After checking out other hotels in Arequipa for two or three times the price, I found Hotel Casona Solar to be the best value in town for an authentic Arequipa experience.
Located just a couple blocks from the Plaza de Armas, Casona Solar is a quiet, private, old world "Belle Epoch" sanctuary, with two large, attractive interior courtyards and an attentive, courteous, multi-lingual staff. I am told it was the home of Peru's second President.
Ring the bell next to the two massive pine doors at the street entrance; a friendly staff member will usher you in to take a step backward in time. The hectic sound of traffic is muffled by thick stone walls; leaving only a faint reminder that you are still in the heart of old Arequipa.
My classic monasterial room, with a high vaulted stone ceiling, pine flooring, crisp sheets and cosy comforters, was immaculately cleaned by noon every day.
A modest breakfast buffet of soft-boiled, scrambled, or fried eggs, cheese, bread, coffee, fresh-squeezed juice, yogurt and fresh fruits, was included daily from 6:30am-9:00am.
Laundry in by 10am is done by 5pm for S/. 9 PEN per Kilo. The hotel accepts payment via VISA card and CASH only.