To get to the hotel from the MP train, we hauled our luggage through the market, across a rickety wooden bridge over the river, down an alleyway, up another, and down a third one, each wide enough for one person. The hotel faces the river. Just three minutes after we entered the dreary lobby, and before we could even check in, Heidi, the woman at the front desk, suddenly started shouting at us frantically : "Hurry,! Get upstairs to the third floor NOW - it's an avalanche!!" We were confused, but obeyed her. We hadn't paid any attention to the sirens in the street, but SHE did.

As we entered the front, third-floor room, we were horrified to see the very river we had just crossed had just turned into raging, thundering, brown rapids that were rising quickly and threatening to overflow and engulf the town. The sirens were a whole-town alert that she had no trouble recognizing. This was a HUAYCO, an avalanche and mudslide from further up the river; it was a rare occurrence, but it was a real threat. After a few moments on the third floor, she said it was not safe to stay in the hotel at all, and she had the young boy who had carried our luggage into the hotel lead us to a narrow street whose steep cobblestone steps led up to what was probably the highest point in the town.

I'll save the rest of the story for another place on this site, but what the hotel lacked in amenities was helped greatly by Heidi's capability as a disaster steward. When we were allowed to return to the hotel, I certainly felt safe, and confident that the hotel was in capable hands.

The room, on the other hand, lacked a lot. Room 202 was as dreary as the lobby, with very poor lighting. We had seen several other rooms, and they were all pretty much the same. There was a double bed plus a twin, and a tile floor. The small TV had an antenna with rabbit ears, and there was a portable heater, but it didn't do much to stave off the cold.

The bathroom was the deal-breaker, though. It was modern, but the pedestal sink had only a single faucet that dispensed just ice cold water. Combined with the cold temperature in the bedroom and bathroom, it was brutal. So I had to wash my hands in the shower in order to have hot water, and this caused water to spray everywhere. It was most unpleasant.

The mattress on the double bed was so hard it felt like I was lying on a board, and I couldn't breathe. The twin bed was slightly softer, so I had to sleep there for the two nights, and my husband was not too happy.

Breakfast was abominable: bananas, unripe papaya, a crumbly, bitter pound cake, juice, tea, and ice cold mud that was supposed to pass for coffee. The second morning we went to a restaurant for breakfast.

Aguas Calientes is a neat town, but La Pequena Casita was not one of the highlights of our trip.

This is a convenient place to stay in Aguas Calientes. We were met at the train station by a member of staff. Our room was right next to a river that roared all day and night. The room was clean and spacious and the showers were piping hot. The staff were freindly enough but were rather subdued at times. The place seemed understaffed so it appeared that there was one person doing all the chores. This place is right next to the bus stop to Machu Picchu which was handy as we wanted to get 5.30am bus. We paid $45 for a double room with bath and breakfast.

We give this place a 5 star rating. Paid $50 for 1 night for 2 people; very clean, hot water/hot showers. Bed/room clean. Breakfast starts at 5 am, very good. The water from the river put us to sleep at night.
Not noisy at all. Very centrally located. Near the river, right off the train station. Staff very nice and helpful. No complaints at all for the money which was well spent. Would stay here again.

Stayed at La Pequena Casita on March 10th, 07 for 1 nite.

Pros:
- Close to river. Nice rumbling sound to sleep with.
- Close to bus station to MP.
- Big room and bathroom with hot water.
- Comfortable beds.
- Service can be great at times (though it can be pretty bad as well - read cons)

Cons:
- On going renovations are too messy.
- You will miss the included breakfast if you plan to head to MP in the first bus
- Service can be pretty bad at times, when u ask for extra towel for example.
- For some reason the "clean" towels had a musty smell to them.

Things to consider;

A heater isn't really needed in AC. If u cannot sleep with noise, then the river will keep you up. Also, if you plan to sleep late, the buses to MP will wake you up. I would stay there again but would bring/buy my own towels.....