Hotel San Blas

First opened in 1998, the San Blas has a rather bland, dated feel from the outside. The boxy white building is decorated with three vertical stripes -- two orange and one dark brown -- that run all the way to the first floor, while a small door topped with a black roof and flanked by two plants marks the entrance. After renovations in the mid 2010s, the lobby has a slightly more contemporary (if equally generic) feel, with laminate floors, dark couches with orange accent pillows, and a few pieces of dark-wood furniture. The rest of the common spaces have also been updated, and are done up in a similar style, with parquet floors, a few orange accent walls, and basic tables and chairs in the restaurant. Although the property lacks charm and style overall, everything is kept clean and in good shape, and there are enough on-site amenities for a comfortable (if no-frills) stay in Lima. Rates are some of the lowest for a mid-range property in this part of town, and freebies such as breakfast and Wi-Fi add value -- though neither are great. In this same price range, the Bayview Hotel is more charming and closer to Larcomar and the waterfront, but rooms are more modern at the San Blas. For a little bit more money, Mariel Hotel has cuter rooms and an excellent Peruvian restaurant on-site. Travelers wanting to stay closer to San Isidro may want to compare rates at Duo Hotel Boutique, which features additional perks such as a small plunge pool and cozy bistro.

The San Blas is located on a busy boulevard in the northern part of bustling Miraflores, one of the top tourist areas in Lima. It’s very close to residential San Isidro, and there are several embassies in the immediate neighborhood of the hotel. The area is generally safe, and Huaca Pucllana (the only remaining pre-Incan ruins in the area) is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Other area attractions, such as the John F. Kennedy Park, Parque del Amor, and Larcomar shopping center can all be found within a 15-minute drive of the hotel.  Major sights around Plaza Mayor -- including the cathedral, the Peruvian Government Palace, and the Basilica of San Francisco -- are all about a half-hour drive from the hotel. The drive to Jorge Chavez International Airport takes about 45 minutes. 

The hotel has 38 rooms, all of which received at least partial updates in the mid-2010s. Laminate floors, large padded headboards, chocolate-brown bed runners over light duvets, and dark open closets give rooms a contemporary feel, but most of the furniture -- including the bedside tables, coffee tables, and chairs -- is old and looks dated. Though lacking in style and charm, rooms are clean and comfortable, with good beds and enough storage space to unpack. Junior Suites are basically slightly larger rooms with a sitting area featuring a small round table and two chairs -- but no couch or armchairs. In-room amenities are a tad basic but decent for the price, and include small flat-screen TVs, minibars that are each stocked with a bottle of water and a couple of sodas, and air-conditioning. Wi-Fi is provided free of charge, but many guests have found it spotty and unreliable. Some bathrooms have been renovated and have big sinks over dark wooden vanities and jetted tubs, but most are showing some wear and tear, especially around tubs and on taps. Also, hot water seems to be temperamental. Hairdryers and basic toiletries are provided in all rooms. Light sleepers should request an interior-facing room, as units overlooking the street may pick up traffic noise. 

Room rates include a simple breakfast buffet with continental items and a couple of hot options. Guests generally find it sufficient to get the day started, but most say it becomes repetitive after a couple of days. The main restaurant serves a decent international menu with Peruvian specialties, while the adjacent cafe offers hot and cold drinks as well as afternoon tea service. There is a small patio with seating for up to 20 guests and some shade. The hotel also features five meeting rooms spread over three floors. All but one have big windows and natural light, and audiovisual equipment can be rented for a fee. Catering services can also be arranged. The business center has three computers and a printer, all of which can be used free of charge. On the downside, there's no gym here.