Monasterio occupies a building that dates to 1595, a former monastery of whitewashed stone, arches and original frescoes arranged around a cloistered courtyard. The hotel lists 117 rooms on three floors, a free daily buffet breakfast, the El Tupay and Oqre restaurants, a lobby bar and a small spa with deep-tissue massage by reservation. Eight room types are listed, from superior rooms of about 194 square feet to a one-bedroom suite of about 646, and oxygen-enriched versions of several categories are offered, which many guests find helps with sleep in their first nights at altitude. Guests rate it 9.8 out of 10 from over five hundred reviews, with the staff, the historic setting, the breakfast and the restaurants singled out for praise. Walking distances are tiny: the Cathedral is about a minute away, the Plaza de Armas and the Inca Museum two minutes, San Blas five and the Coricancha eight. The airport is around twenty minutes by car.
Staying here is a matter of atmosphere. The courtyard, the chapel-like spaces and the thick stone walls create a calm that contrasts with the bustle around the square, and the rooms are sound-proofed with climate control, blackout drapes and premium bedding. A few reviewers note that rooms can feel small and that the spa is limited, and the booking page says air conditioning is available for an extra fee, so choose a larger category if space matters.
The hotel is EarthCheck certified and avoids plastic straws and bottles, and it welcomes guests with an elevator and an accessible airport shuttle, although there is one step at the main entrance.
Practicalities
There is no parking, and a car is not needed in this part of town. Airport transfers are available at a fee and must be arranged at least 72 hours in advance. Children under 18 need a parent or authorized adult, and documents may be required, so check Peruvian consular guidance if traveling with minors. Pets are accepted for a fee. Compare the cancellation terms on your rate, and book early for May to September and festival periods such as Inti Raymi in June.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers and travelers who want the old-city address with every sight on foot. It is a distinct experience from the other convent hotel nearby, Belmond Palacio Nazarenas, which is all suites with a heated pool; Monasterio is the older, more traditional of the two, with a cloistered courtyard rather than a pool. Take it slowly on arrival: at about 3,400 meters, hydration and rest matter more than an ambitious first afternoon.
Why stay here
- ✓1595 monastery building
- ✓Cloistered courtyard
- ✓Oxygen-enriched room options
- ✓El Tupay and Oqre restaurants
- ✓Lobby bar
- ✓Spa massage by reservation
- ✓Free daily buffet breakfast
- ✓Elevator and accessible shuttle
Good questions
Does Monasterio have oxygen-enriched rooms?+
Yes. The booking page offers oxygen versions of several room categories, which can help with sleep during the first nights at altitude.
Is breakfast included?+
The booking page shows a free daily buffet breakfast, served in the morning until mid-morning. Check the details of your rate.
How far is it from the Cathedral?+
About a minute on foot. The Plaza de Armas is two minutes away and San Blas about five.
