“Excellent and safe location, can't wait to go back!”
Although we had to wait 30 minutes for our room to be ready, hotel staff was very helpful. Accommodations were clean and our room had an ok view of the city from the 7th floor. Loved the location of the hotel. Near good restaurants, Kennedy Park, Inka Markets, Post Office, Pizza Street, bars, etc... The hotel is located in a safe area where you can walk in the evenings to Parque Kennedy where locals and tourists alike enjoy a cup of chocolate and churros from "Manolo", a butifarra from "La Lucha Sangucheria"- the best deli and sandwich place in Lima, or buy Cuzco artwork and hand made "artesanias" from booths at Parque Kennedy . I would recommend this hotel to my friends and family. Can't wait to go back!
Area recommendations
The hotel is located in Miraflores, a safe area of the city where you can walk in the evenings to nearby Parque Kennedy. This area is not close enough to Historic Centre of Lima, but the traffic is insane. Really enjoyed evening walks to local restaurant "Manolo's", great food at "Luigi's" and tasty butifarras from "La Lucha Sangucheria"- the best deli and sandwich place in Lima. I would recommend this hotel to my friends and family.
When to go
I traveled to Lima in June 2011 so to me the best time is in June. The weather was cool enough to use a light sweater but humid during the day. Best time to go is the dry season between June to November.
Getting around
If you are adventureous, take one of the may buses in the main streets. They are only S/1.50-2 soles and you can see the city from a local perspective. Also, ensure you negociate prices with taxis before you get on it since there are some taxi drivers that do not know the specncific areas you may be visiting. I suggest read your map and find out from your guide book exact street name and section of the city. For example, if you are going to an specific museum, give the street name and number of the place instead of the name of it. Also, everything in Historic Area of Lima is located withing walking distance of the "Plaza Mayor."
Must see
I enjoy seeing what's outside the tourist path and Lima has plenty to see besides the usual Plaza Mayor. I was impressed with the several Free Venues located in the city. You must visit the Museum of the Inquisition, located next to the House of Congress. It is a very interesting guided tour where you learn about the Inquisition practices during the Spanish/Colonial times.
Another must-see place is the Afro-Peruvian Museum, which is conveniently located 2 blocks away from the Museum of the Inquisition. Ask the helpful staff for directions. This place is a brand-new place and it is free. This informative museum has exhibits showing how slavery in Peru started, how it ended, the different punishments, and laws affecting the abolishing of slavery.
After you are done with a busy day in the City Centre, walk to the Chinatown of Lima, 5 blocks from the house of Congress. Venture in the many "Chaufas" or chinese food restaurants that trully are one of the best Chinese food I have had in Latin America.
Dining
Chinese food in Lima's Chinatown, Churros and Pisco coffee from Manolo's in Miraflores, Butifarras and deli sandwiches from La Lucha Sangucheria in Miraflores, taste local cuisine at Luigi's restaurant, grab a "Choclo and Andino Cheese" when visiting Machu Picchu ruins, or any ruins in Cuzco area. Additionally, if you are feeling like trying something trully local: try the alcoholic chicha, a strong beverage made best in the small towns outside Cuzco.
