Palacio Guaqui

Our room looked out over the herb garden, and the lighting and décor were so lovely that the lack of a window in some rooms seems manageable. The whole complex is huge, but the restoration feels carefully done, from the masonry and woodwork to the gardens. Arequipa is known for its white sillar stone, and the craftsmanship here really shows it off. The manager was kind and respectful, and clearly proud of the hotel. Palacio Guaqui opened a little over a year ago and already feels one of a kind. At $420 a night, it was the priciest place we stayed during three weeks in Peru, but worth the splurge for us. One thing to watch for, the discreet façade is easy to walk past.

We spent three nights here, and the team made everything feel easy. They even packed breakfast for our early outings, starting as early as 4:30 am, and arranged excellent guides. Cesar Torres was especially committed to making sure things went well, and the staff were warm and dedicated throughout. Thanks to everyone at the hotel. The next guests are lucky to be staying here.

The hotel has the feel of a very old Spanish residence, restored with care in all the details. We stayed in two different rooms, and both were just right. Breakfast had lots of choice and tasted good. I travel more than 200 days a year and have experienced service at every level, but the staff and captain Cesar Torres still went beyond what I expected. I can warmly recommend this hotel for a happy stay in Arequipa.

We debated between this place and the Cirqa, and I’m glad we chose Palacio Guaqui. The rooms are very spacious and impeccably clean, while the staff are professional and genuinely attentive. It felt like a haven in central Arequipa, and the stay went beyond what I expected. Cesar, the manager, deserves a special thank you. His dedication and presence made a real difference to our experience.