Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [364]
Hostal José Gálvez (34-8396; s/d S70/80) Near Los Baños del Inca, this clean hotel has a bar and is popular with large groups. The rooms all have hot thermal showers.
Hotel Casa Blanca (36-2141; www.hotelcasablanca.migueb.com; Calle 2 de Mayo 446; s S75, d S90-130, all incl breakfast) This dignified old structure on the Plaza de Armas exudes plenty of character while also providing a few mod cons in the medley of rooms. Quarters range from poky to good-sized and come with cable TV, direct-dial telephone and mini-fridge. The hotel cafe provides room service and the staff can also arrange car rental and free airport transfers. Some of the larger rooms have bathtubs, while a family room with five beds costs S170.
El Cabildo (36-7025; www.cabildoh.com; Junín 1062; s/d incl breakfast S80/105) One of the town’s best-value sleeping options, this huge historic mansion conceals an eclectic collection of well-maintained and graceful older rooms. Some of the rooms come with split levels and all are filled with plenty of gleaming wood and tasteful decorations. At the mansion’s heart, a gorgeous courtyard area is filled with greenery, a fountain and a cacophony of sculptures and statues.
Hostal Cajamarca (36-2532; fax 36 2813; Calle 2 de Mayo 311; s/d S86/110) A presentable, spacious hotel in a colonial house, with a courtyard and a recommended restaurant that occasionally hosts live music. You’ll find a full-service tour agency in the lobby.
Los Pinos Inn (36-5992/5991; pinoshostal@yahoo.com; La Mar 521; s/d incl breakfast S95/130) This majestic and drafty colonial building, dripping in marble staircases, intricate tile work and strewn with antiques looks like a museum yet manages to refrain from being ostentatious. Hallways with enormous gilded mirrors lead to 21 large and varied rooms, all with solid beds. Continental breakfast is served in a pleasing courtyard cafe covered with a stained-glass roof. The hotel was undergoing remodeling at the time of research, so visitors may see higher prices in the future.
Las Americas Hotel (82-3951; Amazonas 618; s/d incl breakfast S125/175) Breaking away from the ‘cozy colonial hotel’ pack, this contemporary property is all business. It has a central atrium filled with plenty of plants and a rooftop terrace giving plaza and church views. The 28 rooms are all carpeted and have direct-dial phones, mini-fridges, cable TVs and excellent mattresses; five of them have Jacuzzi tubs and three have balconies, so it pays to check around. A restaurant provides room service.
Hotel el Ingenio (36-7121; www.elingenio.com; Vía de Evitamiento 1611-1709; s/d/ste incl breakfast S125/165/235) Built in the style of an attractive colonial hacienda, this modern and relaxing alternative has charisma in spades. Stone archways lead to plenty of garden areas to loll around in and the warm-colored rooms are large, comfortable and classically decorated. Cable TV, direct-dial telephones, mini-fridges and tubs in the bathrooms are standard, while some rooms have patios or balconies. The six mini-suites each have a Jacuzzi. The staff is very attentive. It’s a 20-minute walk into town.
El Portal del Marques (36-8464; www.portaldelmarques.com; Jirón del Comercio 644; s/d/ste incl breakfast S150/183/300; ) Set around an immaculately groomed garden, this restored colonial mansion has standard carpeted rooms with TVs and mini-fridges. There’s a fancy-looking restaurant that provides room service and, if bathing in Baños del Inca doesn’t do it for you, you can splurge on the hotel’s suite, which comes with a Jacuzzi. The mood lighting in the garden makes it a romantic evening hangout. Make reservations, as this one fills up fast.
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Costa del Sol (36-2472; www.costadelsolperu.com; Cruz de Piedra 707; s/d S188/283; ) Costa del Sol is part of a chain of Peruvian luxury hotels and has recently taken over the southwest corner of the Plaza de Armas. No colonial bent here, just uncluttered, slick rooms filled with all the