Where to stay in Lima?
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Lima is one of my favourite cities in South America. I spent six months there during my graduate degree in 2011 and have had a soft spot for the world’s top culinary destination ever since. Of course with every metropole, a few days isn’t enough to really delve into the soul of a place but you’ll still get a certain feel for it. Peru’s buzzing capital is divided into the Old Town or Centro and the newer neighbourhoods further south. The vast majority of hostels in Lima are located in the neighbourhoods of Miraflores and Barranco.
Miraflores - Lima's main tourist district
You will find the majority of hostels in Lima in the barrio of Miraflores, an upscale residential neighbourhood as well as Lima’s main tourist district. Besides the most common large international hotel chains, you’ll find several shopping malls such as Larcomar, a great number of good restaurants, cinemas, bars and clubs. While caution is important especially when it comes to pickpocketing, Miraflores is very safe and a great option for Lima first timers.
Barranco - Lima's bohemian district
Personally I’d choose to stay in Barranco over any other place when looking at hostels in Lima. When I lived in Peru nine years ago, it was already considered an up and coming neighbourhood. The first art galleries, trendy coffee shops and fancy restaurants and bars had already opened. Nowadays many people, both Peruvian and foreign travellers prefer to stay in Barranco. Lima’s top culinary scene has mostly moved here now and you can now find the city’s top restaurants here such as world famous Central. Barranco now also hosts some of the city’s most extravagant boutique hotels such as Hotel B. Barranco is also a hub for art and music and in the early evenings you’ll often hear live music and bands playing in the local park.
San Isidro - Lima's poshest district
San Isidro is one of Lima’s most upscale residential areas as well as its financial district. It’s also home to the majority of foreign embassies and consulates. It’s proximity to Miraflores and Barranco make it a great choice for flashpackers looking to be a bit further away from Lima’s main tourist areas. It’s still only a 10min taxi ride to Miraflores. You’ll find many large international 5-star hotel chains 5-star hotel chains here. Be prepared to pay a little more for accommodation.
My Favourite Accommodation in Lima
Casa Republica in Barranco
Granted Casa Republica lies at the expensive end of the spectrum and fits the luxury segment. Yet it deserves a spot on this list, although it may not be your typical flashpacker hostel. Housed in a 1920 mansion, this boutique hotel offers an incredible design, roof top terrace and a lovely courtyard and terrace. There are lots of areas to hang out and relax, the service is impeccable and the breakfast is simply amazing. You can rent bikes for free to explore the area, there is a concierge desk and the in-house restaurant and bar serves delicious food. It’s proximity to some of Lima’s best restaurants and galleries make it the perfect place for everyone looking for a relaxed stay with the vibrancy of Barranco’s bohemian district on your doorstep.
While the private rooms start at around 100 USD a night, the place offers some of the best value in Lima. There are similar hotels charging twice the amount, so if you’re looking to treat yourself, Casa Republica is the one hotel to go for!
Key Selling Points: Everything
Casa Republica Barranco
Flashpacker Hostels in Miraflores
Go budget
Kaclla - The healing dog hostel
Kaclla Hostel, named after the Peruvian Hairless Dog is located in the heart of Miraflores about four blocks from the ocean. It’s a cozy hostel with an excellent daily breakfast and incredibly welcoming staff. Needless to say, guests love Pisco, the hairless hostel dog! There is a small garden and living room to hang out and work and they organise yoga classes every now and then. Room types include 4- and 6-bed dorms starting at 12 USD and private ensuite rooms (a bit on the small side) for about 30 USD a night. Towels included!
Hostels in Lima – Breakfast at Kaclla
Key Selling Points: Location, social vibe, staff
treat yourself
Belma Boutique B&B
The Belma Boutique B&B is one of the best reviewed places in town and for a reason. Once you step in, you’ll instantly feel how much effort and care the owners put in their homely place. From the an excellent breakfast, to the lovely decorated rooms and impeccable cleanliness – everything here is just perfect. The staff go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The B&B’s location is great, situated just a couple blocks away from Larcomar. This is the perfect place for everyone looking for a comfortable, stylish place after a long trip to rest and maybe do some shopping before flying home. The cost for a single room ensuite starts $75 a night.
Key Selling Points: Location, hosts, breakfast
Something a little different
Selina Miraflores
You’re either a Selina fan or it’s just not for you. The Israeli flashpacker hostel chain has massively grown over the past few years and can now be found throughout Latin America. The concept couldn’t be more focused on flashpackers and digital nomads – the super stylish hostels offer long term rental options, coworking spaces and a great number of room types. Reviews can be mixed and Serena seems to be one of these “love it or hate it” places. Generally, I do like them as they bring the flashpacker concept to a new level and so belong in a post about the best flashpacker hostels in Lima. Find out for yourself! At Selina Miraflores prices start at 40 USD for private room with shared bathroom and 15 USD for a 6-bed dorm.
Hostels in Lima – Selina Miraflores
Flashpacker Hostels in Barranco
Go budget
Beraja Family Hostel
Beraja Family Hostel isn’t known for its most stylish design, but it certainly is one of the friendliest hostels in Lima. The family running it is extremely welcoming and warm and go out of their way to help guests feel at home. Beraja features an on-site restaurant serving an excellent breakfast, a communal terrace and a kitchen. You have a choice between 4- and 6-bed dorms and private rooms ensuite or with a shared bathroom. A private room with a shared bathroom starts at a very reasonable 35 USD a night, whereas a 4-bed dorm is 15 USD per night. There are female-only rooms dorms and is one of the few hostels in Lima include free towels in all room types, yay!
Key Selling Points: Quiet, lovely hosts and location
treat yourself
3B Barranco Bed and Breakfast
Don’t get confused by the official name – Barranco’s Chic and Basic Bed and Breakfast. It’s chic but it’s anything but basic. 3B features a modern and contemporary design, impeccably clean rooms, a great breakfast selection, 24h free coffee and tea and a super friendly staff. There is a small courtyard and a downstairs seating area and guests rave about the comfy beds and the hosts. Private rooms in Lima are comparably expensive to other South American cities, so it’s a delight to see ensuite rooms like these for just under 60 USD a night – incredible value for money!
Hostels in Lima – 3B Barranco
Key Selling Points: Staff, design, value for money
Whichever accommodation you deem most perfect for your stay in Lima, you’ll enjoy the city to the fullest! For a detailed city guide check out fellow blogger Philipp’s post about one perfect day in Lima.
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