Last updated on December 21st, 2024
As one of the largest cities in South America, there is no shortage of places to stay in Lima for any budget. But choosing where to stay in Lima, especially if it’s your first visit, can be daunting. There are a handful of neighborhoods that are popular with tourists, but which is the right fit for you?
So we’re here to help! In this guide we’re covering where to stay in Lima. Including the best neighborhoods, as well as lodging options for all budgets, from luxury hotel chains, to local boutique options, to affordable hostels. Plus our personal hotel experiences based on our two visits to the city!
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Things to consider when choosing where to stay in Lima
As you read this guide and figure where to stay in Lima, there are a handful of things you may want to consider before deciding.
What are the top things you want to see in Lima? Depending on how much time you have in Lima, you may only stick to one small part of town. So in that case, we’d suggest staying in that area, for the ultimate convenience. If you need ideas of how to spend your time in the city, we have guides with both the best things to do in Lima and 1-3 day Lima itineraries.
What is your budget? A huge perk of visiting Peru, especially if coming from the US, is that everything costs less. And this includes lodging. But even with these lower costs, you can still find expensive lodging. So we suggest deciding your ideal nightly rate in advance, to help narrow down where to stay in Lima.
What is your lodging preference? We used to solely stay in vacation rentals, like Vrbo or Airbnb, as we liked having a kitchen and getting a more local feel. But due to our travel credit cards, we have started to stay at hotels often, as we can get nights for free. Plus, hotels don’t have excessive nightly fees like many vacation rentals do.
How much time will you be at your accommodation? If you plan to be out and about all day and eat at local restaurants, a hotel may be the best bet. But if you are going to be spending a longer amount of time in Lima or working remotely from the city, you may want a vacation rental with a kitchen and more space.
Where to stay in Lima, Peru
Lima is a massive city that encompasses 43 districts, but there are only a handful that are recommended for tourists. These include Miraflores, Barranco, San Isidro, and Centro Histórico. When deciding where to stay in Lima, these will be the safest options. However, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend staying in all of them.
Below is a rundown of each neighborhood, lodging options within each, and things to know when staying there. Since most visitors to Lima are only in the city for a few days, we’re solely focusing on hotels (and hostels), as they are the easiest option for a quick visit.
Miraflores
Miraflores is located just south of downtown Lima, right along the Pacific Ocean. This is a more modernized and westernized side of town, with international restaurant chains and retailers. Plus, it is one of the wealthiest and safest districts of the city.
It is also the most popular neighborhood for travelers to stay in Lima. Not only does Miraflores boast the most lodging options, including international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and hostels. But you’ll also find some of the best things to do in Lima here, like Kennedy Park and the Malecón, plus amazing coffee shops and many local restaurants.
Overall, Miraflores is very central to Lima’s top attractions and the neighborhood itself is extremely walkable. So if you want to be close to the action, this is a great choice!
Budget lodging options in Miraflores
Ayenda La Luna Inn offers minimalist, clean looking rooms. While it doesn’t offer tons of amenities outside of a continental breakfast, it is located in a quiet location near Kennedy Park and some of our favorite coffee shops.
Black Llama Hostel Miraflores is also located near Kennedy Park. It offers dorm style rooms and rooms with private bathrooms for a more hotel-like stay. There is also a rooftop pub so you don’t have to go far for some nightlife!
El Patio Miraflores is a small bed and breakfast in the heart of Miraflores. The hotel is located in old Peruvian homes, so it has more of an apartment feel. There are lots of patios and outdoor spaces filled with greenery. You’ll have a great start to your day with breakfast served in the courtyard!
Alpes Lima Kennedy Park offers a mix of private rooms (some with private bathrooms) and bunks. With some options being around $10 USD a night! The hostel also has a small pool, fitness center, and terrace to hang out on.
Waikiki Hostel lives up to its name, as it’s only a 5 minute walk to the ocean! Similar to the other hostel options, they have a mix of private rooms and dorms. Plus hang out spaces, making it a good spot if you want to make friends and be social.
Mid-range lodging options in Miraflores
During the majority of our time in Lima we stayed at Fairfield Miraflores. Located across the highway from the main part of Miraflores, it felt like it was in a slightly quieter area, while still being walking distance to many of the top sights. The rooms were very nice, clean, and had a good view. Plus there is a fitness center, a rooftop patio and bar, and free breakfast buffet.
We also stayed at the Holiday Inn Miraflores on our last night in Lima. Located on the northern end of Miraflores, it’s in a great location to walk around the area. The hotel itself seemed more upscale than other Holiday Inns we have stayed at. We got a free upgrade due to our hotel status and our room was super spacious. Plus it has a fitness center and AMAZING pool!
Hotel Antigua Miraflores is located just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean and the wonderful Malecón walking path. The beautiful building and property offers spacious and clean rooms, plus a beautiful courtyard in front. Suite options include a spa bath and a kitchenette. And a buffet breakfast is included as well!
Casa Andina Miraflores is loaded with amenities like a gym, massage spa, sauna room, and a heated swimming pool. It is a luxury experience at a mid-range price!
Luxury lodging options in Miraflores
Pullman Lima Miraflores is one of the most beautifully designed hotels in Miraflores. It’s more than just a pretty place to stay, though. Here you’ll experience top notch service, a couple restaurants and bars, plus an outdoor pool. But if you prefer being by the ocean, you’re only a couple blocks away!
JW Marriott is another top notch luxury property, with high end finishes and incredible amenities, like a restaurant on site, a stocked gym, open air tennis court (our favorite part!), and outdoor pool. It is also located close to the ocean, so many rooms have panoramic views of the Pacific.
For the ultimate luxury in Miraflores, check out Miraflores Park, A Belmond Hotel! Just like their Machu Picchu location, everything is top notch, from the food, to the staff, to the amenities. Plus the location is incredible and boasts both ocean views and city views.
Barranco
With colorful buildings, tree lined streets, and tons of murals, the Barranco neighborhood is known as the bohemian area of Lima. And it is our personal favorite!
Here you’ll find the Bridge of Sighs, the Descent of the Baths, our favorite gelato shop, plus lots of street art and nightlife. And after Miraflores, Barranco is the next most popular area to stay in Lima. But unlike Miraflores, you won’t find major hotel chains here. Instead, Barranco offers quite a few affordable hostels, all the way up to nicer boutique hotel options, with many located in old converted mansions!
Overall, Barranco just has a more neighborhood-y feel to it than other areas of Lima. It is one of those places where there isn’t a ton to do in terms of big attractions, but walking around, checking out cafes, and people watching is super enjoyable. So if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, we highly recommend Barranco when deciding where to stay in Lima!
Budget lodging options in Barranco
Lima Wari Hotel Boutique is a budget option in an old villa, just a few blocks from the ocean and walking paths. Plus it’s super convenient to many restaurants and cafes in Barranco!
Casa Nuestra Peru is located in an old house, with a colorful and bohemian vibe. Which is perfect for the Barranco neighborhood! Although not a hostel, there is a kitchen and common area available to hang out in.
Casa Fanning Hotel is a clean and modern looking accommodation that offers apartments with kitchenettes that include a microwave and coffee maker. While a bit basic in terms of the design, it is a great option if you want to have a bit more space!
Viajero Kokopelli Lima is part of a popular hostel chain that you can find in other areas of Peru, like Cusco and Paracas. With both private rooms and dorms, they offer something for everyone. Plus, it’s located in a stunning building and has a fun vibe!
Alright, we gotta say, the hostels in Barranco are BEAUTIFUL! And Ancestral Hostel Barranco is no exception! Tucked into a historic home, this hostel has a wonderful design and super affordable lodging options.
Mid range lodging options in Barranco
3B Barranco’s – Chic & Basic – B&B offers modern and minimalist designed rooms with basic amenities. Some of Lima’s top restaurants and nightlife are only blocks away!
Second Home Peru is a small boutique accommodation located right above Barranco Beach. Rooms offer ocean views, hardwood floors, and high ceilings. Reviews say that the building feels like a gorgeous museum and that paragliders glide over the coast just outside your window. This looks like a Barranco gem!
Casa Cáceres has been recently renovated with nice, white tile, hardwood floors, and high ceilings. You’re walking distance from beaches, nightlife, and wonderful restaurants and cafes here.
Luxury lodging options in Barranco
Villa Barranco by Ananay Hotels is possibly the nicest accommodation we’ve seen in Barranco. And if you’re going to stay here, we recommend the King Suite! It has very nice finishes and lots of wood throughout. But the real star is the bathroom! HOLY COW, it is stunning, with a clawfoot tub in the middle, raised ceiling, and lots of windows.
Casa Republica Barranco Boutique Hotel is located just blocks from the Bridge of Sighs and Barranco Square. And you can get there pretty quick on their free bike rentals! The building is a gorgeous colonial looking villa, with a beautiful white and gray painted interior and nice accents.
San Isidro
San Isidro is considered to be the upscale, business district of Lima. When visiting, you can definitely see a difference from some other areas of the city. The buildings are even more modern, plus there are some nice restaurants, shops, and parks.
However, we wouldn’t put this neighborhood at the top of your list of where to stay in Lima, unless you don’t mind Ubering a bit more. While it is very nice, it lacks some of the character of Barranco and the proximity to the coast that Miraflores has. If you’re just looking for a more luxury stay, it may be a great fit for you! But we personally would suggest staying in Miraflores and Barranco over here, as they are more convenient to the best things to do in Lima.
Budget lodging options in San Isidro
Hotel Estelar is the perfect choice for a budget-friendly modern hotel in San Isidro! The rooms are new, nice, and simple. Plus the hotel has a small gym and a delicious and varied breakfast!
Casa Bella Boutique Hotel is located in an old mansion, giving it tons of charm! The rooms have a more homey feel to them, with wood accents and Peruvian textiles. And breakfast is included!
Mid range lodging options in San Isidro
Sonesta Hotel El Olivar has modern and spacious rooms and is walking distance to some of the best restaurants in the city! You’re also close to several parks and ruins, plus a short drive to the beach. Amenities at this hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and breakfast. So it has just about everything you could want!
Costa del Sol Wyndham is unlike any other hotel on this list! With a black and white color scheme, it visually stands out from the rest and fits into the more luxury vibe of the area. Plus, it’s dog friendly and has a great pool with a view of the city! If you stay here, make sure to stop by Pastelería San Antonio for some delicious treats and eats!
Holiday Inn Express San Isidro is the perfect choice in San Isidro for the IHG loyalists! Located in a very nice area, the hotel offers all of your standard amenities (including free breakfast!), plus bright, clean rooms.
If you want luxury, but without breaking the bank, look no further than Casa Andina Premium San Isidro! With a mix of fun textiles, industrial decor, wood accents, and concrete, this hotel is a beauty! But beyond its good looks it also has a ton to offer, including a spa, fitness center, outdoor rooftop swimming pool, rooftop bar, and a nice breakfast spread.
Luxury lodging options in San Isidro
The Westin Lima is a great choice for Marriott fans in the San Isidro area! Inside you can find a moody, dark lobby area, plus luxurious rooms with some pretty spectacular bathrooms. The only downside is that even at its steep cost, breakfast is not included.
Pullman Lima San Isidro may be a 5 star hotel, but depending on when you book, the rates sometimes dip more into the mid range category. Score! Similar to the Pullman in Miraflores, this location offers a pool, great dining options, and impeccable service.
Country Club is more than just a hotel! It’s a Peruvian Cultural Monument, dating back to 1927. Here you can find 300 pieces from the Pedro de Osma Museum, so not only can you get a mega luxury experience here, but also immerse yourself in colonial art.
Centro Histórico
The Centro Histórico neighborhood of Lima is where you’ll find the city’s many historical sites. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes places like Plaza Mayor, Government Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, Convento de San Francisco, and other important churches. It is a beautiful area, with a completely different feel than Miraflores, Barranco, and San Isidro.
When researching where to stay in Lima, you may wonder if you should stay in Centro Histórico. It is one of the best things to do in Lima, afterall! But we’d personally suggest against staying in Centro Histórico. While we loved wandering around the area for a day, it’s just a bit too far (about 30 minutes by Uber) from the city’s other top sights.
To us, it makes more sense to stay closer to Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro and then just explore here for an afternoon. But if you decide to stay here anyways, here are a few options to consider!
Budget lodging options in Centro Histórico
Alojamiento San Francisco is a hostel, sort of. You won’t find shared bunk rooms here. Instead all of the rooms are private (with either a private or shared bathroom) and range from sleeping three to six people. One of the rooms even offers a private kitchen!
If you want a more traditional hostel experience, check out 1900 Backpackers Hostel. This hostel has dorm rooms, plus private options, all for a great price. Free breakfast is included too!
Mid range lodging options in Centro Histórico
The Sheraton Lima Historic Center is the only major hotel chain option in Centro Histórico. Here you’ll find higher end rooms, free breakfast, and a pool! While it’s a bit south of the main Plaza Mayor, it’s right in the middle of the plaza and Circuito Mágico del Agua, which is one of our top things to do if you have two days in Lima.
Hotel Diamond Lima is another great option, located right by Plaza Mayor. It has simple, modern rooms, plus free breakfast.
Our personal pick of where to stay in Lima
While we love Barranco, we personally would suggest staying in Miraflores if it’s your first visit to Lima and you only have a short amount of time. Its central location to all of the best things to do in Lima makes it the most convenient. Plus, it boasts the most lodging options, including many hotel chains, which is great if you’re like us and try to use hotel points for free nights.
Tips & things to know for lodging in Lima
Breakfast may be included
Many accommodations will offer breakfast included in the price of the room. If that is something important to you, make sure to double check that! Also, if you have a very early morning for a tour or early flight, many places will offer a to-go breakfast if you ask.
Paying with credit card
Most places to stay in Lima will accept credit cards. However, we noticed that many smaller, boutique hotels charge 1-3% to pay by credit card. So keep this in mind to decide if it’s worth the extra cost or make sure to have enough cash handy.
Want free nights? Get a hotel credit card!
Speaking of credit cards, one of our top travel tips is to get a travel credit card. When used responsibly and treated like a debit card, it’s the easiest way to get free travel, including hotel nights and flights. We have a handful of travel credit cards that we LOVE and over the years we have saved tens of thousands of dollars on travel by using them.
But beyond getting free nights, you will also likely earn hotel status, which could get you free upgrades. We got upgraded at the Holiday Inn Miraflores, which gave us a higher up, larger room. But other upgrades we have gotten over the years have included access to a special lounge!
Make a Booking.com account
Another travel hack to save money is to get a FREE booking.com account. They have a Genius program where you can get 10% off or more at select hotels. The more you book on booking.com, the higher your percentage off will be. This can really add up and save a lot of money on your Peru trip!
Google Translate
Most of the time the staff at hotels and hostels will speak some English. But occasionally, especially in smaller cities, you might run into some communication issues. Make sure to have Spanish downloaded for offline use on Google Translate.
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