With a population that is close to 11 million, Lima is one of the largest cities in the world, and the third largest city in South America. The capital of Peru is chaotic, charming and truly eclectic, with shiny skyscrapers standing just next to beautiful colonial buildings.
A city so vast will come with many challenges for both locals and tourists – one of them for sure is where to stay in Lima. Your choice should definitely be based on what you want to do when in town!
In short: the best places to stay in Lima are Miraflores, Barranco and San Isidro. Staying in one of those areas will allow you to swiftly reach all the main attractions in town; and to have a good choice of accommodation options – some of the best hotels in Lima are in Miraflores and Barranco.
Continue reading this post to discover where to stay in Lima. I will highlight the best areas in town, what they offer in terms of attractions and the best hotels in Lima by area.
Make sure to read my posts The Best Things To Do In Lima, The Best Lima Travel Tips and The Best Day Trips From Lima.
Where To Stay In Lima: The Best Hotels In Lima By Area
Miraflores – Where to stay in Lima for fabulous nightlife
While the historic center may be the traditional core of Lima’s heritage buildings, Miraflores is well and truly the modern heart of the Peruvian capital. This seaside district is busy with businesses, eateries and exciting nightlife. Staying here means whiling away time in pavement cafes, perusing markets and taking strolls along the coastal parks.
Make sure to also read my post The Best Things To Do In Miraflores.
Luxury Hotels in Lima Miraflores
JW Marriott Hotel Lima
Part of the international hotel chain, Lima’s JW Marriott is a striking building situated right on the city’s coast. It’s a decidedly luxury accommodation, with rooms that boast Pacific Ocean views and come complete with plush carpets and large, comfy beds.
Elsewhere the hotel is completely packed with amenities and facilities to make your stay a smooth one. There’s international cuisine at the restaurant, a swimming pool, and a gym for guests to enjoy. This is easily one of the best hotels in Lima.
Attalea Hotel
Attalea Hotel is a boutique offering that’s wonderfully set inside a historic building, but inside it’s all about modern design. The focus here is very much on detail, with curated pieces of art and furniture dotting to the well designed guest rooms and social spaces. It’s like something straight out of the pages of a design magazine.
While it’s perfect for any lover of art and design, the location of Attalea Hotel also means you’ll be in the heart of Miraflores and ready to explore the city.
Hotel Hilton Lima Miraflores
This Lima iteration of the Hilton hotel franchise is yet another of the city’s 5-star offerings, and makes for a relaxing place to stay in the Peruvian capital. You’ll find it just a five minute walk from the main center of Miraflores, making it great for exploring the neighborhood and further afield.
The guest rooms here are chic, and are decorated in a warm chocolate color palette; these come in a range of sizes to suit various travelers. There’s also the added benefit of facilities such as rooftop hot tubs and multiple restaurants.
Mid-range accommodation options
Casa Suyay
This charming, locally run property in the Miraflores neighborhood (just 30 meters from Kennedy Park) may not be a swanky towering hotel, but it does have a lot of heart. The hotel is decorated throughout with traditional Peruvian artwork, and it boasts rooms that feel warm and inviting.
Services include a daily breakfast provided in the hotel’s picturesque tiled courtyard. And it may not be 5-star, but the staff go above and beyond to make sure your stay runs smoothly. It’s one of the best places to stay in Lima, for sure.
Radisson Red Miraflores
You definitely won’t have any trouble finding the Radisson Red Miraflores. It certainly stands out with a bold exterior – a theme that continues throughout the hotel. You can expect shiny surfaces, popping colors and a luxe finish to the guest bedrooms.
On top of the cool guest rooms, this design hotel has a whole bunch of spaces for you to hang out; there’s even a games room and a rooftop bar. On top of the location in Miraflores puts a slew of museums and trendy bars on the doorstep.
Casa Andina Premium Miraflores
Casa Andina is a modern hotel situated in an eye-catching contemporary construction, expertly showcasing the modern side to the metropolis of Lima. The interiors are also cutting edge, with walls decorated by Peruvian artwork, and colonial antique furnishings throughout.
Here guests can enjoy working out in the gym, getting a massage, or tucking into a meal at the hotel’s restaurant. Breakfast is served each morning; a great way to start your day as you step out into the upscale Miraflores neighborhood surrounding the hotel.
Del Pilar Miraflores Hotel
Another of Lima’s gleaming modern hotels, the 4-star Del Pilar is located in the wealthy Miraflores district – right in the middle of the neighborhood’s shopping and business area. You can start your day here by tucking into breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, and wind it all down after a day of exploration by sipping cocktails at the hotel bar.
Guest rooms here are sizeable, and come with big beds and seating areas for an extra comfortable stay.
Belma Boutique Bed and Breakfast
Also situated in Miraflores, Belma Boutique Bed and Breakfast has a great location that puts you within easy striking distance of the coast – and many eateries, cafes and bars besides.
It’s a great option for those who want to feel a bit of connection to their hosts, as it’s a bed and breakfast with a friendly owner who will welcome you and provide you with an array of information about the city. And being a B&B, there’s the bonus of a sizeable (and tasty) breakfast served up each morning.
Budget accommodation and hostels in Lima Miraflores
Ayenda Stefanos
If a design hotel or boutique hostel isn’t really what you’re looking for in Lima, then this clean and convenient hotel could be the place for you. Situated in the Miraflores district, rooms at Ayenda Stefanos all have private bathrooms, wooden floors and a calming color palette.
The staff here will help your stay run smoothly, plus the location is great: nearby attractions include Waikiki Beach, Kennedy Park and a number of restaurants to sample. It’s easily where to stay in Lima if you are a budget traveler.
Innside Lima Miraflores
Feeling a little more like a mid-range to budget option, but being no less stylish or modern than other hotels on this list, Innside Lima is a clean and comfortable place to stay in Lima. The rooms here are decorated with cool color pops and up to date, fashionable furnishings; they include private bathrooms.
There are facilities to enjoy, including a gym and an outdoor pool. The hotel offers a daily breakfast for guests and, just in case you bring along your pooch pal, you’ll be pleased to know that pets are allowed.
El Tambo 1
On the other end of the spectrum, but no less comfortable, is El Tambo – a casual property that feels like a welcoming place to stay in Lima. Rooms here are traditional, with crisp white linens and wooden floors.
There’s a hotel restaurant, which opens out onto an inner courtyard garden, where a very good breakfast is served up each morning. Location-wise, you’ll find El Tambo a mere kilometer from the beach, with bars and restaurants dotting the local area.
Hotel Boulevard
This down-to-earth hotel is an easygoing place to stay in Lima, and can be found in the Miraflores district (about 10 minutes from Kennedy Park). Rooms here are fitted with contemporary furnishings, polished tiled floors, and come complete with city views.
Elsewhere at Hotel Boulevard there’s a rooftop outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant for evening meals.
Historic Center – Where to stay in Lima for easy access to all attractions
The historic center of Lima is where many of the city’s important tourist sights are located. Known as the “City of Kings” (“Ciudad de Los Reyes”), this part of the capital is UNESCO-recognized – and for good reason. It’s packed full of religious buildings and centuries-old mansions. This is where to stay in Lima if you want to lap up the city’s colonial elegance.
Luxury hotels in Lima Historic Center
Sheraton Lima Hotel & Convention Center
This modern towering hotel might not seem like the sort of place you’ll find in the historic area of a city, but here it is – and it’s a good place to stay to be in easy reach of Lima’s top sights while enjoying modern amenities.
Facilities at this polished hotel include a rooftop pool, well equipped gym and not one but two hotel restaurants. Rooms here are spacious and boast private balconies, complete with views out across the city skyline and the mountains in the distance.
Mid-range accommodation options
Hotel Diamond Lima
Another modern hotel with Lima’s historic sites on the doorstep, Hotel Diamond is a comfortable place to stay in the city. The bright guest rooms are decorated with light wood flooring, and come with large beds and modern amenities.
There’s a complimentary breakfast served up in the dining room each morning, while the friendly front desk staff will help you navigate your way to the nearby sights. Location-wise, you’ll find Hotel Diamond just across the road from the bus station and a minute’s walk to the main square.
Budget hostels in Lima Historic center
1900 Hostel
True to its name, 1900 Hostel is set in a majestic Belle Epoque style building from the early 20th century. Aside from the amazing architecture, the location is also great, being situated right in the middle of Lima’s historic center with top sights on the doorstep.
As this is a hostel, it’s a great option for social travelers. Activities here include salsa lessons and yoga, while there’s also a games room and snacks served up at the bar. Breakfast is served daily. It’s definitely one of the best hostels in Lima.
Barranco – Where to stay in Lima for art lovers
Often referred to as the “SoHo” of Lima, Barranco is the city’s bohemian beating heart. It’s a colorful area with street art, coffee shops, galleries and boutiques galore. Days in Barranco can be spent strolling the charming streets and ducking into museums – all punctuated with visits to eateries for delicious food.
Make sure to also read my post What To See And Do In Barranco, Lima.
Luxury hotels in Barranco
Hotel B
One of the best parts of Hotel B is the building it is situated in; that would be a Belle Epoque mansion built in 1914 for a wealthy Lima family. The attractive architecture is utilized both outside and inside the hotel.
Here you’ll find spaces with white washed walls and bright pops of color. Much of the decor feels sensitive to the history of the space, with sophisticated guest rooms that feature large windows and plush beds. Amenities here include a swanky bar – perfect for an evening drink or two. It’s one of the nicest luxury hotels in Lima.
Mid-range accommodation options
Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel
Casa Republica is another boutique offering situated on a tree-lined street in the bohemian Barranco district. Here the nearest beach is a mere 13-minute walk away, making the chance to sit on the sand and soak up some sun close at hand.
The chic hotel is situated inside an impressive 1920s mansion, and thankfully has retained many of its original design details. Rooms are bright and airy, and make full use of their period features.
Second Home Peru
For more of a homely comfort, but one that is definitively polished, Second Home Peru is a 4-star guesthouse tucked away on Playa Barranco beach. The house itself is a beautiful colonial style mansion, so you can expect polished wooden floors and large double doors that open up to sea views.
The whole property, from the lush gardens and swimming pool to the high ceilinged interiors, is full of character. Overall, it’s a charming place to spend your time in Lima. Fun fact: the building was once home to Peruvian sculptor, Victor Delfin.
Budget hotels in Lima Barranco
Barranco Wasi
Located less than a kilometer from the beach, this self-catering accommodation option allows you to really feel at home when you’re staying in Lima. There are a selection of apartments to choose from at Barranco Wasi, all of which are clean, comfortable and smartly decorated.
Each of these comes with its very own kitchen (helping you to keep costs low), separate bedroom and dining area, too. Some come with their own terraces, while others are larger for families or a group of friends.
San Isidro – Where to stay in Lima for families
To the west of the city center, San Isidro is Lima’s main financial district. But along with the skyscrapers, there are plenty of residential enclaves and green spaces for strolling. With its wealthy inhabitants come a string of luxury hotels, exclusive shopping opportunities and high-end restaurants. It’s not all about the modern side, though: here you’ll also find a slice of Lima’s traditional past thanks to San Isidro’s colonial mansions and Art Deco architecture.
Luxury hotels in Lima San Isidro
Country Club Lima Hotel
Situated in the high-end San Isidro district, this exclusive accommodation provides a luxury experience. Housed inside an impressive building that dates back to 1927, the hotel’s 83 rooms have all been stylishly decorated with eye-catching furnishings and classic design.
Throughout the hotel there’s an impressive collection of more than 300 pieces of art and furniture, adorning the walls and situated in shared spaces. The hotel comes complete with its own restaurant, serving up international and Peruvian cuisine.
Hotel Swissotel Lima
The Lima iteration of Swissotel is a 5-star property that makes up part of a business complex in the glitzy San Isidro district. The rooms here are bright and contemporary, and come with polished bathrooms, seating areas and large windows overlooking the rest of the city.
It’s a huge hotel: in total there are 345 guest rooms across 18 floors. As such, there are numerous facilities to match. These include an onsite bar, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and a spa. Not only that, but there are also five international restaurants available, so you’ll never go hungry!
Hotel Melia Lima
This contemporary 5-star hotel is situated in a gleaming tower – and it comes with all the facilities and amenities that you would expect of a modern luxury hotel. The decor is part of the high-end scenery here, with bright, white guest rooms furnished with trendy modern furniture.
There’s a high level of service here. Guests will be able to use a guest lounge for drinks over the city, enjoy a swim in the pool, or have dinner in Hotel Melia Lima’s onsite restaurant.
Hotel The Westin Lima Hotel & Convention Center
This hotel has a lot to offer. It’s perfect for those who like to have everything at their fingertips; from its half-size Olympic swimming pool, to its two high-end restaurant options, it certainly feels 5-star throughout.
In terms of guest rooms, you can relax and unwind in the off-white hues and in luxury bedding – with polished bathrooms to match. And for when you can tear yourself away from the hotel’s conveniences, you’ll have the San Isidro district to explore at your leisure.
Mid-range accommodation options
Sonesta Hotel El Olivar
Sonesta Hotel El Olivar is a new-build hotel situated in the financial district of San Isidro. Sophistication is the name of the game at this hotel; it’s a great option for business travelers, or for those who just want the top level of service.
There are a whole host of amenities here, from the rooftop pool all the way to the well equipped gym – there’s even a barbershop. The restaurant and bar here means you won’t need to step out for dinner every night, making things that much more convenient.
Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima
Hyatt Centric San Isidro Lima basically ticks all the boxes of what a modern, luxury hotel should be. The experience of staying here has been well thought out and as such provides a polished place to stay.
Guest rooms here feel fresh and relaxing, but you’ll probably spend most of your time enjoying the stylish guest spaces – particularly the rooftop pool, which boasts some amazing views of the city.
Budget hotels in Lima San Isidro
The Lot Boutique
The Lot Boutique offers up a chic and stylish place to stay. Its polished spaces come packed with eclectic furnishings, but it’s not just the decor that goes above and beyond – the staff service here is also amazing.
The hotel is, however, quite budget friendly and very clean and safe. Thanks to its warm and welcoming atmosphere, The Lot Boutique actually feels a little bit like a home away from home. Facilities include a shared lounge, dining area and guest library.
Further Readings
The following posts will come in handy when planning a trip to Peru:
- The Best Things To Know Before Visiting Peru
- Is Lima Safe For Tourists?
- The Best Things To Do In Peru
- The Best Hikes In Peru
- Everything You Must Know To Hike Marcahuasi
- The Ultimate Guide To The Inca Trail
- The Best Inca Trail Packing List
- How To Get To Machu Picchu
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