Description: The Hotel Libertado was originally an army barracks and from a distance you’d be forgiven for believing that it was indeed the local Peruvian Alcatraz. I’m grateful that I’d heard that it had been tastefully and cleverly adapted as a first class hotel, because otherwise I would have been a little worried about what we might be confronted by.
It only took our minibus around 10 minutes to negotiate the streets of Puno from the station to the doors of the hotel and after a very efficient check-in we were soon riding the lift to our bedroom. The large window (taking up all of one wall) had the view across the lake and from her we could appreciate that we were clinging to the shore of Esteves Island, in Lake Titicaca. It had been said that all the rooms have wonderful panoramic views, allowing guests to see either fabulous sunsets or sunrises. Certainly we wouldn’t dispute that! We were told what time the sunrise would take place whilst our friends had a room from where they’d see a great sunset. We did discuss visiting each other’s room to share the experience but in the end neither made it to the other. But I can say that they were not wrong about the quality of the sunrise although like many things the photographs were not able to do it justice.
The Libertador Hotel has 123 rooms all of which are said to be "elegantly decorated and it really is hard to believe that this was once a facility for the armed forces. The reception area is fantastically ornate with some superb modern installation or pieces of art. The lounge area has floor to ceiling windows with marvellous views and a great ambience to enjoy those much needed coca tea or if you fancy it then relax with a traditional Pisco Sour.
The meals in the hotel were spot on with a great selection of food on the buffet breakfast and freshly cooked eggs to order. Certainly this was a meal that set us up for the day and, as with every room in this hotel , we had beautiful views across the lake whilst we enjoyed our meal. Our evening meal was not included in our holiday deal but the prices were very reasonable and the food a bit special. Beautifully presented, very tasty and delivered by attentive waiters. One comedic element of our first meal was the wine waiter’s inability to open a bottle of wine. The bottle was, as is the tradition, brought ceremonially to the table to present the label, and then the foil carefully removed and the corkscrew inserted. All going well until the waiter started to remove the cork. The guy’s confident posture changed as he struggled with the cork, beads of perspiration began to form on his forehead and his smile soon wilted. I guess he struggled with the bottle for five minutes before he disappeared with the bottle and we’d almost finished our starter before he sheepishly returned.
Unusually he expected us to accept a bottle that hadn’t been opened in front of us and tried to get the ceremony back on board by inviting us to taste the wine. Unfortunately the wine was not good (the struggle with the cork should have been an indicator for him) and we duly rejected the bottle and the process started again. This time all went well and he smile a smile of relief as he poured out from the new bottle. Success at last!
Although the hotel has a private dock, down a fairly steep staircase of steps, from which you can get on to the great Lake Titicaca, we were always collected and returned by minibus. A preferable option as steps are always more difficult at altitude!
We enjoyed our stay at this 5-star hotel and were well and truly pampered although we didn’t fully make use of all of the hotel’s facilities including sauna, Jacuzzi, and gym. Although my wife did enjoy checking out the handicraft shop in the foyer!
Close