Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [363]
BUDGET
Most of the budget options in Cajamarca have hot-water showers, though often for only a few hours each day.
Hostal Plaza (36-2058; Puga 669; s/d S25/40, s/d without bathroom S15/25) There’s hot water in the mornings and evenings, and while the communal bathrooms can be on the smelly side of things, the eight rooms with bathrooms are great value. Try to snag a room with a balcony and plaza views.
Hospedaje Santa Ana (34-0427; Sabogal 1130; s/d S25/40) A great budget pick, this brightly colored shoebox of a place has neat modern rooms, complete with gently curving yellow walls and cable TV. At the entrance you’ll be greeted by both a statue of the Virgin Mary and smiling, helpful staff.
Hotel San Lorenzo (36-2909; Amazonas 1070; s/d/tr S25/45/70) Helpful, friendly owners provide dark but good-sized rooms (though the street-side ones can be noisy), cable TV, hot showers and a cafe.
Hostal Jusovi (36-2920; Amazonas 637; s/d S30/40) Boasting what must be the smallest rooms in town, Hostal Jusovi’s abodes are kept perfectly clean and manage to squeeze in private showers with morning hot water. Some rooms have cable TV and the rooftop terrace with views of the cathedral spire is a welcome addition.
Hostal Perú (36-4030; Puga 605; s/d S30/60) This hotel on the plaza has private bathrooms with hot showers all day, but is a little more worn than most and is exposed to dinnertime noise from a downstairs restaurant.
Hostal Prado (36-6093, La Mar 582; s/d S40/70, s/d without bathroom S21/35) This well-kept, clean property has a cafe and hot water all day. Rooms have TVs, but you’ll have to fork out extra for cable. Some of the staff speak English.
MIDRANGE
All hotels in this range have 24-hour hot water and many throw in a free breakfast.
Hostal Casona del Inca (36-7524; www.casonadelincaperu.com; Calle 2 de Mayo 458-460; s/d S60/90) You might begin questioning your sobriety when you notice that all the brightly painted walls of this plaza-side colonial seem to be on a slight angle. Don’t worry – they are. The aged carnival fun-house appearance just adds to the charm, however. The rooms follow in the footsteps of this slightly wonky theme and are clean and cozy. This place is justifiably popular with gringos.
Hospedaje Posada del Belén (83-0681; Jirón del Comercio 1008; s/d S60/95) A newcomer on the corner of the Plaza de Armas, the Belen is proud of its two floors of balconies offering views of the colonial street and main square; otherwise, it’s a fairly straightforward choice with solid beds, hot water and cable TV.
Complejo Turístico Baños del Inca (/fax 34-8385; www.ctbinca.com.pe; bungalows/albergue S60/120) Right behind Los Baños del Inca are eight spacious bungalows, each with sitting room, bedroom, mini-fridge and cable TV. Too bad they don’t have a kitchenette. There are views of reservoirs of scalding 78°C water, steaming Dante-esquely – the water must be mixed with cold water before it flows into the spa complex.
Los Balcones de la Recoleta (/fax 36-3302, 36-4446; Puga 1050; s/d S65/90; ) Polished wood glistens throughout this 19th-century building. The 12 rickety rooms ooze charisma and encircle a lovely plant-filled courtyard. It’s a relaxing place and with hot showers all day, cable TV, wi-fi and good beds, what more do you need? OK, throw in a small restaurant, crafts on most of the walls and friendly staff and you’re onto a real winner.
Hostal Portada del Sol (36-3395; portasol@amet.com.pe; Pisagua 731; s/d incl breakfast S68/90; ) The bright colors in this cozy colonial are as warm as the staff. Inside you will find thoughtfully decorated spaces with polished floorboards and exposed wooden beams, as well as a skylight-protected courtyard to while away the time in. The owners also have a rammed-earth hacienda (36-3395; Pisagua 731), 5.5km away in the countryside on the unpaved road to Cumbe Mayo. The 15 rooms here are tranquil, private and many