More Traveler Reviews of Presidente Aguas Calientes
Great view!
from vktang on 2006-08-12
There aren't very many options for lodging near Machu Picchu, but this had to be one of the nicest places. We, like the reviewer before me, had a beautiful balcony overlooking the river. It was gorgeous, but you can't leave the door open for TOO long, as the mosquitos will eat you alive.
The room we had was extremely pleasant and had a huge bathroom and shower. Everything was in close proximity to the hotel, so it was very pleasant.
As a tip, not all rooms have balconies, and some friends who did not have rooms with balconies did not like their room.
The breakfast was ample. Nothing to write home about, but it was enough to get me through the morning.
Lugar agradable
from arnfold on 2006-08-10
Nos alojamos aquí para poder ir a Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes no es mucho, pero las habitaciones de atrás miran hacian el río, así que siempre está el sonido del río corriendo - ésto nos agradó porque cubría cualquier otro tipo de ruido que hubiese. La habitación estaba muy bien designada, amplia, limpia y confortable. El personal era cortés y agradable. El desayuno estaba bien.
Una experiencia maravillosa
from crimsontides on 2006-08-10
Mi amiga y yo nos alojamos en el Hostal Presidente como parte de nuestro paquete Traveland de la Herencia Inca. Al principio no sabíamos que esperar porque estaba justo por las vías del tren. El hostal es muy pintoresco, tiene varios pisos, y si tienes tanta suerte como nosotros ¡tendrás una vista ESPECTACULAR del río! Nuestra habitación nos gustó mucho, teníamos un televisor, teléfono, baño personal, y una terraza con una vista que nunca olvidaremos. El baño estaba limpio y de tamaño regular (dos niñas pueden estar ahí al mismo tiempo), pero es un hostal, y tener nuestro propio baño era un lujo. La ducha tenía cortinas (aunque se veía limpia, usamos nuestras chancletas en la ducha). Un padre y su hijo que estaban en el viaje tenían una habitación sin la terraza con vista, o alguna vista en general, pero su baño era lujoso. Tenían un baño con una bañera de buen tamaño y una ducha por separado. En lo personal, a mi me gustan las vistas, y el sonido del río me ayudaba a dormir (es como ruido de fondo). Mi amiga y yo, y otros miembros del viaje fuimos de excursión a Machu Picchu desde el hostal cuando llegamos. La caminata fue de alrededor de una hora y media hasta lo más alto. Si no llegas hasta arriba, también hay autobuses que van arriba y abajo por los caminos, puedes pedirle a un conductor que por $1 dolar americano te lleve arriba o hacia abajo para el hotel. El Hostal Presidente está cerca de restaurantes, tiendas, y los mercados de los agricultores. La gente era simpática en el lugar y muy servicial. El desyuno en una escala del 1-10 era un 7. Tenían zumos recién hechos, fruta fresca (uvas deliciosas) y carbohidratos. El desayunon era gratis, así que no te puedes quejar. En general, me alojaría aquí de nuevo y pediría por la misma habitación con la vista. ¡Esta experiencia nunca la olvidaré!
Hotel Presidente
from RhondaMarie on 2006-08-10
Cuando estás en el Valle Sagrado, estás muy limitado en cuando a las opciones para alojarte. Tienes que pagar altos precios para alojarte en complejos mas bonitos o escoger un hotel/hostal en la calle principal de Aguas Calientes. El Presidente es asequible pero no sin dejar de lado sus problemas. El personal es adecuado, pero no se esfuerzan mucho por ser simpáticos. En muchas ocasiones caminamos por el hotel sin que ni siguiera nos hicieran caso. Las habitaciones del lado de la calle principal (las vías del tren) eran muy ruidosas, y con muy pocos muebles. Las habitaciones del lado del río son mucho mejores, con terrazas y una vista excelente. Repito, con muy pocos muebles, y lleva un rato conseguir que salga agua caliente. Había un olor fétido en la habitación que creo que era por las condiciones de las tuberías y el agua. El bar del desayuno estaba pobre, y por las 7am casi todos los alimentos estaban vacíos y no los reemplazaban. El hotel ofrece cuidar de tu equipaje mientras estás en MAchu Picchu y hay un representante en el train que se lleva tus maletas. También cuidan de tu equipaje despues de pagar y salir (a las 9am). Servicios del hotel: teléfono en la habitación, televisor con recepción mala y canales limitados, no hay servicio de internet. No ví nada que ofreciera servicio de lavandería, pero puede que lo haya.
Wonderful Experience
from crimsontides on 2006-07-20
My friend and I stayed at the Hostal Presidente as part of our Traveland, Inca's Legacy package. At first, we didn't know what to expect since it was right by the train tracks.
The hostal is very quaint, has multi-levels, and if you're lucky like us you'll get an AWESOME view of the river! We loved our room, we had a television, phone, private bath, and a balcony with a view to remember. The bathroom was clean and average size (two girls can fit in there at the same time), but it's a hostal, so to have our own bath was a luxury. The shower was a step in shower w/ curtains (even though it looked clean, we wore our flip-flops into the shower). A father and son on the tour had a room without the balcony with a view or any view, but their bathroom was luxurious. They had a bath with a nice sized tub and seperate shower. Personally, I like views and the sound of the river helped me sleep (it's like white noise).
My friend and I and some other tour members hiked up to Machu Picchu from the hostal when we got there. The walk was about an hour and a half all the way to the top. If you can't make it there are buses going up and down the road paths, you can flag one down and offer the driver $1 USD per person to hitch a ride up or back to town.
Hostal Presidente is close to restaurants, stores, and the farmer's market. The people were friendly at the facility and very helpful. The breakfast was on a scale of 1-10 a 7. They had fresh squeezed juices, fresh fruit (delicious grapes), and carbs. The breakfast is free, so can't complain.
Overall, I'd stay there again and ask for the same room with a view. The experience was one I'd never forget!
Staying In Aguas Calenties is FUN!
from A TripAdvisor User on 2006-04-27
I've conducted tours to Peru for 20 years, stayed in many places and seen it all. When I visit Aguas Calenties I prefer to stay at The Presidente because the rooms are very clean, the staff is always friendly and the location within the town is perfect. I have never had any issue with dirty rooms or linens. Actually, this place is above average in this regards.
I must tell you the breakfast is not much, though. I always go elsewhere to catch coffee and a meal. This is truly their weak point. Because of the location, I simply cross the street (tracks actually) and head to the internet cafe just across from and to the right of the Presidente (opposite the train ticket office). It's owned by a Shaman (and good businessman) named Cucho. He has excellent meals and perfect coffee! The internet connection is fast and reliable, too!
The problem with most heading into the outback of Peru are their complaints about service and accommodations. Get a clue, folks... This is Peru. You will not find services and accommodations anything like Europe or the USA. Don't wait until you're hungry to find a meal, don't complain the room is not much (instead, ask for a different room) and treat those working with respect. They make about $120 a month in most cases and do the best they can within their perspective.
The Presidente is my first choice when rooms are available. Best wishes to all who read this. I hope your visit to this magical area is a pleasent one.
Jerry Wills
GreatXpeditions[-]JerryWills[-]
Presidente hotel.
from RhondaMarie on 2005-11-05
When staying in the Sacred Valley, you're really limited as to lodging choices. Either pay high $$ to stay at the nicer resorts or choose a hotel/hostel along the main street of Aguas Calientes. The Presidente is certainly affordable but not without its problems.
The staff is adequate, but do not go out of their way to be friendly. Many times we walked through the hotel and werent even acknowledged. The rooms on the main street (railroad tracks) side of the building are noisy, and sparingly furnished.
The riverside rooms are much nicer, with walk out balconies and an excellent view. Again, sparsely furnished, with hot water that takes a bit of priming to use. There was definately a very foul odor in the room which I believe was due to the plumbing/water conditions.
The breakfast bar was poor, and by 7am most items were empty and not replaced.
The hotel does offer to hold your luggage while at machu picchu and has a representative at the train to take your bags. They will also keep your luggage after check out (which is 9am).
hotel amenities: phone in room. television with poor reception/limited channels in room. no internet service. I did not see an offer for laundry service, however it may be available.
Nice place
from arnfold on 2005-09-21
Stayed here so that we could tour Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is not much but the back rooms of this hotel overlook the river so that there is the continual sound of river water rushing - we liked that and it masked whatever other intrusive noise there might be. Room was well appointed, spacious, clean, and comfortable. Courteous, pleasant staff, OK breakfast.
Don't go there...
from A TripAdvisor User on 2005-07-09
The hotel is centrally located, but has terrible service, the breakfast is just a banana split in ten pieces and one cup of juice....
The rooms are dirty, the sheets are brown, and the bathrooms don't get clean.
Excellent value
from A TripAdvisor User on 2005-05-23
The rooms are nicely renovated and some have wonderful views of the river. The staff was also very helpful and friendly.
