Time in Lima, then Guayaquil, Manta
Aug 13th, 2016, 04:08 PM
#41
WWAnderer, I just meant, if you've been out at sea, for a while on a cruise, it didn't make much sense to me to turn around and go back out, to where you'd just come from!
You know that February is pretty warm in Lima, and as much as I like 3B, I would try to find a hotel with A/C. More common that it was in the past. So maybe that one on Ave Grau would work for you guys?
One of the reasons I often go to Peru is to get away from our summer heat...I like the gray! I went once in January and decided to avoid that time of year in the future.
You know that February is pretty warm in Lima, and as much as I like 3B, I would try to find a hotel with A/C. More common that it was in the past. So maybe that one on Ave Grau would work for you guys?
One of the reasons I often go to Peru is to get away from our summer heat...I like the gray! I went once in January and decided to avoid that time of year in the future.
Aug 16th, 2016, 06:56 AM
#42
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Yeah, I realize it will be summer there, and AC is a necessity. Once we get up to Ecuador it will be more moderate.
How steamy will it be during the day?
At the moment we're booked at the Tierra Viva in Miraflores, but I'll have another look at Casa Falleri--I did read somewhere that they had AC I think. Will weigh those two.
Right now, we'll have 3 1/2 days in Lima. I haven't booked our flight to Guayaquil yet, but will soon.
How steamy will it be during the day?
At the moment we're booked at the Tierra Viva in Miraflores, but I'll have another look at Casa Falleri--I did read somewhere that they had AC I think. Will weigh those two.
Right now, we'll have 3 1/2 days in Lima. I haven't booked our flight to Guayaquil yet, but will soon.
Aug 16th, 2016, 09:49 AM
#43
I'm not a good one to ask, since I live in Southern California, but humid and the mid-80's makes me sweaty! I had to run out and buy t-shirts to survive (fortunately Lima is a center for manufacturing of fine Pima cotton garments!)
The bigger issue is that it's hard to find locations that don't have at least some traffic noise so if you're a light sleeper, you can't use natural ventilation at night (it does cool off).
Basically follow the agenda of activities before lunch, afternoon indoors or napping, and then going out at night and it will be fine.
The bigger issue is that it's hard to find locations that don't have at least some traffic noise so if you're a light sleeper, you can't use natural ventilation at night (it does cool off).
Basically follow the agenda of activities before lunch, afternoon indoors or napping, and then going out at night and it will be fine.
Aug 16th, 2016, 10:23 AM
#44
BTW WWanderer FrankS above had mentioned Central. I tried to book yesterday and they are full into late September, with weekends farther out.
So if you are considering that, do book ahead.
The latest thing seems to be for famous chefs to open smaller bistro places, two that I'll be trying this visit are Isolina (which is in Barranco) and 1087 Bistro (San Isidro).
For seafood near Terra Viva there's now a branch of trendy Barra Khuda at 459 San Martin and another block away is long-established Punto Azul. No reservations at either. Barra Khuda is lunch only and closed Mondays.
So if you are considering that, do book ahead.
The latest thing seems to be for famous chefs to open smaller bistro places, two that I'll be trying this visit are Isolina (which is in Barranco) and 1087 Bistro (San Isidro).
For seafood near Terra Viva there's now a branch of trendy Barra Khuda at 459 San Martin and another block away is long-established Punto Azul. No reservations at either. Barra Khuda is lunch only and closed Mondays.
Aug 18th, 2016, 10:32 AM
#46
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Thanks, I think we'll be fine with less exhalted restaurants. I've heard there are lots of good ones that aren't necessarily Michelin class. And coming off from 18 days on a luxury cruise ship, I'm sure we'll be ready for earthier fare.
And we will don't know how long we'll stay. I've been reading up on Guayaquil and it seems like it warrants at least an extra night, before going on to Manta. So perhaps only 3 days in Lima. At an air-conditioned hotel, for sure. And an afternoon nap? Sounds great.
And we will don't know how long we'll stay. I've been reading up on Guayaquil and it seems like it warrants at least an extra night, before going on to Manta. So perhaps only 3 days in Lima. At an air-conditioned hotel, for sure. And an afternoon nap? Sounds great.
Aug 24th, 2016, 09:11 AM
#48
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Sadly no free Pisco sours for us!
BTW very impressed with 3B Barranco. Very nice rooms, great location, great breakfast and some of the best staff anywhere we have been in Peru or South America. So friendly and efficient I can think of a few 5* hotels that could learn a lesson or two from them!
BTW very impressed with 3B Barranco. Very nice rooms, great location, great breakfast and some of the best staff anywhere we have been in Peru or South America. So friendly and efficient I can think of a few 5* hotels that could learn a lesson or two from them!
Aug 24th, 2016, 02:14 PM
#49
I am here now @ my home away from home.
Lunch @ Isolina. Nice but prob not special enough to return.
Sad to discover the current Scotiabank policy is now a hefty ATM fee. Of the 3 ATM I tried the best was BCP with a fee 13.50 but 700 soles limit (vs 400 or 500 for the others), net 3.28. The cambios in Barranco were about the same.
They are tearing up Grau in front of Casa Falleri. I think even if it is finished soon (LOL) I would not stay on Grau because of vibration from all the heavy trucks and buses.
Lunch @ Isolina. Nice but prob not special enough to return.
Sad to discover the current Scotiabank policy is now a hefty ATM fee. Of the 3 ATM I tried the best was BCP with a fee 13.50 but 700 soles limit (vs 400 or 500 for the others), net 3.28. The cambios in Barranco were about the same.
They are tearing up Grau in front of Casa Falleri. I think even if it is finished soon (LOL) I would not stay on Grau because of vibration from all the heavy trucks and buses.
Aug 24th, 2016, 06:00 PM
#50
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Strange re Scotiabank - I am getting 400 soles in some ATMs and 700 in others all with no fee. The Scotiabank in barranco was 400. BBVA also charged no fees. Maybe it is an affiliation thing?
Try Canta Rana near the Metro supermercado - their ceviche with pulpo a la plancha is superb!
Try Canta Rana near the Metro supermercado - their ceviche with pulpo a la plancha is superb!
Aug 24th, 2016, 08:44 PM
#51
I tried the big Scotiabank on Grau. I may try a different card at different ATMs tomorrow. At least I have a base stash to start with..which was handy for today's excitement....
Searching Lima to replace my camera battery charger that TSA removed along with the spare battery. Yes my fault, forgetting not to check them when my carryon was overweight, but why not leave the charger?
THANK YOU to the the tourist who probably left behind the super rare BCN-1 charger..which I found in that CompuPalace place in Miraflores..and I got a descuenta and a fair price.
Celebrated with a algorribina cocktail at Sofa Cafe.
I will pass on your nice comments about staff And service, so very true.
Had a bad first visit to Canta Rana--fish not so fresh. Tomorrow I think Surquillo market. A step toward budget mitigation.
Searching Lima to replace my camera battery charger that TSA removed along with the spare battery. Yes my fault, forgetting not to check them when my carryon was overweight, but why not leave the charger?
THANK YOU to the the tourist who probably left behind the super rare BCN-1 charger..which I found in that CompuPalace place in Miraflores..and I got a descuenta and a fair price.
Celebrated with a algorribina cocktail at Sofa Cafe.
I will pass on your nice comments about staff And service, so very true.
Had a bad first visit to Canta Rana--fish not so fresh. Tomorrow I think Surquillo market. A step toward budget mitigation.
Aug 25th, 2016, 03:10 AM
#52
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Sorry to hear about your Canta Rana experience, never had a bad meal there!
Also had to go to CompuPalace for a spare battery for Uyuni sadly the only one I could find was a fake and 3x normal price. Sounds like you got a result!
Bizzare re ATMs in Peru. Last time Scotia was the only bank with no fees this time we haven't had to pay anywhere apart from BCP which was 14 soles. Maybe it is a card provider thing?
For budget meals we had a great experience in Club Social on the other side of Grau from Casa Falleri - 8-9 soles for an almuerzo. Good food but only open lunchtimes
Also had to go to CompuPalace for a spare battery for Uyuni sadly the only one I could find was a fake and 3x normal price. Sounds like you got a result!
Bizzare re ATMs in Peru. Last time Scotia was the only bank with no fees this time we haven't had to pay anywhere apart from BCP which was 14 soles. Maybe it is a card provider thing?
For budget meals we had a great experience in Club Social on the other side of Grau from Casa Falleri - 8-9 soles for an almuerzo. Good food but only open lunchtimes
Aug 25th, 2016, 04:15 AM
#53
Might be, will try other locations today with the other card.
I must have had a suitably shocked and dismissive but not disrespectful reaction at first price offered. And seller figured no one would ever come asking for that one again. Good karma.
Are you in La Paz yet? There is supposed to be a big black market for duty free electronic goods somewhere, either near the border or in La Paz if you need another fake battery. I was ready to go Chinese if needed.
Will look for that place when I return, thanks. There is a cevicheria on the way to the Metropolitano that is cheap and good too (Rustic).
Sorry OP hope some off topic chatter is useful.
I must have had a suitably shocked and dismissive but not disrespectful reaction at first price offered. And seller figured no one would ever come asking for that one again. Good karma.
Are you in La Paz yet? There is supposed to be a big black market for duty free electronic goods somewhere, either near the border or in La Paz if you need another fake battery. I was ready to go Chinese if needed.
Will look for that place when I return, thanks. There is a cevicheria on the way to the Metropolitano that is cheap and good too (Rustic).
Sorry OP hope some off topic chatter is useful.
Sep 3rd, 2016, 10:10 AM
#55
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Funny reading about Scotiabank. Since it's a Canadian bank, you know. Didn't know they had a presence in S.A.
Don't mind the chatter--good advice about Grau. At the moment we're still booked at Tierra Viva in Miraflores, but that can change.
Don't mind the chatter--good advice about Grau. At the moment we're still booked at Tierra Viva in Miraflores, but that can change.
Sep 5th, 2016, 05:57 AM
#56
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crellston, "BTW very impressed with 3B Barranco. Very nice rooms, great location, great breakfast and some of the best staff anywhere we have been in Peru or South America. So friendly and efficient I can think of a few 5* hotels that could learn a lesson or two from them!"
This is very tempting, but I note "No alcohol alowed onsite". Strange, and probably a deal-breaker for us. Does it have A/C?
This is very tempting, but I note "No alcohol alowed onsite". Strange, and probably a deal-breaker for us. Does it have A/C?
Sep 5th, 2016, 07:56 AM
#57
No A/C. For me in Feb that is the deal breaker, even though it's a bit closer to the coast and cooler than inland.
3B is not a Vegas style hotel with a bar and big lobby. Small, quiet, simple, friendly and personal are tradeoffs for big hotel amenities.
There is some seating in the lobby and small patio but for more festive/loud conversations with alcohol it would be better to go across the street to Sofa Cafe. Lobby sounds do carry due to the way rooms are arranged. Usually guests are pretty quiet inside the hotel in consideration for others, & arrive on red eye fights trying to sleep in the first morning.
It sounds as if the chain hotels might work better for you? Quite often you can find good pricing prepaid. They tend to have AC, big lobbies and bars. Altho I don't think there are guarantees about quiet rooms (typing from noisy Costa del Sol Cajamarca)!
Still plenty of time for research.
3B is not a Vegas style hotel with a bar and big lobby. Small, quiet, simple, friendly and personal are tradeoffs for big hotel amenities.
There is some seating in the lobby and small patio but for more festive/loud conversations with alcohol it would be better to go across the street to Sofa Cafe. Lobby sounds do carry due to the way rooms are arranged. Usually guests are pretty quiet inside the hotel in consideration for others, & arrive on red eye fights trying to sleep in the first morning.
It sounds as if the chain hotels might work better for you? Quite often you can find good pricing prepaid. They tend to have AC, big lobbies and bars. Altho I don't think there are guarantees about quiet rooms (typing from noisy Costa del Sol Cajamarca)!
Still plenty of time for research.
Sep 6th, 2016, 12:16 PM
#58
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I agree A/C is a deal-breaker. But no, we don't like chain hotels. We don't want a big fancy lobby, we like small places. It's just nice to have a quiet little bar off the lobby where you can get a beer. That's all, no fancy nightclubs or anything. It seems perhaps that in Lima, bar==nightclub? If so, then we can do without, although we'd certainly want to be able to bring a drink back to the room.
And yes, plenty of time, although nothing is coming up in Barranca that fits the bill. We have stayed in larger establishments from time-to-time outside of North America or Europe, but we still prefer those lovely little gems. Just want a good area to walk in and find restaurants, and to be safe.
And yes, plenty of time, although nothing is coming up in Barranca that fits the bill. We have stayed in larger establishments from time-to-time outside of North America or Europe, but we still prefer those lovely little gems. Just want a good area to walk in and find restaurants, and to be safe.
Sep 6th, 2016, 03:30 PM
#59
I just came back to Lima this morning and I swear the wall mounted remote operated fan above the TV wasn't there this morning!
Possibly that might be enough, maybe keep an eye on tripadvisor.
When I get home I'll put some photos on a Tripadvisor review to give an idea of the lobby.
I suppose smuggling a beer into your room would be an option as long as the empties disappear! But doubt you could get away with it in the lobby sitting area..however coca tea is available, or coffee.
Today I went to the reopened Amano, really nice job on the new exhibit with full English translations. If you have any interest in textiles or archaeology I recommend it (followed by gelato at 4D). The admission is now 30 soles pp, without a guide. There is an option to have someone open the drawers for you to see more jaw-dropping textiles for an added per-group fee. When I first went 5ish years back it was voluntary fee, no English, but it included some of the archives. Stunning.
Possibly that might be enough, maybe keep an eye on tripadvisor.
When I get home I'll put some photos on a Tripadvisor review to give an idea of the lobby.
I suppose smuggling a beer into your room would be an option as long as the empties disappear! But doubt you could get away with it in the lobby sitting area..however coca tea is available, or coffee.
Today I went to the reopened Amano, really nice job on the new exhibit with full English translations. If you have any interest in textiles or archaeology I recommend it (followed by gelato at 4D). The admission is now 30 soles pp, without a guide. There is an option to have someone open the drawers for you to see more jaw-dropping textiles for an added per-group fee. When I first went 5ish years back it was voluntary fee, no English, but it included some of the archives. Stunning.
Sep 7th, 2016, 04:12 AM
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WW - "No alcohol alowed onsite" that would probably have been a deal breaker for me too - if only I had known! 
. Fortunately, Barranco is awash with some great bars so you are never too far from a decent watering hole. Right across the road from 3B is one of my favourite restaurants, La Cuadra de Salvador. They have an open air bar area and serve the best Chilcanos with a huge variety of Piscos. Even better than an onsite bar!
From 3B it is only a 5-10 min walk to the main plaza with loads of bars and restaurants. It is a very safe area of Lima so I wouldn't be concerned about walking the streets of Barranco, even in the early hours.
Can't really comment on the lack of aircon as we have only been in Lima in May, August and Nov when it wasn't needed.
. Fortunately, Barranco is awash with some great bars so you are never too far from a decent watering hole. Right across the road from 3B is one of my favourite restaurants, La Cuadra de Salvador. They have an open air bar area and serve the best Chilcanos with a huge variety of Piscos. Even better than an onsite bar!From 3B it is only a 5-10 min walk to the main plaza with loads of bars and restaurants. It is a very safe area of Lima so I wouldn't be concerned about walking the streets of Barranco, even in the early hours.
Can't really comment on the lack of aircon as we have only been in Lima in May, August and Nov when it wasn't needed.
