In February, I wrote about how impressed I was to find that the (then) SPG category 4 Westin Miyako Kyoto had its own Category 4 helipad. For the SPG program, I find the best combination of aspirational properties and value in the category 5 range priced at 12000 to 16000 points per night. A large percentage of my weekly business stays are in SPG category 4 properties and while they are well located, clean and nice, I wouldn’t categorize most of them as aspirational. While my expectations tend to be a bit lower for category 4 properties, I am a value-driven redeemer so I always like to highlight the SPG category 4 hotels that go above and beyond and offer a truly aspirational experience.
The category 4 helipad in Kyoto was quite an interesting resort amenity but I have found one much better. The Tambo Del Inka, a category 4 Luxury Collection resort located in the Sacred Valley in Peru, has its own private train station! Just a short walk from the lobby though still inside the gates of the resort you will find the private train station.
Private train station
The most obvious question would be where you can actually get to by train from the private station. The answer of course would be…. to one of the 7 wonders of the modern world!
Llama checking out the view
The train conveniently initiates its route at the Tambo Del Inka in the morning (it also terminates at the resort in the evening) and makes 3 brief stops before arriving at Aguas Calientes, where buses take you up to Machu Picchu. The journey is half the fun and takes about an hour and a half though we had a few additional stops for sheep, llamas, alpaca, children, and 10 piglets crossing the tracks.
The journey is half the fun!
Train vistas
The bottom line
The Tambo Del Inka is not your average category 4. In fact, it is not even close. This property is absolutely phenomenal! In my analysis, I feel obliged to compare the resort against category 6 SPG properties because that is a more useful exercise. I am wrapping up my stay now but will be sure to provide a full trip report.
About alex
Alex loves to travel and does so a lot. Logging 100,000 flight miles each year over the past 4 years, Alex uses points and miles to power his passion. Alex is continuously striving to experience the far reaches of the globe. In his day job, Alex is a Management Consultant frequently on the road advising Technology organizations. I love thinking about, reading about, and talking about all things travel. Feel free to reach me at pmmalex@gmail.com
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Very cool!
Just booked few nights there, soo much looking for your report!
is the train ride free if you stay at the hotel(w/ poitns specifically)?
We stayed here and used the train to take us back to the hotel from our 4 day MP hike. The staff knew we coming and met us at the train, took our bags and walked us back to the hotel. This place is unreal and the C&P is the best deal to date. The service and butler were awesome. The spa is incredible. We took our plat gift of wine to the outside part of the bar and they came with glasses, small bites and poured the wine, as if we bought a $1000 bottle.
Nice. Thanks for sharing!
@jo – The train tickets are purchased separately. The hotel can arrange tickets or there is also a Perurail Ticketing Office in the dedicated shopping area of the resort. (It is actually the only store in the shopping area!)