Buenos Dias,
I am in the process of booking a week in Peru following a week on a mission trip on the Amazon.
The Peru-based travel agent I'm working with is quoting me a package using Juan Antonio hotels. The reviews on Tripadvisor are not reassuring, particularly regarding location in Cuzco.
I am looking for a hotel for two nights in Lima and 4 in Cuzco. Looking for location, location, location! Miraflores in Lima, near the Plaza in Cuzco. Am travelling alone, looking at a room under $200/night with some comfort-good bed, air in Lima, heat in Cuzco, breakfast, perhaps a restaurant and/or room service especially in Cuzco, as I'm a little worried about altitude and I'm building in down time to adjust.
Anyone stayed at Picoaga in Cuzco? Radisson Decapolis in Lima?
The Casa Andina group?
Thank you in advance for any reviews, suggestions. Anything else I should be looking for regarding lodging?

We stayed in Casa San Blas in Cusco and really enjoyed it.
http://www.casasanblas.com/ Its not directly on the plaza, but rather a 5 minute or so walk from the Plaza. Comfortable rooms and terrific staff.

Thanks!

The Casa Andina chain is well-run and reliable, with two levels of hotel. The regular ones are the equivalent of maybe a Marriott Courtyard but with more facilities, like a restaurant and bar. The "Private Collection" ones are very nice, but maybe a bit over that $200 a night. Check and see. The Novotel in Cusco is nice and there are plenty of similar places to choose from in both cities. I've been to Peru for long stretches twice and haven't heard of Juan Antonio hotels. Don't settle!

If you haven't done so already, search the TripAdvisor Peru discussion forum - lots of threads there on hotels people have used in Cusco and Lima - different $$ ranges. Based on recommendations, we booked Hotel San Antonio Abad in Miraflores (1 night) and Los Apus in Cusco (website specifically lists central heating). We haven't stayed in these hotels yet -- but they have good reviews on TA.

www.asiarooms.com Casa Andina my fav

or

www.peruforless.com

booking good deals on Casa Andina best value for me..

Thanks, all, for the recs and for the encouragement that I'm not crazy to keep looking!

I've just returned from Peru and stayed one night atSan Antonio Abad. It does not have airconditioning (and if you're going in summer, you'll like to have it if possible). Also, it's really quite far from the ocean if that is what you are thinking of when you say "Miraflores". It does, however, have quite a good breakfast, probably one of the best I had in my trip. Also airport pickup is included, so overall it's a good value if you overlook the lack of A/C.

In Cuzco I stayed at the El Balcon, which I absolutely loved, however it is a STEEP walk uphill from the central plaza. I spent a few nights in the Sacred Valley before Machu Picchu (in Ollantaytambo), and then to Cuzco afterwards. I recommend this approach to help acclimate if you're worried about that. I had a slight headache in Cuzco every morning, but with a bit of Tylenol and coca tea, it disappeared.

Thanks! I don't really know if I'll need air in March, but I do hope to be nearish the ocean. And I have Diamox to start taking two days before Cuzco as I have migraines.
Fodor's travellers are the best!

Second Home Peru, anyone? In Barranca in Lima, looks beautiful!

We considered Second Home -- looked great, but we wanted to be walking distance to Miraflores so didn't want to stay in Barranca.

On the diamox, both my husband and i took it prior to ascent to high altitudes, but still had some altitude problems in Colca Canyon. I might add, neither of us have ever had altitude problems b4 or since.

The altitude thing seems to be something you either get or don't and no way to know for sure. I have a full day in Cuzco with nothing planned just in case.
Second Home looks beautiful, and the Pacific would be a sight for these winter-sore eyes.

If I had to do it again, I think I would have stayed at Second Home and just take a taxi to Miraflores. Live and learn!

Yes, from what I read and my dr said, no telling who will get altititude sickness or whether you'll get it one time, go to the same altitiude another time and not be affected.

Re: Second Home Peru - check out this report http://www.michellespix.com/perureview.pdf. This couple stayed at Second Home Peru at the end of their trip.

Thanks, eenusa. What a beautiful trip report-mine won't be as pretty or long, but I'll report back. You, too! When will you be in Peru?

Susan,

Yes, I have stayed at Picoaga. I thought it was perfect. Looks like they are running a special right now too...look on their website.

Hotel staff was great. All our day trips were from Cuzco to help us acclimate before we hiked Machu Pichu. We did a day trip to the Sacred Valley and one more, but I am drawing a blank. I thought the buffet breakfast was great and the coffee splendid. the rooms were basic, but clean...and we were NEVER in our room. Just to shower, sleep and eat breakfast in the dining area.
We were all in our mid-20's when we went and now that I am married and about 7 years older I would still go back and stay there!

SusanSDG - we'll be arriving in Lima on April 2; departing on the midnight flight on the 18th. We plan to spend the time in between focused on Cusco, Sacred Valley, MP, and Lake T. Will definitely be posting a report - on my travel blog - will put a link here.