Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [196]
Hotel Arqueólogo (23-2569; www.hotelarqueologo.com; Pumacurco 408; s & d/tr/ste with breakfast S435/652.50/630; ) Its name an echo of the Inca stonework in the narrow street running beside it, this antique French-owned guesthouse is renowned for its class. Tastefully done rooms overlook a vast interior courtyard. You can relax in the garden deck chairs, or sip a complimentary pisco sour (grape brandy cocktail) in the fireplace lounge. The hostelry not only supports local artisans, whose weavings are on sale here, but also helps fund public libraries. French, English and German are spoken.
Hotel Monasterio (60-4000; www.monasterio.orient-express.com; Palacio 136; basic r/luxury r S1690/1901, ste S2150-5952; ) Elegantly arrayed around graceful 16th-century cloisters, the Monasterio has long been Cuzco’s top hotel, with majestic public areas and more than 100 exquisitely designed rooms and suites surrounding its genteel courtyards. Although it has been wholly renovated over the years, the accommodations still show their Jesuit roots, with irregular floor plans and varying room sizes. This indubitably five-star hotel boasts two high-class restaurants, along with absolutely everything else expected of an establishment of this sterling caliber.
Casa Cartagena (in Lima 01-242-3147; www.casacartagena.com; Pumacurco 336; basic r/luxury r/ste S1845/1901/5400; ) Ultramodern and uberhip, arriviste Casa Cartagena is audaciously pitched at the young rich, with apparently no expense spared. This colonial mansion has been restored and furnished by Italian designers with stunning results. Tinkling water features and oversized installation art, a lap pool, a spa, a sauna and the funkiest multicolored plastic bar furniture this side of Milan all add up to a breathtakingly bold venture. The royal suite, complete with imported Jacuzzi from Italy, sets the benchmark for luxury in Cuzco.
Avenida El Sol & Downhill
BUDGET
Hostal San Juan Masías (43-1563; Ahuacpinta 600; d/tr/q without bathroom S30/50/75, d/tr/q S40/65/90; ) An excellent alternative guesthouse run by Dominican nuns on the grounds of the busy Colegio Martín de Porres, this place is clean, safe and friendly, and overlooks frequent games lessons on the courtyard. Breezy, simple, spick-and-span rooms with hot water are arranged off a long, sunny hallway brightened by fresh flowers.
Killa House (23-4107; killahousehospedaje@gmail.com; Av Tullumayo 279; s/d/tr/with breakfast S40/70/105) Surprisingly light inside, this cozy, impeccably clean little place is hidden behind a forbidding wall.
Mirador Hostal (24-8986; soldelimperiocusco@yahoo.es; Ahuacpinta s/n; s/d/tr/q with breakfast S48/66/84/102, q without bathroom S80) A cheery, rambling, yellow concrete jungle overlooking a main road. Friendly, helpful staff make it a favorite. Rates include breakfast.
Hostal Señorio Real (23-6980; senorio_reservas@hotmail.com; Arcopunco 631; s/d/tr/q with breakfast S50/70/75/80; ) Surrounded by ferreterías (hardware stores), this hostel is an unexpected treasure in a businesslike part of town. Rooms are comfy but nondescript, with cable TV. The panoramic view from the top-floor dining room is fantastic, and best of all is the charming Inca-walled backyard.
MIDRANGE
Hostal Inkarri (24-2692; www.inkarrihostal.com; Qolla Calle 204; s/d/tr with breakfast S99/120/165; ) An airy, roomy place with a sunny garden, well-kept colonial terraces and whimsical collections of old sewing machines, phones and typewriters. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Recommended.
Hostal Centenario (22-4235; www.hostalcentenario.com; Centenario 689; d/tr/ste with breakfast S165/210/24) Rambling and varied, with old, somewhat crumbly rooms at the front and a modern annex at the back overlooking a sports ground. Modern rooms have heating and are more comfortable. Staff are young, friendly and professional, and the whole place has a family feel despite its size. Check out the scary art in the dining room.
TOP END
Hotel Libertador Palacio del Inka (23-1961; www.libertador.com.pe; Plazoleta