by Patti Mangan

This brand new Casa Andina – Private Collection is very nice and so new – the cab drivers are not aware of it. Just off the Miraflores Parque Kennedy on La Paz – it’s a great location for siteseeing. Tell the driver it’s a renovation of the original Cesars if he seems lost.

Rooms are spacious and modern. Dark hard woods and beautiful white sheets and covers on firm beds with luxurious wool blanket throws you can purchase. White robes and terry cloth slippers for heading to the pool or spa. Ceramic figures are suspended on the wall – very cool, though it does remind you that you are in earthquake country on the 17th floor!

Modern tech phones – that sing rather than ring. Air conditioning. Built in hair dryers, fridge with drinks and snacks – all that you would expect from a high end hotel.

Huge windows that wrap around the whole room and in the showers! The outside shower wall is all glass with silk screened privacy stripes. Big views of the city that stretch in every direction. Lima can be sparkly sunny or muted greys – it appears as changing art each time you enter the room.

Huge flat screen tv with 75+ channels- of course about 70 are in Spanish. Great way to practice phrases and comprehension.

I loved the amenities. The shampoo, conditioner and body lotion smell like baked apples with a hint of cinnamon- I kept every set they put out each day. I would buy it – as my hair loved it.

Nice big closet with plenty of hangars and an easy to use safe. Great service and once I put up the Do Not Disturb placard – plenty of peace and quiet. All the staff helpful and friendly. Really.

Reserve rooms closer to the top – as the city is bustling and the higher you are the quieter the experience.

I went for a refreshing dip in the pool on the 3rd floor It has a cascading waterfall and its much larger than one expects in a city hotel. Though they will tell you the pool is indoors- and it is – there is a patio area where you can sit in the the sun exposed to open air. While at the pool we got an impromtu invite to check out the spa facilities. Clean, simple, inviting – but we never had enough time to really check them out.

The gift shop was closed when we discovered it – but looked really cool. We did not check out the bar or restaurant – as there was so much to do and see in Miraflores. We did discover that Astrid & Gastons was just around the corner – but closed on Sundays. Next time.

The lobby is impressive and hushed. Gorgeous flower arrangements, daily papers, and an exquisite jewelery display to absorb as you wait for friends to arrive.

On a late Sunday afternoon, head to Parque Kennedy. There are a few recessed cement circles with steps wrapped all around. Sit in the sun and people watch as slowly the crowd gathers and live musicians finally arrive. Then sit back and watch the old couples start to dance. It’s so simple. So beautiful. It’s life. This brand new Casa Andina is very nice and so new – the cab drivers are not aware of it. Just off the Miraflores Parque Kennedy on La Paz – it’s a great location for siteseeing. Tell the driver it’s a renovation of the original Cesars if he seems lost.

Rooms are spacious and modern. Dark hard woods and beautiful white sheets and covers on firm beds with luxurious wool blanket throws you can purchase. White robes and terry cloth slippers for heading to the pool or spa. Ceramic figures are suspended on the wall – very cool, though it does remind you that you are in earthquake country on the 17th floor!

Modern phones – that sing rather than ring. Air conditioning. Built in hair dryers, fridge with drinks and snacks – all that you would expect from a high end hotel.

Huge windows that wrap around the whole room and in the showers! The outside shower wall is all glass with silk screened privacy stripes. Big views of the city that stretch in every direction. Lima can be sparkly sunny or muted greys – it appears as changing art each time you enter the room.

Huge flat screen tv with 75+ channels- of course about 70 are in Spanish. Great way to practice phrases and comprehension.

I loved the amenities. The shampoo, conditioner and body lotion smell like baked apples with a hint of cinnamon- I kept every set they put out each day. I would buy it – as my hair loved it.

Nice big closet with plenty of hangars and an easy to use safe. Great service and once I put up the Do Not Disturb placard – plenty of peace and quiet. All the staff helpful and friendly. Really.

Reserve rooms closer to the top – as the city is bustling and the higher you are the quieter the experience.

I went for a refreshing dip in the pool on the 3rd floor It has a cascading waterfall and its much larger than one expects in a city hotel. Though they will tell you the pool is indoors- and it is – there is a patio area where you can sit in the the sun exposed to open air. While at the pool we got an impromtu invite to check out the spa facilities. Clean, simple, inviting – but we never had enough time to really check them out.

The gift shop was closed when we discovered it – but looked really cool. We did not check out the bar or restaurant – as there was so much to do and see in Miraflores. We did discover that Astrid & Gastons was just around the corner – but closed on Sundays. Next time.

The lobby is impressive and hushed. Gorgeous flower arrangements, daily papers, and an exquisite jewelery display to absorb as you wait for friends to arrive.

On a late Sunday afternoon, head to Parque Kennedy. There are a few recessed cement circles with steps wrapped all around. Sit in the sun and people watch as slowly the crowd gathers and live musicians finally arrive. Then sit back and watch the old couples start to dance. It’s so simple. So beautiful. It’s life.

Casa Andina – Private Collection

Patti Mangan is the co-Founder of Tango Diva and designs publishes and directs all things tangodiva.com. With 20+ years of solo travel under her wings – she has learned that one is never really truly alone when traveling. In fact its pretty hard to find a few moments where one can connect with the body, mind and spirit without a friendly hello popping around the next door!