Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [133]
Home Sweet Home (40-5982; www.homesweethome-peru.com; Rivero 509A; dm/s/d without bathroom S18/30/50, s/d S40/60, all with breakfast; ) This genuinely friendly homestay has won over countless backpackers with its huge breakfasts and cute, if a bit musty, rooms. It’s reliably secure, although some travelers have reported that tours organized through the hostel did not always deliver what they claimed they would.
La Posada del Virrey (22-4050; laposadadelvirrey@yahoo.com; Puente Grau 103; dm/s/d without bathroom S20/20/35, s/d S30/45, all with breakfast; ) Popular with readers, this rickety old mansion includes a terrace sitting area and shared kitchen. The decor – ruffled bedspreads and broken-in lazy boys – will remind you of grandma’s house.
Los Andes Bed & Breakfast (33-0015; losandesaqp@hotmail.com; La Merced 123; s/d/tr without bathroom S22/38/47, s/d S66/86; ) Just a stone’s throw south of the Plaza de Armas, this airy guesthouse has spacious, if spartan, rooms and sun-drenched common lounges. Justifiably popular with foreign students and volunteers, it’s especially comfy for extended stays.
Point Hostel (28-6920; www.thepointhostels.com; Av Lima 515, Vallecito; dm S24-28, s/d without bathroom from S50/64, all with breakfast; ) Located in the verdant suburb of Vallecito, this rambling hostel has a slew of the kind of amenities that backpackers love, including a game room, a library and socializing spaces that make it almost worth the above-average price.
Hostal Núñez (21-8648; www.hotel_nunez.de; Jerusalén 528; s/d without bathroom S30/45, s/d/tr S45/80/90, all with breakfast; ) On a street full of not-so-great guesthouses, this secure, friendly hostel is always stuffed with gringos. The colorful rooms sport frilly decor and cable TV, though the singles are a bit of a squeeze.
La Posada del Cacique (20-2170; posadadelcacique@yahoo.es; Jerusalén 404; s/d/tr S30/50/60; ) This 2nd-floor hostel has spacious, sunny rooms, a well-equipped shared kitchen, reliable hot water, and a tranquil rooftop sitting area. The father-son owners are great resources for local info and make guests feel right at home.
La Casa Blanca (28-2218; informes@yourperu.com; Jerusalén 412; s/d without bathroom S30/60, s/d/q S60/90/140; ) This new hostel boasts only a few rooms and is pervaded by tranquil beats from the adjoining coffee shop and bar. The staff is eager to please, but showers must be timed right if they are going to be hot.
La Casa de Sillar (28-4249; www.thecasadesillar.com; Rivero 504; s/d/tr without bathroom S45/65/85, s/d/tr S55/75/95; ) This option is owned by the English-speaking boss of Los Leños pizzeria (Click here). Housed in a capacious colonial building tucked down a side alley, the rooms combine rustic style with convenience. There’s a huge common kitchen and spacious common spaces.
Casa de Avila (21-3177; www.casadeavila.com; San Martín 116, Vallecito; s/d/tr/q S70/90/120/150; ) A breezy walk southwest of the Plaza de Armas, this family-run guesthouse does everything it can to entice travelers, including providing hot-water showers, a sunny garden (‘for taking a beer’), unlimited coffee and taxi pickups. It also has an associated Spanish-language school that gives lessons on the premises.
Casablanca Hostal (22-1327; www.casablancahostal.com; Puente Bolognesi 104; s/d/tr with breakfast S70/120/150; ) In a beautifully renovated mansion directly off the Plaza de Armas, this hostel adds a touch of luxury at a great value. The stone innards lend it a gothic feel, while the terrace and eating area are sunny and inviting.
Also recommended:
El Indio Dormido (42-7401; the_sleeping_indian@yahoo.com; Av Andrés Avelino Cáceres B-9; s/d/tr S25/30/40) Conveniently situated near the bus terminal, this off-the-beaten-path hostel relies on word of mouth from happy guests. It’s complete with a pretty (but noisy) terrace with hammocks to laze in. Call ahead for directions.
La Posada del Parque (21-2275; Deán Valdivia 238A; dm S15, s/d/tr S30/50/70) This low-budget choice feels