Hostal Residencial Los Andes

This hotel has the fastest and most reliable internet connection I have experienced in moderately priced hotels. From my perspective, a huge asset. Location is great, too – two blocks away from the ocean, which supplies fresh air, and less than half an hour away from downtown Miraflores by bus. As the area is essentially residential, there are no crowds, although the neighbourhood is pretty lively in the daytime. Within a couple of blocks from the hotel there are two local markets selling fruit and vegetables and plenty of eateries for every taste. For lunch, I have tried several that cater to local labourers. For less than 3 USD for a three-course menu, the food proved to be plentiful, tasty and safe for my visitor’s stomach despite their generally seedy appearance. During the day, my room took quite a bit of ambient noise from the main thoroughfare a block away. The nights were quite though, except for an occasional jet climbing after take-off. I found none of these noises disruptive or annoying. The hotel itself, and most things inside, are a relic from an altogether different epoch. But it has aged well, is cared for with diligence and has not gotten shabby or run-down. There are some 20 rooms on three floors, which during the two weeks of my stay remained mostly vacant. My single room had a nice queen-size bed with a good firm mattress, a fair-sized table, a cupboard with drawers and an antique wardrobe. There is no A/C. I have experienced no problems with water supply. The elderly owners who live on the premises keep a small dog that stays mostly out of sight and some caged birds that are busily chirping at breakfast. Speaking of which, it is very simple – a glass of juice, poached egg or a few cuts of ham and cheese, bread, butter and jam and a cup of instant coffee. Doesn’t sound like much, but it serves its purpose of sending you off into the day with a bit of gas in the tank. The bottom-line is, you get a very fair deal, but for that price, do not demand miracles.