JW Marriott Hotel Lima

Separated from the ocean by a row of palm trees and a green space with paths, the JW Marriott Lima has a very modern mirrored exterior -- long and narrow to take full advantage of the ocean views. Guests step out of the elevator into the second-floor reception area to standard upscale fare: high ceilings, marble floors, columns, and a low round fountain under a tiered chandelier. The lobby's large JW Sushi Ceviche Lounge has brown carpet with bold, yellow and blue swirls that manages to harmonize with striped and polka-dotted chairs. Warm wood walls and brown leather seating areas reflect the business side of the hotel -- it’s very popular with corporate travelers.

Across from the beach in Miraflores, Lima’s most affluent neighborhood, the JW Marriott Lima is in the center of the action. The area is popular among tourists, who flock here for the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. Across the street from the hotel is the city’s largest mall and one of its top sights -- the high-end Larcomar Entertainment Center. From the hotel it’s a two-minute walk to Larcomar and a four-minute drive to the beach, which is separated from the hotel by a steep drop-off and a major road. By car, it’s 12 minutes to the ancient site of Huaca Pucllana, 18 minutes to the Las Vegas-like magic fountains of Parque de la Reserva, and 25 minutes to Museo Larco, a museum of pre-Columbian artifacts. It’s a 36-minute drive to J Chavez International Airport.

Rooms at the JW Marriott Lima are sophisticated and spacious, ranging from 355 square feet for a Deluxe Room to 904 square feet for a suite; many have spectacular ocean views. Decor and amenities are fairly standard across room classes; the major difference among them is that Executive Rooms have access to the posh Executive Lounge. The lounge has complimentary food and nonalcoholic drinks, free après-dinner wine tasting, and more personalized service than the hotel at large. All rooms have white walls with dark-wood accents, gray carpet, and cascading lighted panels above leather headboards. Comfortable, all-white beds have luxurious bedding and down pillows. Each room has a work desk and a small table with a plush chair. All rooms offer a good stable of amenities, including flat-screen TVs with HBO, CNN, and ESPN; Illy espresso-makers; programmable safes; slippers and robes; and minibars with complimentary water. Additional nice touches include umbrellas, shoe brushes, iPod docks, and in-desk charging stations. Bathrooms are all marble with separate showers and tubs, hairdryers, and Aromatherapy toiletries.

The JW Marriott brand typically carries a full checklist of features, and this outpost is no exception. The hotel’s very popular on-site restaurant, La Vista, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and 24-hour room service is available. The extensive breakfast buffet, which costs extra, includes many Peruvian options, eggs cooked to order, fresh breads, cheeses, juice, and good coffee. For guests in Executive Rooms, the Executive Lounge is a huge perk, with complimentary food all day, free Wi-Fi, and personal service. Other on-site amenities include a casino, a gift shop, and a Starbucks. The hotel’s health club, including sauna and steam room, is so large and well equipped that locals also choose to use it. It also offers full spa services. The hotel’s pool is adequate, but it’s only open December to April. Free on-site parking is a rare perk, and valet parking is available for a nominal fee. Evening turndown service is included, and newspaper delivery is free upon request. For a fee, the hotel will arrange car service, babysitting, and laundry and dry cleaning, and concierge service is available. Wi-Fi is free in the common areas, but in-room Wi-Fi is only free for club members and those who book directly through the Marriott website.