Titilaka - Relais & Châteaux

We recently spent 3 nights at Titilaka in a “Dawn Room” (Room 210), and while there were certainly some highlights, the overall experience didn’t quite meet expectations. Setting and food: The setting is absolutely stunning—right on the shores of Lake Titicaca, peaceful, with beautiful light at all times of day. The food was excellent throughout. All meals were included, and everything we had was fresh, creative, and delicious. Breakfast could be enjoyed in-room or at the restaurant, and we loved the picnic lunches during our excursions. The boxed lunch they sent us off with on our departure day was the best I’ve ever had—thoughtful, generous, and really tasty. Service: The service was warm and friendly, and we appreciated that the team quickly resolved a mistake with our reservation. That said, while everyone we met was helpful and friendly when we asked for something, the level of service felt more reactive than proactive. At other Relais & Châteaux properties, we’ve experienced more of those thoughtful, unexpected touches—staff who anticipate needs or elevate the experience. Here, we didn’t feel that attention to detail unless we initiated it. Room experience: The room itself was a disappointment. It felt very small for two people, with little space for luggage, a tiny closet, and a small safe. The layout prioritizes a large (and very comfortable) bed and a big bathtub in the center of the room—but the tub doesn’t have a view and felt like a poor use of space. There’s also no headboard on the bed, and the only available surface is a narrow shelf behind it—which we kept accidentally knocking things off of every time we leaned back or sat up. There are no bedside tables, which made it even more awkward. No bath salts or amenities were provided to make use of the tub. On the plus side, the bathroom had excellent lighting, plenty of counter space, dual sinks, and a good-quality hair dryer. But again, amenities were unbranded and not replenished during our stay. Drinks and minibar: Alcohol is included, but the selection is underwhelming. If you want a bottle of decent wine or anything considered “premium,” you’ll need to pay extra. The minibar is free but very generic. Activities and location: The remote location adds to the serenity, but it also means your time is centered around the hotel’s own excursions or staying on-site. The excursions were well-organized and matched the setting. Aside from those and a small spa, there’s not much else to do. Final thoughts: In the end, it’s the details that held this experience back. Titilaka has all the ingredients for something really special—location, food, friendly staff—but the overall execution didn’t reflect the level of luxury or thoughtfulness we’ve come to expect from the Relais & Châteaux brand. If you go with adjusted expectations, you’ll still enjoy the beauty of the place. But for the price, it just didn’t feel like it delivered the kind of experience it promises.

Wow. There are hardly words to describe this place. The setting is absolutely gorgeous and so serene. The service is beyond first class and the guides for the excursions are extremely knowledgeable. The food was extraordinary. Additionally, the employees all come from the local community and thus have first-hand knowledge about the location and the culture. This place is truly special.