Hotel Emancipador

We came with a group tour, and although the location was good and the rooms were reasonably clean, the service made this a tough stay. We couldn't get into our rooms until 3 p.m. because staff were hours behind, and breakfast didn't start until 7, which squeezed our morning excursion plans. The lobby's drinking water went unrefilled for more than half a day. When I asked for water twice, I was ignored. I wouldn't recommend it if you have another option.

The outside is lovely, with bougainvillea and wooden balcony rails, and our balcony had a nice view. Inside, though, the room felt like a basic motel. The plugs barely stayed in the old outlets, the shower flooded the bathroom floor, the chair was coming apart, the Wi-Fi was unreliable, and it wasn't clean. When we arrived, there were no pillows, towels, or toilet paper, and the shower had four or five used soap bars. We complained and were told it would be handled, but hours later it still wasn't ready. We couldn't get back into our room until 5:30. I wouldn't recommend it.

We loved the restaurant, the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and there was plenty to eat. The rooms get lots of daylight through their French windows, with a great view, and the beds are really comfortable. It's about a 10-minute walk to the centre of Paracas.

For the price, this was a great deal, and I'd stay again. The beach and several restaurants along the waterfront are an easy walk away. Breakfast came with fresh fruit and juice, though the eggs were a little cold. The pool is tiny but usable. Wi-Fi depended on where you stood and didn't reach our room.