Amaru Hostal is situated on a cobblestone street and housed in a two-floor white building from the Spanish colonial period. It's a charming first impression, one that continues for the duration of a stay at this simple property. Hardwood floors, carved-wood furnishings, and rich colors like brown, maroon, and gold combine to create a distinctly Peruvian atmosphere here. The ground floor includes display cases of Peruvian art and artifacts, and the walls are hung with colorful art, much of it with a biblical theme. The buildings surround two courtyards with flowering plants, trees, and benches, which guests sit on to relax and take in views of the surrounding city and mountains. With its small size, quaint feel, and friendly proprietors, the Amaru has an atmosphere like that of a bed-and-breakfast. The inn draws leisure travelers, particularly couples, to its affordable rooms, free breakfast, and quiet location not too far from the Plaza de Armas. Just keep in mind walks back to the hotel are uphill, and there's no elevator to its second floor.

Amaru Hostal is in a quiet area in the Barrio de San Blas, a charming hilltop historical district with steep and narrow cobblestone streets and houses from the Spanish colonial era. The Iglesia de San Blas is a one-minute walk from the hotel, and numerous restaurants, bars, and shops are nearby. Cusco's Plaza de Armas is a little over a five-minute walk from the Amaru. This thankfully spares the hotel some of the noise and hubbub around the plaza. There are often Peruvian folk dances on the plaza, and the 16th-century Cusco Cathedral is also located on the square. The Amaru is a little over a five-minute walk from the area with the Inca Museum and Museum of Pre-Colombian Art. The Qurikancha (Temple of the Sun) was the most important temple of the Inca Empire -- it's a five-minute drive or 10-minute walk. Wanchaq train station is a 10-minute drive from the inn, Poroy Station (the departure point for Machu Picchu) is a little over 30 minutes by car, and Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport is a 20-minute drive from Amaru Hostal. 

Rooms at Amaru Hostal have a charming, slightly rustic Peruvian look, with colorful art, yellow-and-orange checked-print bedspreads, and carved-wood headboards, footboards, and furniture. While rooms aren't particularly small by Cusco standards, some are snug, with no sitting area and limited space to open up luggage. It's generally quiet, though noise from neighboring rooms through thin walls isn't unheard of, and there are occasional "old building" issues like creaky floorboards and squeaky doors. Some rooms have views of the surrounding area and mountains. All 27 rooms come with heating, air-conditioning, safes, and flat-screen TVs with limited English channels. Heat isn't always available during the daytime hours.. Free Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and throughout the property, but the signal strength and reliability varies by room. Some rooms open to one of the inn's courtyards, and others have stairs leading to a loft with a second bedroom. Tiled bathrooms have stall showers and limited counter space plus basic toiletries, but the hot water runs out quickly. Hairdryers aren't provided, but they can be requested from the front desk. 

As a small inn, Amaru Hostal has few amenities, though there are enough conveniences to add a bit of value here. It serves a fresh, high-quality a la carte breakfast of cooked-to-order eggs, kiwicha (quinoa-like Peruvian cereal), fresh bread and other items. Free coca tea is available all day, which can help with altitude issues. The inn has no restaurant for lunch and dinner, but plenty of restaurants are within a short walk. The Amaru also has airport and train station transfer (for a fee), luggage storage, a shelf of books, and a 24-hour front desk. The staff is helpful with booking Machu Picchu tickets and offering other tourist assistance. The inn has no on-site parking, and the hotel's street is not accessible by cars. Public parking (for a fee) is a short drive from the hotel.