by Patti Mangan
First time I stayed at the Miraflores Park Hotel was in 1999 in the roomy junior suite. At that time I was stunned by the bigger than life floral arrangements throughout the interior and the dedication to luxury. Since then the property was acquired by the prestigious Orient Express. The flower arrangements might even be bigger, the service impeccable and king size beds are down right heavenly.
What I don’t remember is the rain-water shower heads and the surge of hot, stress relieving power of water directly over my head and shoulders. Tearing yourself away from your room (shower) will take willpower. In fact more than willpower. There better be something really great to do in Lima to match the peace found in your private room with a view.
I have it! Take a short “executive taxi” ride to bohemian Barranco to visit Artesanias Las Pallas – the best source in Lima for exquisite authentic Andean handicrafts and folkart. Meet the owner Mari Solari, a scotswoman living in and buying all over Peru for 30 years. She has an eye for beauty and the spirit of the tongue for storytelling.
Next, if it is time for lunch beeline for Cebicheria La Mar in Miraflores for a boatload of fresh and stylish sushi. Dinnertime? Head back to the Miraflores Park to refresh for either dining downstairs in the Mesa 18 Restaurant or kick back in the taxi for a quick trip to intimate Central on C Santa Isabel 376 behind La Bodega. Read Eric Rosen’s great dining review on all three restaurants here.
Location and directions: Located at the Malecon de la Reserva in the coastal residential area of Peru’s capitol, Lima. Approximately 40 minutes from the Jorge Chavez International Airport. Travelers can arrange for a taxi to and from the airport to the hotel in Miraflores.
Rooms/Suites: The resort has three different suites: executive, junior and presidential. There are 48 executive suites in the hotel with king size beds and a sitting area, 12 junior suites and four presidential suites located on the presidential floor, that include a private bedroom, a living and dining area, jacuzzi and sauna in the bathroom and three of the suites contain an outside terrace and a private plunge pool.
Price: Suites at the Miraflores range from $315 USD for a executive suite to a whopping $2680 for the presidential suite, per night.
In-room amenities: All suites include direct internet access, a 29 inch color TV, marble bathrooms with shower and separate bathtub, in room mini bar, in room safe, air conditioning and heating, and 24 hour room service. The Presidential and Junior suites include Molton Brown amenities, while the executive suites have K’Allma amenities.
Bath Butler (optional addition): Guests choose the amenities they prefer. Get a half hour massage while the butler draws your bath with a series of bath salts, oils and soaps, along with dimmed lights and candles. Two options; romantic or gentleman’s retreat.
Facilities: Check out the Zest Spa, a hotel gym and a rooftop heated infinity swimming pool with coastal cliff view. Since Lima is depressingly grey 85% of the time – you can pray for bits of sunshine around 2:00 pm on the pool deck.
Packages/special offers: Choose from the bed and breakfast package, celebration package, the spa experience package, or the Miraflores escape package. Miraflores Park also hosts a best available rate special and an advance purchase rate.
Business accommodations: The Miraflores is a resort that caters primarily to business travelers. They offer several meeting and banquet rooms and a “Down to business” travel package that includes a daily newspaper, round trip airport transfers, complimentary laundry service, and unlimited high speed internet access.
Restaurants and Bars: Room service is offered 24 hours a day for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks. This resort also has two restaurants and one bar. The Observatory Restaurant boasts breathtaking ocean views and a daily buffet breakfast. Mesa 18 offers high quality Peruvian food, presented using creative, cutting edge techniques. The Dr. Jeckyll and My Hyde Bar is a quiet, intimate bar offering a wide selection of cocktails and liquors.
Best time of year to visit: The dry season runs from May to November and is typically the time that is recommended the most. Travelers can visit Peru any time of year, but the months of June, July and August are the most popular. However, this is also the coolest time of the year. Night temperatures can drop below freezing.
The wet season runs from December to April and guests can expect rain three to four days a week. The time in between the wet and dry seasons, April to June or September to November holds warmer temperatures and relatively little rain.
For more information on travel to Peru, visit promperu
To get tips and inspiration for Peruvian travel, check out these other great articles on Tango Diva, Andean High and Turning 21 in the Jungle.
