JW Marriott Cusco to Open in October 2012

JW Marriott Hotel CuscoPeru’s ancient Andean city, “once the foremost city of the Inca empire,” is getting another luxury addition. After all, Cusco (or Cuzco) is a “premier South American destination," offering easy access to Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and the Urubamba Sacred Valley. JW Marriott is prepping to open a resort-like hotel in the historic center-- hot on the heels of the Cusco debut of Palacio Nazarenas, Orient Express's sixth property in Peru.

Slated to open in October 2012, the JW Marriott Hotel Cusco is thoroughly contemporary in its array of amenities—think WiFi, a full-service spa, and oxygen systems to relieve altitude sickness—but its design pays homage to Cusco’s cultural richness. The hotel was built around a colonial convent, and showcases ancient artifacts in two exhibition halls. There will be two restaurants, a bar, and over 1,400 square feet of meeting space. For more information, visit www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/cuzmc-jw-marriott-hotel-cusco/

Pictured: The open-air lobby melds past and present in its design aesthetic.