El Refugio Hotel Colca

Hotels
•
Independent
7.2 (5 reviews)
Valle del Colca, Chivay, Arequipa, 4145 , Chivay , PE
51-054-257901

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Facilities

Free breakfast
Arcade/game room
Free WiFi
24-hour front desk
Terrace
Garden
Luggage storage
Arcade/game room
Free breakfast
Safe-deposit box at front desk
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Beautiful location by the river / canyon / valley
Thermal pools / spa and covered pool
Attractive gardens and setting
Friendly and helpful staff (mentions of specific staff like Eddy and Alejandra)
Excellent hotel restaurant (frequently praised)
Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere
Good for nature and scenic views
Well-kept hotel grounds
Cons:
Difficult access / steep entry road and many stairs
Room issues: bad smell on entry, poor lighting
Missing in-room amenities (no kettle, no fridge in some rooms)
Reception/help sometimes insufficient on arrival
Packed breakfasts once reported stale/dry pastries
No extra towels available for pools at times
Some thermes water not very hot
Outdated bathroom fittings (shower curtains) and limited drink/coffee service after breakfast

Categories

Cleanliness
5.6
Mixed reports: several guests mention a bad smell on entering rooms and some stale breakfast items; public areas and thermal pools are generally described as pleasant but room-level cleanliness/maintenance issues were noted.
Service
8.2
Generally strong: multiple guests praise friendly, helpful staff (notably mentions of Sr Eddy and Alejandra). Some reports of reception not being welcoming and insufficient assistance on arrival, but overall service is a highlight.
Location
9.2
Outstanding: repeatedly praised for river-side setting, canyon/valley views, beautiful gardens and proximity to waterfalls — consistently cited as the hotel's best attribute.
Room Quality
5.8
Underwhelming in places: complaints about poor lighting, unpleasant odors (possible sewage), no kettle or fridge in some rooms, outdated/broken shower curtains and terrace light issues; rooms otherwise comfortable but need finishing touches.
Amenities
8.4
Strong amenities: thermal pools, spa and covered pool are frequent positives and well-liked gardens; some operational issues noted (therme water not always hot, no extra pool towels, limited drink/coffee service after breakfast).
Value for Money
5
Perceived as weak by some guests due to missing in-room basics (kettle/fridge), access difficulties, and occasional service lapses despite the excellent location and facilities.
Food and Beverage
7.4
Generally good: the hotel restaurant is frequently praised as excellent, though there are isolated negative comments about some meals and problematic packed breakfasts on one occasion.
Overall Experience
8
Positive overall: many guests recommend the hotel, enjoying relaxation, hot springs and the unique setting; drawbacks (access, some room/cleanliness issues) slightly temper the experience but do not dominate guests' impressions.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-06-08 00:45

Property Description

Scenic Views and Leisure Facilities
Take advantage of the terrace, garden, and complimentary wireless internet at El Refugio Hotel Colca. Relax in the arcade/game room, receive tour assistance, or enjoy a BBQ.

Dining and Entertainment Options
Savor meals at the restaurant or grab snacks at the cafe. Unwind with room service, a drink at the bar/lounge, or the daily full breakfast provided.

Comfortable Rooms and Convenient Amenities
Feel at ease in one of the 32 guestrooms with private balconies, rainfall showerheads, and free toiletries. Additional conveniences include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and free self-parking.

Indulge in all these offerings and explore nearby attractions from El Refugio Hotel Colca.

Book your stay now for a memorable experience.

Important information:

  • Children under 18 are generally not allowed to stay at properties in Peru without a parent, legal guardian or duly authorized responsible person. Accompanying adults may be asked for both their and the child's ID as well as any duly notarized supporting documentation. Visitors who plan to travel with children should consult with a Peruvian consulate office prior to travel for further guidance.
  • According to Peruvian law, cash is not accepted for payments over PEN 2,000 or USD 500. Payments greater than these amounts must be settled by credit card or other methods approved by the property and local law. Payments cannot be split between currencies.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM

Property Policies

  • Pets

    Pets not allowed

  • General

    Professional property host/manager

Location

Guest Reviews

7.2
Based on 5 reviews
Cleanliness: 5.6
Service: 8.2
Location: 9.2
Room Quality: 5.8
Amenities: 8.4
Value for Money: 5
Food and Beverage: 7.4
Overall Experience: 8
A
anka05 • solo_traveller • de
8
Pros:

Thermalbecken
Aussicht von den oberen Zimmern
Bequeme Betten mit dicken Decken
Heizkörper beweglich
Essen im Restaurant

Cons:

Kein TV;
Internet nur in der Lobby;
Zimmerreinigung beschränkt auf Bad (Betten etc. nicht gemacht);
Toilette undicht, Zimmerwechsel angeboten;
Überall Schlitze (Fenster, Türen) lassen Kälte in die Zimmer;
Im Restaurant hätte man ruhig öfter nachfragen können, ob noch Wünsche offen sind bzw. noch etwas bestellt werden möchte;
Kicker und Billard im Restaurant stört die Ruhe beim Essen;
Kamin im Restaurant - Rauch zieht in alle Zimmer;
Zufahrt schwer zugänglich (zum Glück war es nicht glatt), Schotterparkplatz (Anfahrschwierigkeiten);

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
N
Nicolas • family_with_children • ch
9
Super cadre et piscine thermales
Pros:

Très joli hôtel en bordure du fleuve. La localisation est son point fort, au calme et il dispose de 3 bassins d’eau thermale chaude extérieurs et 1 un peu plus grand en semi intérieur.
Jolies chambres spacieuses, confortables, bonne literie (2 lits doubles). Chauffage d’appoint disponible en chambre (nous n’avons pas du tout eu froid)
Véhicule nécessaire
Restaurant sur place correct (prix raisonnables). ambiance le soir sympa avec une zone jeux de sociétés, billard et cheminée. Quelques canapés pour se reposer.
Bon petit dejeuner

Cons:

Bon Wifi mais par contre uniquement dans le bâtiment principal

2026-07-15 • via Nuitee
R
Rupert • solo_traveller • nl
9
Pros:

This place gives you a very local feeling, which is great, it's under marketed. Prices are cheaper (by 50%) to Colca lodge even though facilities are comparable to quite an extent.

Cons:

The menu can be expanded, had lunch and dinner and had to choose from the same list of 4 or 5 items. The hot spring enclosures are great but the water temperature were far below the states 35 degrees.

2026-07-13 • via Nuitee
C
Carlos • solo_traveller • pe
9
Pros:

Beautiful

2026-07-12 • via Nuitee
H
Herbinet • solo_traveller • fr
10
Pros:

La prévenance des membres de l'équipe, le lieu magnifique, l'apaisement des bains

Cons:

Idée d'amélioration des garçons : Une télé pour suivre les matchs pendant la coupe du monde ⚽

2026-07-11 • via Nuitee
P
Paula • couple • br
9
Localização incrível!
Pros:

Local é incrível! Quarto muito confortável.

Cons:

Café da manhã poderia ser melhor.

2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
D
Delgado • solo_traveller • pe
9
2026-07-06 • via Nuitee
J
Jorge • couple • es
10
2026-07-05 • via Nuitee
M
Mirjam • family_with_children • de
6
Gut und schlecht
Pros:

Die Wuellen

Cons:

Empfang sehr unfreundlich

2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
J
Juan Carlos • couple • pe
8
2026-06-30 • via Nuitee
C
contreras brito • family_with_children • pe
10
2026-06-27 • via Nuitee
P
Pauline • couple • nl
9
Heerlijk verblijf om te ontspannen
Pros:

De ligging is prachtig, aan de rivier met mooi uitzicht op de bergen.
De kamer was prima en er zijn heerlijke hot spring baden.
Eten is uitstekend, zeer uitgebreid ontbijt.

Cons:

De accommodatie lag een stuk lager dan de weg dus naar boven lopen kost behoorlijk wat inspanning. Niet geschikt voor rolstoelgebruikers.
Niet op loopafstand van een dorp.

2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
D
David • couple • fr
8
2026-06-24 • via Nuitee
M
Manuel • solo_traveller • es
10
Pros:

Increible el lugar! 100% recomendable!

2026-06-22 • via Nuitee
G
gökhan çay • solo_traveller • tr
7
2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
Z
Zarela • extended_group • pe
10
excelente, para volver !!!
2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
H
hock lai • solo_traveller • my
8
Pros:

mountain view

2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
O
Olalla Galinanes • solo_traveller • es
10
Pros:

los baños termales

Cons:

las escaleras a esa altura, no me llegaba el oxígeno

2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
B
Basurco Valer • family_with_children • pe
10
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
D
Dorota • solo_traveller • pl
10
Wspaniały hotel u progu Kanionu Colca.
Pros:

Świetne położenie nad rzeką Colca przy wodospadzie, w otoczeniu gór, bardzo zadbany teren hotelu, miła obsługa, baseny termalne.

Cons:

Zapach przy wejściu do pokoju (kanalizacja?), brak dobrego oświetlenia w pokoju.

2026-05-19 • via Nuitee