Peru - Lonely Planet Publications [71]
BUDGET
Friend’s House (Map; 446-6248; friendshouse_peru@yahoo.com.mx; Jirón Manco Cápac 368; dm with breakfast S20, r per person with breakfast S30) This backpacker-friendly hostel has a highly sociable atmosphere – perhaps inescapable given the cramped nature of the dorms. Kitchen privileges are available, as well as a small lounge with cable TV.
Explorer’s House (Map; 241-5002; http://geocities.com/explorers_house; Alfredo León 158; dm S21, s/d without bathroom per person S30/24, s/d per person S35/27; ) This no-frills eight-room hostel is frayed, but safe (and under new management). There is a shared kitchen, wi-fi and a rooftop terrace with views.
Hitchhikers (Map; 242-3008; www.hhikersperu.com; Bolognesi 400; dm S28, s/d/tr without bathroom S56/62/93, s/d/tr S68/74/112; ) Housed in a century-old casona, the centrally located Hitchhikers has a good balance of features: security, comfort, cleanliness, sleeper-friendliness and free wi-fi. A lounge comes with cable TV and a DVD library, while a (bare) outdoor patio has barbecue facilities and ping-pong. Overall, a very good choice.
Colibrí Youth Hostel (Map; 444-0954; www.colibriyouthhostel.com; Gral Suárez 543; dm with breakfast US$10; ) This tiny but sparkling hostel has three simply furnished rooms, clean bathrooms, lockers, wi-fi and a roomy shared kitchen. Luggage storage is also available. The owner speaks English and German.
Inkawasi (Map; 241-8218; backpackerinkawasi@hotmail.com; Av de la Aviación 210; dm US$10, d US$25-30, all with breakfast) A small budget place that is modern, well furnished and close to the clifftop parks. There’s a small interior garden for relaxing. The owner speaks English.
Pensión Yolanda (Map; 445-7565; pensionyolanda@hotmail.com; Domingo Elías 230; r per person without bathroom S40, with bathroom S50) The nine rooms here are small, basic, but clean, and proprietor Erwin – who speaks English, French, German, Italian and Portuguese – is helpful. There is a shared kitchen, hot water and laundry service. Fees include breakfast.
Albergue Turístico Juvenil Internacional (Map; 446-5488; www.limahostell.com.pe; Av Casimiro Juan Ulloa 328; dm US$15, s/d US$36/42; ) Tucked away on a residential street, this modern, well-kept hostel is an excellent choice for its spotless dorms and ample private rooms. A large lounge sports Cuzco School–style paintings, and there are good kitchen facilities, a spacious backyard with an outdoor pool, two friendly pooches, and an on-site cafe that serves breakfast (S5 to S7).
MIDRANGE
Residencial Alfa (Map; 241-1446; residencial_alfa@yahoo.com; Av de la Aviación 565; s/d with breakfast US$25/35; ) Close to the relaxing clifftop park on the north side of Miraflores you’ll find this quiet option behind a row of international flags (there is no sign). Rooms are airy and well appointed.
Olimpus Hostel (Map; 242-6077; www.olimpusperu.com; Diego Ferre 365; s/d/tr/q US$30/40/50/55; ) A gregarious owner manages a variety of tidy rooms at this welcoming spot just a couple of blocks from the LarcoMar shopping mall. There is an on-site cafe, a communal lounge with cable TV and wi-fi.
La Casa Nostra (Map; 241-1718; www.lacasanostraperu.com; Grimaldo del Solar 265; s/d/tr/q with breakfast US$35/45/55/65; ) Seven clean, if uninteresting, rooms inhabit this Spanish-style casona, which still retains a vintage wood-beamed ceiling in the lobby. Guests are all greeted with a wag by a sociable canine named Brando.
Hotel Esperanza (Map; 444-2411; www.hotelesperanza-pe.com; Esperanza 350; s/d/tr US$40/50/65) Baroque-style furniture provides an unusual juxtaposition to 39 brick-lined rooms that have the ascetic air of monastic cells. Its advantages: it is clean, functional and has a central location.
Hostal El Patio (Map; 444-2107; www.hostalelpatio.net; Ernesto Diez Canseco 341A; s/d/tr with breakfast S120/180/210, ste with breakfast S195-225; ) On a quiet side street just steps from the Parque Kennedy is this little gem of a guesthouse with a cheery English- and French-speaking owner. Twenty-four