2 Best Hotels in El Centro, Lima

Although this grande-dame hotel retains the splendor of the days when its guests included Ernest Hemingway and Mick Jagger, it lacks some of the conveniences offered by newer lodgings. As you enter the marble-columned rotunda, your eyes are drawn irresistibly upward to the magnificent stained-glass dome. Off to one side is the wood-paneled bar, which remains popular due to its terrace and excellent pisco sours. As for the rooms themselves, they're spacious but a bit dog-eared. The hotel compensates for the worn upholstery by charging very reasonable rates. It's worth paying the extra money for a suite in front and an unforgettable view of Plaza San Martín.

This concrete monolith may be removed from the city's best dining and nightlife options, but it offers easy access to the historic district and is just a short Metropolitano ride from San Isidro, Miraflores, or Barranco. The perfectly serviceable rooms have subdued colors, nice bathrooms, and giant windows with urban views. Popular with business travelers and tour groups, the hotel also has a convention center, a small gym, and a pool that's open from December to May.