Rooms

Where to bed down in Cusco

Heading to the lofty Peruvian city? Rest your weary head in one of its classic Andean-inspired digs

EL RETABLO

This two-storey boutique B&B features eye-catching murals, flowery headboards and the odd painted ceiling. Vibrant splashes of colour are set against bright white walls, and each of the 17 rooms has been hand-painted by a different artist; the style mimics that of a traditional Peruvian retablo — a brightly coloured Andean folk art box, often housing tiny religious figurines. Handwoven Andean throws and cushions decorate the beds, and both the high-ceilinged breakfast lounge and pretty courtyard feature vivid murals. For a sense of place, you can’t do better than this. From £58. elretablo.com

XO ART HOUSE

A new sibling for El Retablo, this art-themed hotel opened in January 2019 after previously operating under a different name. Set within a grand, converted casona (mansion) in the San Blas area, XO Art House’s seven boutique-style rooms have been dressed up with a dash of 21st century — think modern art, delicately clashing colours and an array of IPADS. From £69. xoarthousecusco.com

TAMBO DEL ARRIERO

This 17th-century colonial mansion started out as an inn for Andean muleteers. It fell into disrepair over the years, before being restored by a local family in 2007. The rooms are set around two balcony-fringed courtyards and while the style is modern with plenty of bright colours, the beamed ceilings and murals are a nod to the building’s origins. From £65. tambodelarriero.com

ATIQ BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Overlooking the Coricancha Temple and the church of Santo Domingo, Atiq’s nine rooms are a sumptuous retreat right in the heart of the Inca capital. The interior design was overseen by Peruvian designer Elena Testino (sister of famous photographer Mario), and heavy drapes, gilded mirrors and bold, fuschia-andorange furniture are the order of the day. From £76. atiqhotel.com