Home to some of Peru’s greatest gastronomy, art, museums and culture, Lima is the perfect entryway to your travels throughout the country. If you are planning to visit Machu Picchu or the Peruvian Amazon, chances are you’ll be flying into Lima anyway, and many savvy travelers take advantage of this layover to spend a few days in Peru’s colorful and colonial, if not rather chaotic, capital city.
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from in Lima, from luxury hotels, to artsy boutiques and charming bed and breakfasts. Depending on your tastes and budget, you’ll be sure to find your home away from home in this vibrant and exciting “City of Kings.” To help you decide where to stay in Lima, we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels and areas.
It’s well known that Lima’s traffic can be a little crazy, and public transport is less than ideal, so its best to find somewhere that you can walk about easily and travel to the main sights independently without stressful car journeys. Safety is another aspect to consider, as like any other big city certain barrios can be rather dangerous, even during the day. The prevalence of great hotels to stay in is another factor. Some districts cater better to tourism than others, and the number of hotels available to travelers reflects this. Another factor may also be how long you plan to stay.
Of all of Lima’s 43 districts you could stay in, there are only really three areas you should consider, which coincidentally are all next to each other: slick San Isidro, flower-filled Miraflores and bohemian Barranco. Whilst others may also have included downtown as a possible location, we’ve left the historic centre off our list because the great colonial sights therein can be easily visited on a half-day trip, and the other areas are safer, less crowded and cater much better to tourists.
Panoramic View of San Isidro, Lima
The upper class district of San Isidro is the safest district in Lima. If exclusivity and safety are your priority, you can’t go much better than staying here. Rub shoulders with Lima’s elite for some high-end shopping in luxury stores, evenings of canapés and cocktails in swanky bars, and relaxation in exclusive social clubs, some of which date back to colonial times.
The main attraction of San Isidro for us though are its abundant green spaces, tree-lined parks hidden between high-rise offices and chic colonial houses. Our favorite is Bosque del Olivar with its 1,600 olive trees, originally brought from Spain, a duck-filled lagoon and cultural center. If golf is your thing (or even if it’s not), there’s the exclusive Lima Golf Club, a local institution that’s frequented by some of the biggest movers and shakers in Lima.
Paragliding In Miraflores, Lima
Miraflores is the most popular place to stay in Lima. Majestically perched on a clifftop with stunning views overlooking the Pacific, this upper middle class neighborhood is home to some of the most exclusive hotels in Lima. Lively at all times of day and night, Miraflores is a treasure trove of trendy bars, world-class restaurants and extreme shopping, including the stunning Larco Mar mall stunningly built into a cliff face.
Life tends to revolve around its flowery, cat-filled Parque Kennedy and its pleasant, clifftop park-lined promenade, the meandering Malecon. If the thermals allow, parasailing from the clifftop is a popular way to see the city’s spectacular location. If you only have a short time and want to minimize your time in traffic and maximize your time sightseeing in Lima, Miraflores is your best option.
The Old Town Of Barranco In Lima
Reachable via a half-hour walk along the Malecon from Miraflores, Barranco is gaining popularity with travelers seeking to escape the congestion of Miraflores but still be close to the action. This once quiet seaside escape of Lima’s elite, it has now become the most eclectic, bohemian district of the city, full of art galleries (don’t miss the MATE) and graffiti murals, coffee shops, breweries, ice-cream parlors and hipster bars.
Whilst Miraflores’ popularity has meant much of its prime real estate has been converted to high-rise apartments, Barranco has retained many of its colonial architectural riches and is home to some of the oldest and most treasured landmarks in the city. Don’t miss its colorful Bajada de los Baños, a cobbled walkway leading down to the beach lined with arts and crafts stalls. It may have fewer accommodation options than the other areas mentioned, but Barranco has a number of boutique options available.
Now you have figured out which are the best areas to stay in the city, you can begin to narrow down your search in those areas to find the best hotels in Lima. We’ve curated a list of our favorites, having visited them all and stayed in many of them ourselves. Whichever you choose to stay in, you’ll be sure to receive warm hospitality, great service, and the utmost attention to detail in a beautiful setting.
Exterior view of the Miraflores Park hotel, from the Domodossola Park, Lima – Peru
Belmond’s Miraflores Park is a 5-Star luxury hotel located on the edge of a beautiful green park overlooking the Pacific Ocean, just minutes away from the cliff-side Larcomar shopping mall. Its outdoor heated rooftop pool is a spectacular place for a relaxing swim, enjoying breath-taking views over the city and the Pacific Ocean. Guests can also indulge in the spa services, make full use of the modern gym facilities and enjoy tantalizing cuisine at Tragaluz, its fine-dining restaurant located on the hotel’s ground floor. For a truly indulgent experience, book a stay in one of the stunning presidential suites. Located on the top floor, these spacious rooms feature a private balcony, sauna and plunge pool, along with panoramic ocean vistas.
Perfect For: Couples, Honeymooners and Solo Travelers.
Website: Belmond Miraflores Park Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +51 1 610 4000
Country Club Lima Hotel in San Isidro Area
When you first arrive to the Country Club Hotel in the up-scale San Isidro neighborhood, you’ll think you just walked into a movie set. It’s a beautiful classic-style property with antique furnishings and ultra-comfortable beds. The staff will make you feel like you are the only guests in the hotel. A highlight are the Pisco Sours – many argue that they are the best Pisco Sours in all of Lima!
Perfect For: Couples, Honeymooners, Families and Business.
Website: Country Club Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +51 1 709 4325
JW Marriott Hotel in Miraflores
The luxury JW Marriott Hotel located in the heart of Miraflores and it’s just what you would expect at wonderful 5 star hotel: great service, wonderful rooms and delicious food. To put it simply, this hotel is in the perfect location with one of the best ocean views in Lima. It’s located just in front of the impressive Larcomar shopping mall, that overlooks the ocean. There are plenty of tasty restaurants, hip lounges and shops nearby to keep you busy in your down-time. That being said, the Marriott hotel’s own restaurant gives Lima a run for its money. Many Limeños enjoy going to the Marriot’s buffet breakfast and lunch. The hotel has a gym and spa, both with an ocean view.
Perfect for: Families, Couples, Honeymooners and Business
Website: JW Marriott Hotel
Phone: +51 1 217 7000
Hotel B in Barranco Area
A beautiful boutique hotel located in Barranco– Lima’s art district. Hotel B might as well be an art gallery itself. The hotel is a restored mansion that’s just a block away from the oceanside cliff. Its interiors are quirky, yet elegant, filled with artwork from ceiling to floor. The food is delicious (breakfast included), and it’s home to some of the best cocktails in Lima. Hotel B’s charming and quaint courtyard is where guests like to unwind, relax and talk about their trip to Peru. Voted traveler’s favorite on Trip Advisor for 2015.
Perfect for: Couples and Honeymooners
Website: Hotel B
Email: [email protected]
Phone: + 51 1 206 0800
Located on the border of Miraflores and Barranco, the chic and modern 3B Barranco Bed & Breakfast is popular for its exceptionally helpful staff, minimalistic stylish rooms and great location. Close to many charming restaurants and cafes, 3B is perfect for checking out Lima’s best museums and dining, and remains quiet despite there being plenty going on within walking distance.
Perfect for: Couples, businesses, Solo Travelers and Families.
Website: 3B Barranco Bed & Breakfast
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +51 1 719 3868
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Located in the popular Miraflores district of the city, this 4-star hotel features 148 warmly-decorated rooms, each boasting plenty of space, comfortable beds, large LCD TVs and thoughtful touches in the bathroom including soft robes, slippers and organic bath products. Be sure to pay a visit to the attractive indoor heated rooftop pool, which includes a waterfall feature. Additional highlights include the modern fitness centre, full-service salon, free valet parking, along with countless options for drinking and dining at the bar/lounge, coffee shop, deli and acclaimed Alma Cocina Viva Restaurant.
Perfect For: Couples, Families, Groups.
Website: Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Email: [email protected]
Phone: + 51 1 213 9739
Having been beautifully restored over 3 years, Quinta is a charming, vintage-style boutique hotel centrally located in Miraflores. Set in a traditional home, with 4 quaint but spacious rooms, the love is in the details here. Hosts Paola and Ricardo are committed to offering a memorable experience to every guest, and go the extra mile to ensure you are well taken care of with recommendations, travel arrangements, and any other service you may need. The included breakfast can even be served in your room. This is a great spot if you are only staying one night in Lima as it’s close to many popular restaurants and is walking distance away from the ocean. This little Victorian-style hotel is easy to spot, as it’s right beside a Starbucks.
Perfect For: Couples, Families.
Website: Quinta Miraflores Boutique Hotel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +51 1 709 4377
Located in Lima’s financial upscale district of San Isidro lies the luxurious Westin. Undoubtedly the best place to stay if you are coming to Lima for business (especially if most of your meetings will be held in the San Isidro neighborhood), its amenities have also been known to tempt pleasure-seeking travelers. As well as 5-Star luxury service, its standout features are the sleek indoor pool – a perfect spot to get away from it all, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, soft stylish loungers and lush indoor trees – as well as the Heavenly Spa (our recommendation is the ‘Water Circuit’ package), and the gourmet Peruvian food served in its Maras, one of its two restaurants. The only real negative to this hotel is that it’s not walking distance away from the main tourist attractions that you’ll find in Miraflores and Barranco.
Perfect for: Business and Couples.
Website: Westin
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +51 1 201 5000
This super stylish little boutique hotel is one of Lima’s newest artsy places to stay. Set back from a main street in a quiet gated cul-de-sac, this 4-room homely hotel is surprisingly secluded despite being right in the heart of bustling Miraflores. Formerly an old colonial home, service here is relaxed, informal and as inviting as its light and quirky rooms. Guests are walking distance away from most tourist destinations, but guests can take advantage of the free bikes to use. If you prefer to stay in, the hotel is full of enticing travel and art books to read and has a relaxing rooftop terrace perfect for Lima’s balmy summer evenings.
Perfect for: Couples.
Website: N/A
Email: N/A
Phone: +51 1 396 2740
A stay at Second Home Peru will feel exactly that. This guesthouse gallery is truly unique among Lima’s accommodation options, with its artsy décor, beautiful gardens and ocean views making it a stand-out choice. While the expansive facilities are stunning, the carefully curated décor and unique ambiance are equally alluring. Breakfast is served at a communal table, so you’ll have great opportunities to meet fellow guests, and can count on meeting the artist-turned-bed-and-breakfast owner who lives on the property. The eight ensuite guest rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated, boasting handsome wooden features and plenty of natural light. There’s also a seasonal outdoor pool, plus a large communal table where guests can mingle and enjoy al fresco meals together. Second Home is situated right in the heart of the bohemian Barranco district, a stone’s throw from some of Lima’s most exciting cultural attractions.
Perfect for: Couples.
Website: Second Home
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +51 971 001 320
Costa Del Sol Lima Airport
Many flights into Lima arrive late at night and the popular connecting flight to Cusco is not until early the next morning. For those wanting a comfy place to recuperate during their layover at the Jorge Chavez International Airport, the best option is the Wyndham Costa Del Sol. The best feature about the Wyndham Lima airport hotel is that you don’t need to book a full night stay to enjoy their facilities. You can book a 6-hour stay during the day, or an 8-hour stay at night. If you don’t want to stay that long, you also have the option of booking some of their spa services, giving you just enough time to relax and recharge before catching your next flight.
So now you know where to stay in Lima, isn’t it time you booked that Peru vacation and spent a couple of days there? If you have any questions about the hotels featured in our list, or any others we may have missed, our Peru destination specialists will be more than happy to help.
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