A legendary and controversial hotel - Witheld. Date of travel: Nov 2008
The lodge is often unfairly criticised for being overpriced and situated too close to the ruins. However, it has recently been overtaken by the Orient Express chain and the new, understated and elegant decoration plus the absolutely first class service certainly make it worth the price, which can be lowered by booking through a travel agent. The location within the gate area, 20m from the entrance is fantastic and, given the rest of the gate installations condition, rather raises the quality of the place. Saving the nasty bus trip to the shanty-town where the rest of the hotels are situated is certainly worth something as well. The rooms are small by necessity, but very luxurious and the restaurant is World class. We stayed there after walking the Inca Trail and that level of luxury after four days of camping was a rather nice and welcome contrast.