Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [192]
Hostal Frankenstein (23-6999; www.hostal-frankenstein.com; San Juan de Dios 260; s/tr without bathroom S25/65, d/q S65/120; ) Advertising ‘cold dark gloomy rooms and spiders on request’, German-owned Hostal Frankenstein has a sense of humor and a family feel – that would be the Addams family, naturally. A fabulous, freaky, funny crash pad. The double rooms, in particular, are excellent value.
The Point (25-2266; www.thepointhostels.com; Mesón de la Estrella 172; dm S25-33, d S80; ) An industrial-sized party palace, with daily events, on-site bar The Horny Llama, and a grassy backyard with hammocks. Another good choice for the sociably inclined. Hosts electronic music parties of some note.
Qosqo Wasinchis (23-2132; www.lacasacusco.com; Nueva Alta 424; r per person S30) La Casa de Cultura Solidaria del Comercio Justo – a center for fair trade and community action – offers four big, nice (but dark) rooms to travelers. An awesome place to hook into the local activist scene, drink beer and see music in the sociable restaurant courtyard area, or just enjoy a lively environment where street-kid theater workshops, community choir practice, and indigenous weaving ladies are all part of the scenery. Ask about volunteering opportunities.
Hostal Suecia I (23-3282; www.hostalsuecia1.com; Suecia 332; s/d S50/75) Most rooms in this pint-sized guesthouse are very basic, but location and staff are fabulous and there’s a sociable, stony, indoor courtyard. The two new double rooms on the top floor (311 and 312) are a superb value.
Also recommended:
Albergue Municipal (25-2506; albergue@municusco.gob.pe; Kiskapata 240; dm S15-17, d without bathroom S40; ) A good choice for the tight of budget, with plenty of space, great views, kitchen access and laundry facilities.
Hostal el Solar (38-0254; Plaza San Francisco 162; s/d/tr 35/50/70) Run-down exterior, but has colorful rooms and low, arched ceilings. Friendly and family owned.
MIDRANGE
Hostal Residencial Rojas (22-8184; Tigre 129; s/d/tr/q with breakfast S60/90/120/150; ) The vine-covered tree you see as you walk in sets the tone for the rest of this dreamy, undersea-feeling family hostel – fresh green and white is the order of the day. Rooms are nothing special, and some (namely 205 and 206) are much bigger than others. Still, good value for a killer location, a three-minute walk from the Plaza de Armas.
Renacimiento (22-1596; www.cuscoapart.com/rapart@gmail.com; Ceniza 331; r per person S60-95; ) An unsigned treasure, this colonial mansion has been converted into 12 stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments sleeping one to six people, each unique in design and furnishing. Cool and classy but cozy and comfortable, it’s fabulous for families and long stays (from S30 per person per night for a monthly stay). Recommended.
Niños Hotel (23-1424; www.ninoshotel.com; Meloc 442; s/d without bathroom S60/120, d/tr/q with breakfast S132/192/240; ) Run by a Dutch-founded nonprofit foundation, this hotel helps underprivileged children in Cuzco by providing food, medical aid and after-school activities. It inhabits a fetching colonial-era house with a sunny courtyard, and rooms somehow manage to embrace coziness and institutional chic at the same time. Long beloved and highly recommended. There’s another branch at Fierro 476. Rates include breakfast.
Hospedaje Monte Horeb (23-6775; montehorebcusco@yahoo.com; San Juan de Dios 260, 2nd fl; s/d/tr with breakfast S66/102/144) Serene and mint fresh with nice big rooms, an inviting balcony, a be-doilied dining room and a curious mix of furnishings – check out the wood-look couch cover.
Casa Grande (24-5871; www.casagrandelodging.com.pe; Santa Catalina Ancha 353; s/d/tr with breakfast S75/90/120; ) The nice, rickety-balconied colonial building wrapped around a charming patio is the best of this place. Rooms are basic, but all have cable TV and, unusually, separate shower and toilet. Again, you’re paying for location rather than