Casa Cartagena is a unique luxury modern design hotel housed in a protected colonial mansion. It may look like another of Cusco’s charming historic buildings from the exterior, but step inside and you’ll be struk by its alternative contemporary Italian minimalist design set against the traditional architecture.
Casa Cartagena Boutique Hotel & Spa
This sixteen-room hotel is located just off the quiet Plazoleta Nazarenas, close to some of Cusco’s other top luxury hotels: Inkaterra La Casona, Belmond Monasterio and Belmond Palacio Nazarenas.
History
Casa Cartagena was built during the Inca Empire and modified during the colonial period in the 17th century, all the while housing the ruling nobility. The hotel has been carefully restored and is recognized for its historical and cultural significance, declared a Monument of Peruvian Cultural Heritage by the National Institute of Culture. The Chilean poet Pablo Neruda once sought inspiration here and Argentine revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara spent many nights here too.
Contemporary flair Meets Tradition
Characterful design and hallmark creative flair makes Casa Cartagena stand out from the other classic luxury properties in Cusco. Outdoors, a large modern white globe sculpture on the grass lawn juxtaposes the traditional arches of the pretty central courtyard. Inside each room is different. Expect feature walls of green and white block stripes, or green and purple checker block color. Modernist Italian white and red flashy furniture and trendy bright pink and yellow glowing standing laps are some of the playfully uses of furniture. These alternative design elements are contrasted with the property’s unique and historic character: exposed wooden beams, paintings on the walls which have faded over time, and traditional Peruvian embroidered textiles and cushions.
The Rooms
There are a total of 16 spacious oxygen-enriched suites, across four room categories. All the suites have wooden balconies overlook the property’s gardens. In addition, each exquisitely appointed suite features a central heating system, Internet, flat-screen TV, a DVD player, and inviting walk-in showers – some with large bathtubs. Most of the rooms at Casa Cartagena feel very generously sized and many have high ceilings.
LP Suite
There are 4 Twin and 4 Double rooms in this category, overlooking the main patio; it is possible to add an extra bed or crib.
LP Master Suite
These colonial suites preserve their original design and size, ranging from 60-100m2. Their spacious size means they all have a comfortable-sized living room.
LP Suite Presidencial
The 120m2 Suite Presidencial has a republican-style balcony with views of the atrisan district of San Blas and separated bedroom and living spaces. A huge hydromasssage tub fits four.
LP Suite Royal
The split-level Suite Royal has spectacular views from its terrace, with colonial stone arches. A huge hydromasssage tub fits four – there’s also a private massage room and dry sauna.
Spa & Gym
The perfect place to relax after a day at Machu Picchu or strolling the cobbled streets of Cusco is the Qoya Spa, with an indoor hydro massage pool and steam room included in the rate. Treatment rooms offer a range of pampering services, overlookig a garden terrace.
Dining
Breakfast and meals are served in La Chola Restaurant, which is excellent. The menu offers a range of Andean and Western cuisine and an excellent range of choice at breakfast, with a buffet and a la carte options. In the evening guests are offered complimentary cocktails, a pisco sour lesson at the bar, and delicious canapes.
