I was recommended this B&B/hostal/hotel (it's not "specialty housing") by my boyfriend's older boss who is from Lima, and is a wealthier Peruvian at that. It was perfect and we were here for all 7 days we were in the area (4 days/ 3 nights of which we just left our big luggage to do a 4 day hike).

First of all, true heat doesn't exist ANYWHERE in Peru, unless you are at a nicer & pricier hotel, so this should not be a downside. Regardless, I found the rooms to be quite comfortable & clean and we moved to 3 different rooms during our stay (long story; not their fault). The breakfast is on par with every b&b we stayed at mostly, too. Of course, the location literally cannot be beat either!

The service was also fantastic - The staff, while on the shy side as we found most Peruvians to be, we helpful, accomodating & nice. True story: I came down with a very nasty stomach sickness the first night I was there and Louis (sp?) was beyond concerned for me. He happily checked in on me & my boyfriend, called me a doctor when I needed it & helped my boyfriend find a pharamcy & medicine/drinks/food. He also gave us wake up calls & called us cabs whenever we needed (often very early!).

Def. would recommend here and even stay again if I ever return to Peru.

This hostal is less than a block off the Plaza de Armas. It is upstairs with an enclosed courtyard a street level. Rooms on the street side were nice with balconies, but very noisy. We stayed on an inside room the second time and it was much quieter, but no view. Posted price was $45 night, but we go the room fro $40 through a Peruvian travel agent.

This hotel is great if you are looking for a hotel right on the Plaza de Armas. They picked us up from the airport and offered us coca tea when we arrived (this definitely requires an acquired taste) Our room had two balcony/windows that opened up the plaza courtyard, the bed was decent, the bathroom was fine (had hot water about 80% of the time). The courtyard where they serve breakfast is beautiful and the breakfast is that of which you will find at about every hotel/hostel in Cusco...bread, butter, jelly, a cereal similar to sugar Smacks, and juice. The staff was great and there is a travel guide agency directly across from the entrance which is helpful . If you are looking to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture, I would recommend a place more intimate like a hostel (we also stayed at Casa de la Gringa which was fantastic) but if you are looking to be on the Plaza and very close to all of the shops etc, this is a great pick.

This is a small hostel right in the historic center of Cusco. The location is ideal, walking distance from the main attractions, restaurants, shops, etc. It is located in a beautiful colonial building and the views from the rooms are great (the main plaza, the cathedral, etc.). They offer breakfast in the morning consisting of juice, cereal, milk, bread, and coffee essence (not real coffee, but this is the default in Peru). Their prices are cheap but you get what you pay for. The main problems we encountered were:

- sheets and towels were not changed unless you requested it
- soap was removed from the bathroom and not replaced
- no heating (and it gets really cold!)
- no wi-fi
- check-out time is 9 am!

I would recommend this for budget travelers only, someone looking for a bed and a shower, really basic amenities and a central location.