We scanned the white boards hovering above a mosh pit of cab drivers and hotel representatives just outside the arrivals of Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Chávez. Ours was held by a man named Javier. A hundred percent Peruvian, Jacki Chan lookalike, Mr. Congeniality. He ushered us to his taxi after paying for the parking ticket. As he dumped our bags in the trunk, he smiled and said “Welcome to Peru! Sit. Lock your doors!”.
The “lock your doors” part wasn’t really necessary for it wasn’t like a drive through the slums. It was in fact a cruise along the more affluent districts of Lima. No beggars knocked on our windows, nor were there peddlers who harassed us to buy their wares. It was a nice gesture from Javier nonetheless.
Until that day, we had never been picked up by a service arranged through a B&B we booked (heck, we had never booked accommodations until this round-the-world trip with our baby). That was one of the main reasons why we chose B&B Tradiciones, they offer free airport pick up for reservations of private rooms with a period of three days or more. It’s a wee bit pricier than the other hostels and B&Bs in Miraflores but at least it’s located in a safe neighborhood and the owners speak English.
So you could imagine how we enjoyed Javier’s company, and how thrilled we were to hear his honest recommendations (even though he himself hasn’t been to the destinations he suggested). His description of Peru’s famed ceviche made us salivate.
Half an hour later we arrived at B&B Tradiciones, only to be told by the owner that the room they reserved for us is too small for a family of three and that they’re taking us to another B&B two blocks away. You see, I rarely indicate that we share a room with a toddler whenever I do the booking for I know I’ll be bombarded with follow up questions: Do you need two separate beds? Do you need a baby cot/crib? There will be an extra charge, is that okay with you? Yadda yadda yadda.
We wanted to ask the owner if we could see the room and assess the space ourselves yet we submitted to his assumption. We wordlessly boarded Javier’s cab once more with the owner and headed to El Zaguan B&B. Like B&B Tradiciones, it didn’t have a signage outside the building. A smiley guy receptionist greeted us by the entrance. I heaved a sigh of relief as we entered the living room. Every corner of it is charming!
The receptionist led us to the lone room on the first floor. We took it straight away even if we had not seen the other room on the upper floor because of the outdoor patio adjacent to it. And because it’s the only guest room on the floor, we thought we wouldn’t have to worry about Luna disturbing other snoozers in the wee hours with her wails for milk.
We bid goodbye to B&B Tradiciones’ owner and settled in. The room has twin beds and a telly but uhm, no fan. Sure it was an unusually chilly summer, but hey, it’s still summer. Perhaps they got fans available upon request but we didn’t bother to ask. It was never sizzling hot indoors anyways. At least, during our stay.
Our initial three-day stay was unexpectedly extended to six because of hubby’s and daughter’s visa application for Brazil. We opted not to transfer for we simply loved our nook! It’s spacious, adjacent to an outdoor patio (which is actually a common area but no one ever hung out there) that we had to ourselves, and has a pocket garden by the doorway. Room was cleaned every day, and a decent breakfast was served from 6 to 11 AM which is awesome for late risers like us. More importantly they got Wi-Fi, a necessity for us digital nomads.
What we weren’t too happy about: Nonexistent fan, door buzzer system (a hassle if you come in late from a night out), and the blood pressure-raising $40 rate per night for a double room. It ain’t cheap, but it’s the standard rate amongst accommodations within the area. Despite these rants of ours, we’d still recommend it to fellow travelers. Especially the kind who’s on a holiday… Or the jaded, long-term backpacker who’s on a once in a blue moon splurge.
Luna’s smile made the place appealing! HEhe sana makapag-Peru din ako soon, but I think I need to save up extra for the accommodations in that case lol
Two days in Lima I reckon should be enough. After which head to other cities where accommodations are cheaper. Say, $25 for a double room 🙂
Very nice and informative post Gay dear for B&B in Peru if my feet brings me there!I love Bed and Breakfast after I had been accommodated in one in Aspen, Colorado courtesy of a good friend who works there so I had it free (she paid for the discounted rate that I was supposed to pay! -such a great friend!) and prefer than hotel even!
Ang cute cute ni Luna!! *gigil* Parang komiks lang. Goodness me, I didn’t realise Lima is expensive pala. The B&B is lovely Gay. Uhm, bakit walang fan? Baka mas feel nila ang manual fan (pamaypay) para mas fun d kaya? =)
I love guesthouses than traditional hotels, coz its more homey. Luna is cuter as ever her mum is being left behind at the ‘cute’ department haha.
I love your blog its look nice and attractive good information shared here about this hotel. I always keep in touch with your blog and going to bookmark also.
Thanks
Ate Mhe-Anne, of course you’ll have that chance! When you visit, will give you my recommendations 🙂
Marky, hahaha! Basta cute si bebedoll, okay na kay mummy!
Karla, didn’t realize too especially when most travelers say that Peru is cheap. Well, at least for western travelers.
The place is really charming. With it’s white wall (and white sofa), the place looks very cozy. Hi to cute Luna. 🙂
Wow you’re now in Peru!! I can’t wait to see more photos ;-P
You have such a beautiful daughter. Her infectious smile makes my heart melt every time 🙂
That’s one cozy B&B 🙂
Your little world traveler is a cutie!
Lito, I really dige white sofas! Dunno if I’d want to have them in my living room though since they got dirty easily 🙁
Missy, and I can hardly wait to post more!
I don’t know if you got a nice deal or not, but the place looks pretty cozy. The cute kid looks pretty happy with the place.
It’s just an okay deal, DG. Not expensive, but not really cheap 🙂
Luna is one baby travel junkie, Gay =)
ang masasabi ko lang eh—-sana ako nalang naging baby mo para nakaka-travel din ako kung saan saan.Ingget ako kay baby LUNA.nyahaha
Anton, hahaha!
home away from home! I love the white interior and the pocket garden!
what a quaint and homey B&B!
i’m seeing myself few years from now to be interested in gardening (must have a garden first!)so that pocket garden near your room really appeals to me.
ang cute ni luna! so blessed baby! she’s been all over the globe; ang husay!
how’s the speed of the wifi? i bet it ain’t free (?).
WiFi’s free! Woohoo! Hihi. I want our future home to have a garden as well Doc Gelo.
ay gusto ko din glass walls and windows. Kaso di pwede sa manila, isang bato lang ng kapit bahay limas ang gamit. hahahah!
White living room… ahhh. Mukang sulit naman girl. Feels like home. Backread ako sa blog mo. dami ko ng namiss. hihihi!
Maricar, LOL @ “limas ang gamit”.
The place is really charming. With it’s white wall (and white sofa), the place looks very cozy. Hi to cute Luna. 🙂
Sana nakapunta ka rin dito sa Arequipa Peru (white city), 2nd largest city dito sa Peru :)yung cathedral nila dito…suuuper ganda 🙂 regards 🙂
We went to Arequipa! En route to Puno 🙂 Do you live there?