CIRQA - Relais & Châteaux

Walking to most places I wanted to see in Arequipa was easy from this centrally located hotel. The decor is beautiful and tasteful, with thoughtful details in every corner that made me feel at home. It was one of the highlights of my time in the city and a perfect beginning to my Peru trip. Alouso, Mariajosé, and the whole wonderful team made the stay memorable. Everyone was warm, attentive, helpful, and accommodating. I'm very grateful for their hospitality and would highly recommend the hotel to anyone visiting Arequipa.

We had breakfast and either lunch or dinner, with wine, included. The food was excellent, though one menu dish was never available because it was the wrong season. Why keep it on the menu? Polite, helpful service. This is a former convent, and some of its starkness is still there: thick volcanic stone walls, and no outside bedroom windows except for a small skylight. They covered and uncovered it at agreed times, though they seemed to forget on our second day. Two things stood out in the toilet and shower room. The soap, shampoo, and conditioner had large labels we could actually read without bringing glasses into the shower, a simple touch most hotels miss. Also, toilet paper could not go in the toilet. I didn't like that, though I understand it's the rule throughout Arequipa. The strong water jet is more hygienic, but took some getting used to without splashing the floor. “Get thee to a nunnery.” (Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1). This isn't an ordinary hotel, and you have to accept that.

The grounds are breathtakingly beautiful, and our room was exceptionally clean. My son and I stayed here over Thanksgiving break in 2025, and the service was phenomenal. Everyone went out of their way to help. I definitely plan to return.

I spent three nights here around Christmas and would always recommend the hotel. The rooms are amazing, the location is super central, and everything feels carefully done with love for the details. There was a fire in the backyard where you could have dinner or an apéro, plus a fireplace in the dining room with seating at long tables and in lounge corners. We even got an unexpected Christmas present.