabited section of the city, and it’s special to feel like you’re a part of that when staying here. The rooms The rooms align with the style of the house—there are natural woods, adobe walls, and Cusqueño textiles that place you in the destination without turning it into Disneyland. Fling open the curtains for a flood of light; otherwise, some rooms can feel a little cocoon-like with only lamps on (frankly, it’s a testament to how the home truly reflects Spanish colonial design). Art lovers should consider booking a Xapiri Ground Suite: as part of the hotel’s partnership with the Peruvian-based non-profit, which spotlights Amazonian culture, these three rooms have been adorned with Indigenous art, and bookings support the organization’s efforts. Food and drink The included breakfast is great—especially before long days of exploring in the Sacred Valley—with savory offerings like eggs, but also pancakes, yogurt, and fresh fruit. While we ate the rest of our meals out and about each day, nothing could beat having a glass of Peruvian or Chilean wine in the courtyard at night before flopping into bed. The neighborhood/area San Blas is a beloved homebase for travelers for good reason. It’s a short downhill walk to the main square (though nice and steep when you're coming home), and the slight vantage point means lovely views. With a progressive set of young Peruvians and expats calling the area home, expect to find surprisingly good vegan restaurants around, and art galleries (make sure to stop by Xapiri Ground; the same nonprofit the hotel partners with on art-filled suites has a very cool gallery and coffee shop there). The service Details like a hot water bottle and tea delivered to your room each evening are a lovely mark of hospitality. Ask the front desk for anything you need, either in Cusco city or the greater Sacred Valley area, and they’ll take care of you. Accessibility Reach out ahead of time with accessibility questions—the hotel is on an uneven, narrow road, and the space itself has stairs throughout (though there is also an elevator). Touch base with the front desk to request a room that will meet your needs, and ask for help booking accessible rides in and out as needed. Anything left to mention? If you want to hop into a yoga class on-site, ask the hotel for the schedule on arrival—and take the staff recommendation to eat at nearby restaurants like Pachapapa (for quintessential Peruvian flavors with local ingredients), or Green Point (a popular plant-based hideaway)." - Megan Spurrell

Antigua Casona San Blas — Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

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Bernie L

Google

This boutique hotel is fantastic!! Lenin & Emerson and many other staff members are to be complimented for their excellent service. There is nothing they won’t help you with. This hotel stands far above the rest. Ex: fresh bottles of drinking water in room everyday (including bathroom to brush teeth). Hot water bottle in your bed every evening as well as a thermos of hot water for evening tea. The spa is 5⭐️as well. Ask for Rosario (female massuse). I can’t say enough. Beautiful rooms. Beautiful patio area with fireplace. Excellent restaurant & quaint bar. Best hotel ever.

Peter H

Google

Superb hotel, staff very welcoming and friendly. The breakfast, lunch and evening meals are superb quality. The small bar is comfortable and welcoming. The spa services were also excellent and I used the Hyperbaric chamber to assist with acclimatisation to the altitude. We would definitely stay here again if we had the opportunity. The turn down service with hot water bottles was a very nice touch.

Dan M

Google

The perfect hotel to serve as a base camp when visiting Machu Pichu. Five star accommodations with a complete relaxed atmosphere. The rooms and entire hotel are clean and spacious. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. Dinner and breakfast are superb. I get massages a few times a month and have gotten them all over the world. I got the best massage I have ever had here!!!!!! What a great surprise.

Yi Luo

Google

We are so glad that we stayed in Antigua in Cusco! The hotel is absolutely amazing! It’s like a family owned museum, the decoration and design are wonderful. I can tell they put a lot of thoughts into the planning. The room has great facilities with good quality. The staff are really nice and welcomed! They are fluent in English. The room service provides hot water to brew local herbal tea to help mitigate the altitude reaction. And they also help warm the bed at night. It’s way beyond expectations. I feel like staying at my aunts‘ place for holidays. The breakfast has full bunch of options as well. It’s such a highlight for the time in Cusco.

Natalie L

Google

This was the best hotel my partner and I have stayed at! The people were all so wonderful & the rooms were spectacular! We loved the entire aesthetic (they kept the remains of a historic building) and it was very tasteful throughout the whole hotel. The morning free bfast that you get is delicious (fresh fruit, lattes to order, fresh bread, juices, and more). They were super helpful with storing our bags while we took a quick two day trip to Machu Picchu and was so easy to return to. The location is very central. I would recommend this hotel to absolutely anyone! They also made our honeymoon extra special by sending us some chocolate covered strawberries for dessert our first night 🥰 this hotel has so many small special touches and they make you feel very at home. It is so calming and peaceful and made our whole trip better! We look forward to returning!

Lauren Redden

Google

Antigua Casona San Blas is a peaceful refuge just outside the city center. The location is in a convenient and charming part of the city with many shops and restaurants nearby. The design of the hotel is beautiful, and the tranquil outdoor area with fire pits is perfect for relaxing with a drink from the bar or hot tea at the end of the day. The breakfast is delicious, with many nourishing and creative options to choose from. The staff are kind and attentive, and you will feel at home with the tea and hot water bottles brought to your room in the evening. Staying here was a highlight of my trip. I couldn’t recommend it more.

Vaibhavi Shinde

Google

Had a lovely three-night stay here. The rooms were spacious, and the breakfast was amazing. The staff were exceptional, and it made the stay very memorable! Would recommend to any traveller going to Cusco.

TXFlyer

Google

The hotel staff is outstanding. Very accommodating and personable. The bar and restaurant were excellent and the included breakfast was quite nice. Loved the outdoor lounge area with fire pits.||Unfortunately, our room was not as pictured or described on the hotel’s website. We booked a ‘traditional’ room and were assigned room 302. It was dark and dreary. The bathroom sink was located in the main bedroom and only the shower/toilet were in a separate area. The door to the balcony was actually a sealed double door (metal doors followed by wooden doors). ||This was sufficient for 1 night and I really wanted to give 5 stars but felt disappointed when comparing the expected room (website pictures) vs reality (attached pictures).