Originally a decadent seafront retreat built in the 1920s, this former belle époque mansion in Peru’s capital is nothing short of good looking
First impressions
On the formal side of boutique, this handsome property is one of Lima’s best hotels, set in the affluent Barranco district where a twinkling array of stylish city hotels are on offer.
The staff are welcoming. Smartly dressed, they are a part of the hotel’s glamour. When visitors recline into a plush brown leather sofa at the front desk, they are offered a complimentary glass of champagne, the sort of luxury all visitors crave after a long flight to reach Lima.
On the first floor, the elegant salon is an intimate corner which also serves a great retreat. Classic and contemporary artworks are set against the immaculate white-painted walls and woodwork complete with finely crafted mouldings. Take a seat in the black Chippendale armchair to take in the moment. The salon also contains pictures showing the belle époque mansion’s state of disrepair before restoration began in 2011. The house was originally built in 1914 by French architect, Claud Sahut, and became the retreat of President Augusto Leguia in the 1920s due to its proximity to the seafront.
Two years of sensitive renovation work, with help from master sculptors and woodworkers, was the prelude to Hotel B’s much-vaunted opening in 2012. Today it feels like a stately home made fresh by the predominance of white and the fact that it feels as much like an art gallery as a hotel.
The room
After checking in, weary guests can drop straight into the enormous bed, or enjoy a soak in the large free-standing bath, separated from the bedroom by sweeping drapes, which feels gloriously indulgent. The ceilings in the room are high with ancient-looking timber supports, wardrobes with mirrored exteriors, and a curious painting of a robed silhouette above the bed mixing religious and contemporary influences.
Hotel B, Lima, PeruShutterstock
Hotel B, Lima, PeruShutterstock
Best room?
With a gargantuan king-sized bed and its own private terrace overlooking the wide San Martin Boulevard, the Atelier Suite feels more like an apartment than a room.
Eating and drinking
Over the last 20 years, a revolution in Peru’s culinary scene has seen its cuisine gain renown across the globe, with notable restaurants opening in Europe and the USA. A visit to Lima is not complete without sampling the country’s traditional fare – saucy meat dishes, rich broths, roasted guinea pig, and of course, ceviche – as well as buzzier contemporary food.
Hotel B’s own restaurant and bar are worth a visit. Mixing local cooking with Mediterranean influences, the menu is masterminded by leading Peruvian chef, Oscar Velarde, whose Lima restaurant La Gloria is a local institution. The bar has an impressive wine list, and of course, plenty of pisco, the local grape brandy.
Breakfast is served in a comfortable living room, with a range of freshly baked bread, delicious cheeses, cold meats including Jamon del Pais – pale-coloured Peruvian ham – and various just-ripe fruits. An incredibly refreshing juice mixture is prepared every day. Make sure to order huevos peruanos: Peruvian-style eggs fried in a rich tomato salsa infused with tangy cheese, and mixed with the winning touch, quinoa, a staple of the pre-Hispanic diet.
There’s also afternoon tea with a range of blends and infusions, accompanied by incredibly indulgent alfajorcitos – which are similar to macarons – and slices of dense sponge cake.
If you are looking to sample the best of Peruvian cooking in Lima, check out this Lima food & drink guide: 10 things to try in Lima, Peru.
Extras
Boasting its own art collection, Hotel B will inspire you to check out the local art scene. The hotel is connected with the Lucia de la Puente Gallery, through which private viewings can be arranged.
Out and about
Barranco is Lima’s most glamorous neighbourhood and a stone’s throw from the sea. Walking along the lawned paths atop the cliffs looming over the tempestuous waters is delightful. The nearby Miraflores neighbourhood is worth visiting for its many restaurants and bars. For contrast, head downtown – and down to earth – for Lima’s pulsating heart; it’s full of ornate churches, impressive squares, craft markets and traditional drinking holes.
Details
Hotel B
Avenida San Martin 301, Barranco, Lima
Telephone: +51 (0)1 206 0800.
Website: www.hotelb.pe
Before you go, check out the Lima travel guide.
