Sonesta Posadas del Inca Sacred Valley

The hotel occupies a renovated 18th-century former monastery on Plaza Manco II in Yucay, a small village about five minutes from Urubamba. Rooms are arranged around courtyards and gardens, and the old buildings keep much of their colonial feel. The 88 rooms are spacious and modern inside, with heating, which matters on cold Andean nights. There is a wedding chapel on the grounds, along with a café, a bar and a gift shop.

Yucay sits near the middle of the Sacred Valley, so day trips to Pisac, Moray, Maras and Ollantaytambo are all straightforward. The hotel can arrange transfers to Ollantaytambo station for the train to Machu Picchu, and Cusco is about an hour's drive away. Sleeping in the valley before Cusco is a gentler way to adjust to the altitude. On site you can eat at Inkafé, the main restaurant, stop at the café for afternoon tea, or have pizza and pasta at the trattoria in the evening.

This is a good choice for travelers who want a solid hotel with some history at a fair price and plan to spend their days out exploring. Expect a step down in polish and amenities from the valley's top luxury resorts, so check the facilities if a spa or pool matters to you. The hotel also has event space and a chapel, so it may be busier when groups or weddings are in.