Bubamara San Lazaro

I arrived at 5:30 pm, checked in, and went out after getting ready. There was nobody at reception, just my room key. I called several times using the WhatsApp number they had sent, but got no answer. I assumed the receptionist had stepped away and that someone would be there when I returned. Nobody explained that reception would be unattended after a certain hour or how I could get back in. Online reviews said reception was staffed 24 hours, and I relied on that. I couldn’t find the hotel’s policy on Booking.com or anywhere else either. I returned around 9:30 pm and couldn’t get inside. I knocked and called repeatedly, with no response, so I had to go to the police. We spent five hours trying to reach someone at the hotel door, and even the police couldn’t get through. In the end I had to book another hotel, leaving my passport, IDs, credit cards, money, and belongings inside. Luckily, I had some cash with me. I checked into the other place at 1:30 am. At 6:30 am, the police woke me and said they had reached the receptionist, then brought me back to the hotel. The staff were inconsiderate and very rude. Instead of apologizing, they practically kicked me out. I’d had to pay to stay elsewhere because of them, but they wouldn’t cover the cost and gave me no apology at all. Don’t stay here. The facilities are terrible too, and I don’t understand the good reviews.

There wasn’t a sign outside, so we had to rely on other reviews to find the entrance at unit no. 150 on Avenida Juan de la Torre. Also, the Booking.com photos make it look as though all rooms are in the stone building, but that isn’t the case. Inside, our room was clean and spacious, the shower had good pressure, and the WiFi was strong even in the room. We had a cosy patio just outside. The property is in San Lazaro, not too far from the main plaza, with lots of restaurants within walking distance. Staff were pleasant and reachable on WhatsApp. After our overnight bus to Arequipa, we could check in early for an extra 50 soles. We booked our 2D1N Colca Canyon trek through the property with an agency called Peru Baby Lama. The trek went generally smoothly, and they also stored our extra luggage.

We had a spacious, quiet room with a comfortable bed, and the place seemed quite new. The busy street outside wasn’t audible from inside, so that wasn’t a concern. Breakfast was good, the terrace and view were lovely, and the staff were great. They did our laundry well for PEN5/1kg. We’d happily stay again when we’re back in Arequipa.

A really nice hostel, with updated rooms, clean beds, and hot showers. The staff are friendly and caring, and can sort out laundry, tours, taxis, or lots of special requests. Highly recommended.