Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [328]
Albergue Benkawasi (42-3159; www.huarazbenkawasi.com; Parque Santa Rosa 928; s/d S30/50) With coke-bottle glass windows, plaid bedspreads and brick walls, the Benkawasi has a kind of ’70s mountain chalet feel to it. Plop yourself down in front of the main room’s fireplace or chill out in the quiet rooms in this reader-recommended option.
Hostal Tany (42-7680; Lúcar y Torre 648; s/d S32/45;) The big and bright rooms here have massive windows to help you appreciate the awesome mountain vistas around. There’s an internet cafe downstairs.
Edward’s Inn (42-2692; www.edwardsinn.com; Bolognesi 121; r per person S35) Rooms in this popular place all have hot water, but are otherwise elementary. There is a nice grassy bit and the owner, Edward, speaks excellent English and is a knowledgeable guide.
Hostal Gyula Inn (42-1567; www.hostalgy.on.to; Plaza Ginebra 632; s/d S35/55) Set around a plaza in the middle of town, Gyula has good rooms with comfortable mattresses, 24-hour hot showers and some climbing- and trekking-gear rental.
Monte Blanco Hotel (42-6384; José de la Mar 620; s/d S35/60) Recently repainted blindingly pink, the digs here are Spartan, clean and shiny. Big cushioned couches await slumping in the hallways; this is a solid back-up choice.
Hostal Raimondi (42-1082; Raimondi 820; s/d S40/45) Greeted by an immense antique foyer reminiscent of an echoing train station, inside you’ll find dark, austere rooms painted in dizzying, bright patterns. All come with comfy beds and writing desks, and hot showers are provided in the morning. It’s convenient for buses and has a small cafe for early breakfasts.
Hotel Del Valle (42-2399; Larrea y Loredo 780; s/d S42/55) Not a bad deal for this price range. It has nice communal sitting areas and the orderly rooms are rather presentable.
Hotel Brit’s (42-6720; Cáceres 391-399; s/d S45/60) A six-story monolith with good rooms for the price; each is clean, carpeted and comes with cable TV. It’s a secure place and some of the top-floor rooms have good views.
La Casa de Zarela (42-1694; www.lacasadezarela.com; Arguedas 1263; s/d S50/70) Zarela’s helpfulness is legendary. Double and triple rooms here have hot showers and kitchen facilities, as well as lots of neat little patio areas in which to relax with a book. The scenic black-and-white photos of the environs are worth perusing.
Hostal Schatzi (/fax 42-3074; www.schatzihostal.com; Bolívar 419; s/d S50/70) Plenty of leafage in the pleasant courtyard here manages to keep the concrete at bay. Charismatic little rooms surround this garden and inside have exposed wood-beam ceilings and great top-floor views. This is a reliable bet.
B&B My House (42 3375; bmark@ddm.com.pe; Calle 27 de Novembre 773; s/d incl breakfast S50/70) A small, bright patio and six rooms decorated like a home away from home welcome you to this hospitable B&B. Rooms have a writing desk and hot shower and there’s a cheery communal yard. English and French are spoken.
Midrange
Alojamiento Soledad (42-1196; www.lodgingsoledad.com; Figueroa 1267; s/d S65/90; ) A cozy family house with eight rooms – six with bathrooms and hot showers. Its rooftop terrace has the prerequisite sweeping views and a BBQ for sunset cook-outs. Helpful owners speak English and German and there is a cable-TV room, kitchen and laundry facilities.
Hotel Sierra Nevada (44-9613; Monterrey Km 3.5; s/d S65/90) Laid out in a large V shape, this hotel sits perched on a hilltop 3.5km north of town and has sensational views of the valley below. The rooms are just comfortable enough and you can take your breakfast in the dainty garden gazebo while the pet alpaca roams the grounds aimlessly.
Hotel Los Portales (42-8184; Raimondi 903; s/d incl breakfast S65/110) A little swisher than most choices in Huaraz, the quiet, carpeted rooms here are clean and without fault. A games room (pool