http://www.hostalelpatio.net/

I stayed here in September 2004.

If you prefer staying at the Hilton, Marriott, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, etc., the Hostal El Patio isn't for you. This is a small hostal in the heart of Miraflores. It has a very homey feel to it. It reminds me of a "bed and breakfast" place. It's such a small place that the desk clerks and maids will know you by your first name within a day or two. If you want to "fly under the radar," this place isn't for you.

Because this place has so few rooms and it's very popular, you need to make reservations as far in advance as possible. The best room that I could get was a single mini-suite. The mini-suite is fairly big. It has THREE twin size beds. If you have an overnight guest and you want to party, you can push two of the twin beds together, but it's awkward. The mini-suite has a small refrigerator, a hot plate, plates, and silverware. If you're staying for a long time and you want to save some money or you get the munchies (I like making grilled cheese sandwiches), the mini-suite is great.

If you're mongering, I'd highly recommend getting a DOUBLE mini-suite or suite. These have a full or queen size bed. The suites are huge.

The hostal also have single and double rooms which are pretty small. Again, if you´re here to monger, get a DOUBLE room (if you don't care about space) or a DOUBLE mini or full suite.

In the "Rough Guide" travel book on Peru, it described this place as being "gay friendly." I wouldn't know about that. During my stay here, most of the guests were young European couples. I met an elder American lady who was here doing some king of charity work. I think I was the only single male staying here during my entire week in Lima.

The hostal does have a sign in the room that no guest are allowed AFTER 10 p.m. After 10 p.m., all guests have to register at the front desk. Yep, there's a walk of shame. You can't sneak her in because you have to buzz 24 hours a day to get inside the hostal.

During the day and swing shift, the desk clerks are women. The graveyard shift is manned by a couple of young guys. When the guys are staffing the front desk, there isn't a walk of shame unless you're bringing home a real dog.

For the single mini-suite, the listed rate is US$40. If you pay with cash, they'll discount the rate to US$35. If you're staying a week and pay cash in advance, they'll discount another 10%.

The hostal offers a free breakfast which includes coffee, orange juice, and bread rolls.

The hostal is located three blocks from Tequila Rock and four-five blocks from the Pizza Street.

I enjoyed my stay here. It was a change from the somewhat sterile and impersonal feel of most hotels. Again, if you prefer to "fly under the radar", this place is NOT for you.

p.s. The hostal will arrange a driver to pick up for US$13. The driver's name is Fernando. He doesn't speak much English, but he'll give you a business card offering to take you around town or for "matrimonios."