Stories by Kerrie-Anne Riles and photos by Kerrie-Anne and Alan Riles (unless otherwise indicated)
Hotel B
Invited to sit in the carved antique armchairs with a glass of bubbly as we checked in, we felt very welcome in these luxury surroundings. Built in 1914, the Belle Époque style mansion underwent a major three-year renovation in 2010, turning the original residence into a luxury hotel following the heritage guidelines of the National Institute of Culture of Peru.
Consisting of only 13 restored suites and 7 contemporary suites the hotel is a maze of corridors leading to the suites and public rooms. An extravagant breakfast buffet is served in the library and there is a large restaurant and bar with a huge painting of The Bald Singer by renowned Peruvian contemporary artist José Tola. The hotel displays over 3000 works of art and has been described as an arts-boutique Hotel in the heart of a bohemian revival neighborhood.
A rooftop garden area is perfect for sunset drinks overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Hotel B is currently extending into the art gallery next door creating a more casual dining area with an open kitchen and live music. This will open in April.
Address: Sáenz Peña 204, Barranco
Manto Hotel
When we first moved to Lima we stayed for several months at the Foresta Hotel. The staff was friendly and always helpful. About two years ago the Foresta was sold and there began a major renovation that lasted for about eighteen months. Now M Gallery by Sofitel, the hotel has adopted the historic theme of Manto. This honors the ladies from the early viceregal period of Peru, who wore the manto and saya disguise for freedom of movement.
Saya Restaurant serves Peruano-Limeño cuisine for lunch and dinner; and a buffet breakfast is served every day. The bar Patio Republicano offers a variety of cocktails and wines. The hotel also offers a fitness center, co-working area, meeting and boardroom.
As Lima has a humidity problem, the rooms now all have wooden floors along with a modernized décor. The stunning silver headboard is the first thing you notice as you walk in your room. Happily, many of the original staff was retained during the renovation and the hotel still has the same friendly feeling.
Address: Calle Los Libertadores 490, San Isidro 15073
AC Marriot Miraflores
Like chocolates on your pillow? Marriot Miraflores went one better. We received these cute little handmade dolls, each with a small story of origin attached.
Opposite the Malecón in Miraflores, the Marriot has expansive views of the Pacific Ocean and is across the road from Lacomar shopping mall.
There is a well-equipped fitness center or you can relax in their outdoor swimming pool. Wake up and enjoy a view of the ocean in AC Kitchen with their extensive breakfast buffet menu including good gluten free options. After lunch Saladero restaurant turns into a stylish tapas bar. In the evening, order a delicious dish from the only rooftop restaurant in Lima that overlooks the ocean, Insumo.
Address: Malecón de la Reserva 729, Lima 15074
Country Club Lima Hotel– #5 on Conde Nast for South America
Built in 1927 the hotel is an iconic part of Lima’s history. A major renovation, in keeping with its colonial history, was undertaken in 2015-17.
Formally known as the Winter Garden, Vitrales is the perfect place to indulge in colonial traditional with English afternoon tea. Every corner is illuminated beneath the natural light of the domed stained glass ceiling comprised of over 3000 pieces of glass. Dining in Parroquet offers the fusion of the best of Peruvian and international cuisine.
300 pieces of the Pedro de Osma Gildmeister collection of Peruvian art objects from the Peruvian Viceroyal era from 16thto 18th centuries are on display in the public areas of the hotel.
Guests are able to play golf at the members only Country Club.
Address: Av. Los Eucaliptos 590, San Isidro
Roosevelt Hotel and Apartments
Situated in San Isidro, Roosevelt Hotel and Apartments are popular with international business people for its easy walking access to many offices. The rooms are comfortable and spacious.
Our favorite part of the Roosevelt is the bar and restaurant with a range of American style and traditional Peruvian meals. It is very popular for Sunday brunch. Specialty of the house is some very extravagant desserts that can also be served gluten free on request. The bar is noted for its extensive selection of international top shelf whiskies and its knowledgeable barman, Jack, is always happy to “talk whisky”.
Music from the forties and fifties enlivens the jovial mood.
Esquina con, Av. Alvarez Calderon 194, San Isidro, Calle Miguel Dasso, Lima 15073
Swissotel Lima
Swissôtel Lima strives to create “The right combination between business and pleasure”.
The hotel’s 345 rooms and suites are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and it is ideally situated near the business center in San Isidro. A special interconnected kids room, including special bedding, with a large range of toys and a play area and children’s DVDs, is available.
Stay active with both an indoor and outdoor heated pool or in the Gym equipped with the latest technology.
You can dine at any of the four restaurants. La Locanda is for a fine dining experience. The Sushi Cage is where Chef Itamae, Norio Takeda, says he puts into his creations all his art, passion and skills to maintain the flavor and tradition of authentic Japanese cuisine. Or indulge in the international breakfast buffet. If you are a cheese addict like me you can enjoy creative fondues and raclettes at La Fondue in a cosy Swiss chalet atmosphere.
Swissôtel has an extensive selection of conference facilities. Notable for us is the ballroom where the annual Caledonian Ball takes place with bagpipes playing, piping in the haggis, and enthusiastic dancing of Scottish reels (yes in Lima Peru!).
Address: Centro Empresarial, Av Santo Toribio 173, Vía Central 150, San Isidro 15073.
