We are looking for a nice, safe hotel, good location hotel in Central Lima - preferrably not over $50/night. Does anyone have any good recommendations? Something that has private bath and will pick us up from the airport.

I prefer to be in central Lima since we arrive at the airport at 4am, and then leave the following day - so only 1 full day in Lima. So I dont want to spend a lot of time traveling to and from the airport and would like to be close to the sights.

I have two suggestions for you but it depends if you are more concerned to be closer to the airport and so waiting less to cuddle in a comfortable bed or to travel 30 minutes to downtown Lima's in order to be closer to the traditional tourist attractions. If you choose the first I would suggest the Manhattan Inn, a 40 room three star just 5 minutes from the airport. They pick you up when you book ahead. Rack rate for a double room which includes AB is US50.00 Check their web site www.hmanhattan.com
If you prefer the second option this is call the Maury Hotel, an older establishment refurbished just a few years ago. I believe they do not transfer you to-fro the airport but you might like to check with them. Double room rate is US59.00 and includes buffet style AB.
Book with them writing to [email protected]
Both hotels are well recommended, clean and safe.
I hope this would be useful information to you.

Lets see if I can help you as well, I just completed my 60th trip to Peru lived in Cuzco early 90's,and as well have stayed at several of these noted hotels. There are areas that will work as noted prior but for the most part try to stay away from Central Lima or any of the residential areas. This is most likely where you could get mugged. Now nothing is wrong with the Manhattan Inn in Callao near the airport as I have stayed here countless times. However, I would not use it as a base to tour from. It is in a residential area and there have been robberies in this area countless amounts of times. For the first timer stay in Miraflores where there are safer and many hotels and rates to choose from. Here is a couple: Hotel Colon, The Antigua or La Castellana.
In Central Lima is the:Hostel Roma, Hostel Francia, Hostel Espana or Hostel La Casona. Finally all except the Manhattan Inn noted above as most Lima hotels do not offer airport transfers. Costs shouild not be over $20 - $25 one way.
Have a great Trip and Good Luck.

PeruGuru

Thanks for your help. I will look into these ones.

Is the Miraflores area near the airport? I am hesitant to stay near the airport as Ihave never had any luck with that .. thanks.

Miraflores isn't near the airport. It's a suburb about a 30 minute drive away. We stayed at the Colon Inn and found it fine. We also loved Second Home Peru in Barranco, which is another nice suburb just south of Miraflores.