Sanctuary Lodge at Machu Picchu-worth the expense?

Trek to Machu Picchu, the most visited world heritage and the highest destination in Peru, is an experience that most international travelers have at the top of their bucket lists. Located high in the Andes on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba river, Machu Picchu is reached only by foot via the Inca Trail, or by bus up a long series of switchbacks on gravel/dirt road from the town of Aguas Calientes, Peru liquidation. Due to the distance and the bus and train schedules, his time at Machu Picchu fairly short if not a remains the Sanctuary Lodge. Lodge, only overnight at Machu Picchu, its front door just steps away from Machu Picchu Entrance portal. Before you say "it's a rather simple, we will keep you" be aware that a room in the lodge will put a ding in your Peru travel budget. A one-night stay at The Sanctuary Lodge is run from a low of 795 USD all the way up to 1320 USD for a suite. The big question-"is it worth it?"
Location, location, location.
The idea of coming up with this type of coin to stay in a country where the average income is $ 7600 per year (estimation 2007) little mind boggles. Cost seems extreme to Peru. That decision is not based on the normal issues of comfort, softness beds and food quality. In this case, it is a decisive factor. Sanctuary Lodge has it, and no one else does. Staying at the lodge buys you access to Machu Picchu before sunrise, before the masses while away from the buses (although some buses make climbing too early 6: 00 AM opening of the site) and delightedly, after the crowds have left to catch the last bus which will connect to is the afternoon depart the train. Late afternoon are the only Machu Picchu Lodge, its occupants and visitors day walkers from campgrounds. It is the most solitude can be found on the Web site, hosting an annual rate of about 400,000 visitors per year.
Food and drink.
Coating on the Sanctuary Lodge also purchase access to a nice lunch in the restaurant/bar Tampu, where one can find lunch without the crowds and lines after a long and early morning look at Machu Picchu morning mists and rising sun. Day trippers up from Aguas Calientes, Peru has to stand in long, snaking lines to eat at the Lodge Tinkuy restaurant (a buffet lunch is served) or in a small patio area just outside the supplier's lodge. This wait is taking valuable time from already short day-but there is no food inside the Machu Picchu itself and is not intended for food and beverage on site except water in canteens.
Amenities.
Pay for a site that increases your visitors inside the Machu Picchu is the key. The truth is to maximize your visit here you probably would sleep on a bed under the stars. Fortunately, Sanctuary Lodge is not a stripped-down hotel-it is part of the Orient-Express hotel and train Empire. The staff are all about exemplary service to the Lodge guests, beds are the most comfortable we have ever slept in anywhere, and food is the 5-star. Guests can also enjoy the outside terrace and a walk through the orchid garden Lodge, built along a meandering stream and waterfall. Massage is available (though more expensive than anywhere else in Peru that I could find.)
The final decision.
In the end, we decided to book (well in advance which Lodge has only 29 rooms and 2 suites, 12 offering mountain views and the corresponding increase in the price). Possibility to expand our time exploring one of the "new" seven wonders of the world's one and a half days, compared with only hours made the hit our wallet worth it for us.
Tip: try not to pay for a "view" room because it doesn't allow a view inside the actual site or are you in the room so much anyway.
Peru is a delightful and wonderful country, and Machu Picchu are arguably, its crown jewel. My suggestion-spend the money for Sanctuary Lodge and maximize your time. For most of us are visiting Machu Picchu an unique gig.