Preview of El Mercado Tunqui

Yesterday Aracari had the fantastic opportunity to have a sneak preview of Cusco’s latest boutique hotel, El Mercado Tunqui. Although they are still finishing a few details, I was thrilled to find out that the hotel exceeded all our expectations… not bad considering our expectations are pretty high in the first place!

Following our blog article last month (which, admittedly, we lifted from a press release), we were eager to see the hotel with our own eyes. In particular we wanted to know how the concept of a marketplace has been handled, and whether the hotel lived up to the billing of Cusco’s newest Boutique hotel. Finally, we were clamouring to know how the hotel stands up when compared to other hotels in the same category.

I’m very pleased to say, after my visit, that El Mercado Tunqui succeeds on all counts. The 27 rooms are beautifully decorated, many of these have a view of the city. Apart from having a more ample size, the 2 suites and the 5 junior suites differ from the 20 standard rooms in that they all have their own bathtub and fireplace. All the rooms have feather pillows and 400 thread count cotton sheets (if you’re allergic to feathers synthetic pillow can be provided). Amenities include a coffee machine as well as a selection of mate teas. The walls and floors of the bedrooms are all heated creating a perfect temperature. Internet wifi is strong all over the hotel as the have multiple routers and a router in every room. There is an elevator to access the upper floors.

The brakfast room is incredible! It is open with service all day and is very comfortable, it has one of the most beautiful atmospheres that I have seen in a hotel of late. The temperature here is most agreeable, due to the fact that the floors are all heated … an important detail on oft chilly Cusco mornings.  The hotel is also heated with and ecological water circulation system, that does not consume any energy.

Far from being overwhelming or chaotic (as many markets in Peru can be) the marketplace idea has been very tastefully managed. It’s possible to sup on a fresh Peruvian fruit juice from one of the Emolientes  (or “cart vendors”), for example, which is a common feature of markets across Peru. The buffet also adopts the syle of a market, with everything being made to order on the spot with fresh ingredients. In a similar vein, in the lounge and breakfast rooms you feel like you are immersed in a market with the most warm and wonderful atmosphere, the decoration is by Jordi Puig, the same designer behind Hotel B. The hotel is full of details to make guests feel comfortable at home: they are currently awaiting a selection of organic bathroom products from Italy, for example.  Despite all of these features, the market idea is not overplayed or overexagerated, and does not extend to the bedrooms.

This will definitely be an interesting option for Aracari guests in Cusco looking for an affordable option of a very high standard. We’re very pleased that this hotel will soon be on the market!!

The hotel is due to open officially the first week of August, though they are currently now in a soft opening period as they add the final touches and details. If you are interested in staying at El Mercado Tunqui during your Peru trip please don’t hesitate to contact us.