Cusco's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Hilton Motto Experience!
Cusco's Hidden Gem: The Unbelievable Hilton Motto Experience! (Ramblings of a Tired Traveler)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I just got back from… inhales deeply … the Hilton Motto in Cusco. And let me tell you, trying to write a review about ANYTHING after breathing that altitude air is a challenge. My brain feels like a scrambled egg. But, I promised you a detailed review, and by golly, I intend to deliver, even if it means rambling for a bit. So, let's dive into this Cusco adventure, shall we?
First Impressions & Accessibility (or, the Elevator Saga)
Getting there was half the battle. Cusco is… well, it’s Cuz-CO. Short bursts of walking, lots of stairs. But the Hilton Motto? Right off the bat, accessibility gets a thumbs up. The entrance is pretty level, which is a HUGE win in a city built on hills. I saw elevator action, which is crucial, and they mention facilities for disabled guests. So, already, kudos.
Now, the initial vibes? Trendy. Like, hipster-meets-Inca-ruins. It’s trying to be cool, and honestly… it mostly pulls it off. The lobby has this… thing. Like, it’s not trying too hard, and that’s refreshing. The concierge was absolutely brilliant; friendly, helpful, and spoke perfect English. They also had a super cute gift/souvenir shop. I may have, er, overindulged in alpaca socks. Don't judge me.
The Room: My Personal Oxygen Tent (Mostly)
Let's talk about the room itself. Okay, so, I'm not going to lie, I requested a room on a high floor because, you know, views! I got a room with blackout curtains (BLESS!), a window that opens (vital for fresh air in that altitude – seriously, you need it), and free Wi-Fi! Seriously, free Wi-Fi in all the rooms is GOLD in 2024. They called it Wi-Fi [free], genius. And the air conditioning? Crucial. I mean Cusco can get chilly, but when you are tired, it is great. The desk was a lifesaver for that oh-so-important laptop workspace, though my judgment may have been a little hazy. The bed was comfortable, with those linens that feel like you are being wrapped in a cloud. They had all the standard stuff – coffee/tea maker, complimentary tea, a refrigerator, and a mini bar – though I just stuck with the damn water. That altitude, man.
**Important note: they also have access to *Internet access – LAN* and Internet access – wireless.
They had a private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub, so you're set with that. I was so exhausted, I didn't even use the tub! (blasphemy, I know). And that was the best aspect: the soundproofing. After a day climbing around the Sacsayhuamán ruins (which, by the way, is an amazing experience), all you crave is silence. I got a non-smoking room, and the smoke detectors seemed to appreciate it.
The Food & Drink: (My Stomach's Adventure)
Oh, the food. Let's be honest, I'm a sucker for breakfast [buffet], and this one was… decent. They had your regular Western breakfast, plus an attempt at Asian breakfast. It’s there! And on the occasion you can order breakfast in room, fantastic!
Here's the real kicker: the restaurants. I will tell you about one in particular. It was called Cusco's Kitchen. Okay, so this restaurant has a beautiful view and a killer Happy Hour. And, oh boy, the food. I ordered a salad in restaurant. It was HUGE. And delicious. But the real gem? Their soup in restaurant. I can't stress this enough: after a day of exploring, the soup (I have no idea what kind it was) was the most comforting thing EVER. Seriously, bordering on religious experience.
They also have a poolside bar, coffee/tea in restaurant, a snack bar, and restaurants. Of course, you could also order room service [24-hour]. But remember, altitude, soup. That's the secret.
Wellness, Relaxation, & The Altitude Struggle
Okay, so here's the deal. I didn't use the Body scrub or the Body wrap. I'm sorry, but I have a lot of climbing to do and a Spa/sauna, Pool with view, a Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor] seemed less enticing than a nap. But, they were there! They also have a Fitness center. Bless. My lungs appreciated the air outside more than the inside.
Cleanliness, Safety, & The Sanitizing Superhero Squad
This is where the Hilton Motto truly shines. They're REALLY on top of it. I'm talking Daily disinfection in common areas, Staff trained in safety protocol, Hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, and Individually-wrapped food options. They also mention Anti-viral cleaning products. It felt VERY safe, and that matters. They have a Cashless payment service, so no fumbling with the local currency. I felt they went above and beyond to ensure cleanliness and safety. Also, there is a doctor on call, although hopefully you don't need it.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You) - minor
Okay, I didn't see any kids (thank GOD), but they have Babysitting service and are listed as Family/child friendly.
Getting Around & Extras (The Nitty-Gritty)
Airport transfer? They have it! Car park [free of charge]? Yep, got it. Taxi service? Obvs. They are also doing Contactless check-in/out, they have Luggage storage, and if you are getting hitched, they have Proposal spot.
Also, I found the Daily housekeeping incredibly pleasant. You’d be amazed how happy a fresh towel can make you after a sweaty day.
The Unspoken Imperfections (because, let's be real)
Okay, the truth, for the perfectionists: The Wi-Fi, despite the free Wi-Fi in all the rooms!, sometimes fizzed out. It's not a HUGE deal, but there were moments of frustration. And sometimes, the water pressure in the shower was… whimsical.
The Verdict & The Super-Duper, Can't-Miss Offer:
Look, Cusco is a trip. It's beautiful. It's challenging. It's… exhausting. But the Hilton Motto? It's a solid base camp. It's a sanctuary. It’s a place where you can escape the altitude, get a decent meal, and crash with some peace of mind.
The Unbelievable, Not-Quite-Secret Offer
Book your stay at the Cusco Hilton Motto! You'll get:
- A free upgrade to a room with a balcony!
- A complimentary cocktail at the bar (you'll need it after trying to pronounce "Inca Kola"!)
- The Guarantee of the Soup: If you hate the soup in Cusco's Kitchen, your meal is on the house (but seriously, you won't).
- Free Laundry Service: You are welcome.
- Free car parking: No excuses!
Why should you book this hotel? Because, after all the altitude, after all the hills, after all the delicious food, you deserve a great place to spend your time in Cusco.
But most of all, you deserve a break. Give your mind a rest, give your lungs a break, and let the Hilton Motto take care of the rest. Trust me. You'll thank me later. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap.
Wootton Bassett Dream Home: My Amazing Property Revealed!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Motto by Hilton Cusco Catastrophe… I mean, Adventure! Itinerary? Honey, it's more like a suggestion box filled with chaos and Peruvian sunshine. Here we go:
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Screams
- Morning (aka, the jet-lagged stumble): Land in Cusco. Oh, the air! It bites, doesn't it? Like a tiny, persistent alpaca nipping at your lungs. Ugh. Immediately feel the throbbing in my head and my heart beating like a hummingbird trapped in a shoebox. Found myself clutching onto my suitcase like it was a life raft, convinced I’d be swept away by the thin air.
- The Motto by Hilton Check-in: Made it to the hotel. Motto is… well, it's fine. Tiny, sure. Like, really tiny. My room? The size of my walk-in closet back home, which, let's be honest, is also the size of a small Peruvian llama ranch. The staff, bless their hearts, are all smiles, though their smiles seem to take on an extra layer of patience when dealing with the gringos gasping for breath.
- My first thought? Why did I choose Cusco? I am not sure if I will make it through the day.
- Afternoon (the slow crawl): Coffee. Lots of coffee. Coca tea (which, by the way, tastes like swamp water but is supposed to help). Wandered the main square (Plaza de Armas), and felt like I'd run a marathon without, well, running. Altitude sickness is a cruel mistress. I wanted to just lay down and cry.
- An Anecdote: Tripped over a paving stone. My dignity, my pride, all left my body… right there on the cobblestones of Cusco, rolling away like stray marbles. A local woman, with eyes that held centuries of wisdom and sass, just shook her head and muttered something in Spanish. I'm pretty sure it wasn't "Bless you." it was probably something more like "Silly Gringo".
- Evening (the desperate plea for oxygen): Dinner at a recommended restaurant. I ordered alpaca. It was… fine. Not mind-blowing. Mostly I just stared at the food and prayed my stomach wouldn't stage a revolt. Made it back to the hotel, crawled into bed, and spent the next hour battling my own internal fog.
Day 2: Sacred Valley Shenanigans & The Great Inca Face-Off
- Morning (the bus ride of doom): Booked a tour of the Sacred Valley. Ugh, a tour? I hate organized things! But, hey, promises. The bus was… cramped. The guide was… intense. And the scenery? Breathtaking, if you could actually breathe. The only thing I was scared of during this part of the experience was the drive up the winding roads, or getting stuck in a traffic jam, or maybe worse.
- Quirky Observation: The bus driver, a tiny, stoic man, wore a fedora and didn't speak one word the entire time. He just navigated those treacherous roads like a seasoned race car driver, with a complete and utter lack of expression. I think he knows where we're going, though the roads may not agree with that, considering the poor condition. I just hope he has a good travel insurance.
- Afternoon (the almost collapse): Visited the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Climbed. So. Much. Climbing. (WHY are all the ruins on… hills??) I think I almost passed out. Twice. Almost broke down in tears because I thought I was going to pass out. The views from the top were incredible, I'll give it that, but the sheer effort of getting there was exhausting.
- Emotional Reaction: Honestly, the physicality of it all was overwhelming. I wanted to be amazed and inspired, but all I wanted was a nap and a large supply of oxygen. I hate being so out of shape.
- Evening (the llama-induced existential crisis): Back in Cusco. Had dinner, the only thing I wanted was a hot bath. Then I encountered…the llamas. There were llamas EVERYWHERE. They were majestic. They were fluffy. They were judging me.
- Rant Time: I started to wonder if I was meant to be here. Was I supposed to be here? I questioned my purpose in life, as I was forced to pose for a photo…with a llama. And then I tried to make my own face for the llama and I looked silly. I felt silly! And I have now decided, I will not be posing for any pictures with any animals. (I'm not sure this is going to last, though.)
Day 3: Market Mayhem & the Chocolate Debacle (and Double-Down on One Experience)
- Morning (the market madness): Decided to be "adventurous" and visit the San Pedro Market. Chaos! Colors! Smells! Hustle! Stuff I have never seen before for sale! I loved it!
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: I bought some alpaca wool socks (which turned out to be itchy. Ugh.) I tried chicha (a fermented corn drink). It tasted like something between sour milk and…well, I'm not sure what exactly. It was terrible. But, I had to experience it! So, I had a second cup. I am still here, surprisingly.
- Afternoon (the chocolate…fiasco!): Found a chocolate-making class! Sounds fun, right? Wrong!
- Doubling Down: Oh, you think you know chocolate? Hah! I thought so too. This wasn't like making cookies from a box, this was real chocolate, where you have to use the cacao, and the equipment… there's a whole bunch of machines to run you, and it's a lot harder than it looks!
- More Emotional Reaction: I felt humiliated, clumsy, and like a general failure. My chocolate creations were… a disaster. They were misshapen, they tasted bitter, and they looked like something my dog might have regurgitated. I was a hot mess. And the air felt thick. I wanted to quit. I wanted to throw myself into a river of cocoa.
- My Opinionated Take: Chocolate making is hard work. And I admire the perseverance and artistry of anyone who can actually make chocolate.
- Final Thought: I'm sticking to buying chocolate, from now on.
- Evening (the “I survived!” celebration): Back at the hotel. Another coca tea. Another attempt to breathe normally. A quiet victory.
Day 4: Departure… and Departure Blues?
- Morning (the bittersweet farewell): Packing. Saying goodbye to the altitude headaches (hopefully). Saying goodbye to Cusco.
- Final Thought: Cusco was…an experience. It was beautiful, challenging, infuriating, and utterly unforgettable. Would I go back? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing a personal oxygen tank. And maybe a therapist. Or maybe, I just need an amazing chocolate bar.
Cusco's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Hilton Motto Experience – Your Messy Guide!
Okay, spill! What's this "Hilton Motto" thing everyone's raving about (and why am I suddenly adding to the praise)?
Alright, alright, I'll spill! It's the Hilton Motto Cusco. Honestly, I stumbled upon it after a particularly rough Machu Picchu trek (more on that later, let me tell you!). I was expecting… well, a Hilton. You know, beige walls, predictable service, and a breakfast buffet that feels oddly uninspired. But NO! This place? It's a freaking *experience*. It's like they took everything cool about Cusco – the history, the vibrancy, the 'I-might-start-speaking-Quechua-any-minute' vibe – and injected it directly into my veins.
It's not just a hotel; it's a portal. You walk in, and BAM! The energy hits you. Seriously, I felt lighter, like a thousand pounds of tourist-related anxiety just evaporated. I’m not sure if it was the coca tea (which, by the way, is not just for altitude sickness, it's magic in a cup!), the genuine smiles of the staff (no, seriously, they *actually* smiled!), or the fact that my room looked straight out of a design magazine. Probably all three. Definitely all three. And the location? Chefs kiss. Right in the heart of everything, but tucked away enough to escape the chaos. Genius!
Is it REALLY a "hidden gem," though? I see it pop up on all the travel blogs now... #Overhyped?
Okay, yeah, you got me. "Hidden" might be stretching it a *little* (like, a lot). It's definitely not, like, a secret handshake type of hidden anymore. But what I mean is it's a hidden *level* of awesome. You know? Like a video game – it's a familiar level, but the developers added a secret bonus room. They just did something *right* in a way that lots of other hotels completely miss.
The travel blogs are right, though. It's *very* good. And, let's be honest, maybe *I* helped contribute to the hype a little after I started sending everyone there after I had a perfect meal at their restaurant. I'm still trying to figure out if those other guests enjoyed it as much as I did. But hey, good things spread, right? Just brace yourself for potential crowds at breakfast… because trust me, the breakfast. Oh, the breakfast… (coming up!)
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. What's the *actual* experience like? The rooms? The food? Don't spare the details!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. We're going deep.
The Rooms: Modern, stylish, and clean. Like, *ridiculously* clean. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so this was huge for me. The beds are… clouds. Actual clouds. I slept like a baby, which, considering I was battling altitude sickness for the first few days, was a miracle. The showers? Powerful. Like, I-can-wash-away-the-sins-of-the-world powerful. The views from some rooms are incredible, especially the ones overlooking the city. I was lucky enough to score one, and I woke up smiling every single morning. (Okay, maybe not *every* morning, there was that one where I accidentally drank too much the night before… but generally, yes!).
The Food: Oh. My. God. Where do I even BEGIN? The breakfast buffet alone could probably cure world hunger (or at least keep me full for the rest of the day). Fresh fruit (that *actually* tastes like something!), amazing pastries, eggs cooked every which way you can imagine, and the best damn coffee in Cusco. And the staff...they are always around to help. Now, as I mentioned, I loved the restaurant, which has a fantastic menu that I would recommend.
The Atmosphere: Relaxed, but with a subtle buzz of excitement. Think chic, not stuffy. It's the kind of place where you can wear your hiking boots and not feel out of place. The staff are SO friendly, always happy to help, and they genuinely seem to care about your experience. They speak fantastic English, so you don´t have to worry
Altitude sickness – the elephant in the room! How did the hotel help you survive it?
Oh, altitude sickness. The bane of my existence (at least the first few days). Look, Cusco is high, and if you're coming from sea level, you're gonna feel it. I arrived feeling like I had a truck parked on my chest and a tiny man with a hammer pounding in my head. Not fun.
But the Motto? Bless them! They had coca tea available *everywhere*. Like, in your room, at reception, basically at every turn. They also had oxygen available, which I thankfully didn't need (but appreciated knowing it was there). The staff are super knowledgeable about altitude sickness and offered tons of tips: drink water, avoid alcohol (yeah, I learned that the hard way!), take it easy, and listen to your body. Honestly, their proactive approach made a massive difference. Plus, that amazing breakfast gave me the energy to not collapse on the street. So, major points!
Any downsides? (Because nothing's perfect, right?)
Okay, okay, time for brutal honesty. There are a few teeny-tiny things.
1. The Price: It's not *cheap*. Let's be real. This is definitely a splurge. But, and this is a big but, I think it's worth the splurge. You're paying for the location, the service, the quality, the overall *vibe*. Plus, the experience justifies the cost. 2. The Noise: Cusco can be a noisy city. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the street, or bring earplugs. I eventually became accustomed to the sounds of Cusco and slept like a log most nights. 3. The Breakfast Crowds: As I mentioned, the breakfast is popular. It can get a little busy during peak hours. But hey, the food is worth it, so just embrace the hustle and bustle and savor every bite.
Honestly, those are pretty minor complaints. I'm grasping at straws here to find something genuinely bad. It's just that good. And honestly, if you are visiting Machu Picchu, do yourself a favor and book a few nights!
Okay, you mentioned Machu Picchu… How did the hotel help with that, and what did that mess entail?
Oh, Machu Picchu. A story in itself. Let me set the stage: I booked a multi-day trek. Big mistake. I am not a hiker. I’m more of a "sit-on-a-beach-with-a-cocktail" kind of person. But, I wanted the *experience*.
The trek was… challenging. Let's just say I'm pretty certain I aged a decade during those three days. Blisters, back pain, the constant threat of altitude sickness… it was a struggle. I finished the trek, but, to be honest, by the end of the trek, I was a shadow ofStay Finder Blogs
