The Hostelz.com Review
First impressions can be hard to overcome, but Lima’s Casona Roja does just that. If you get past the bar-room smell -- the hostel allows smoking in the common areas after 1 p.m. -- and its fraternity-house layout, Casona Roja is good place to spend a few days in Lima.
The Location
The hostel is set in an old brick house on Avenida Grau, one of the main thoroughfares through Lima. It is five-minute walk from the nearest bus stop and a three-minute walk to a Metro -- Peru’s national supermarket chain. A sign at the front desk warns visitors that Lima is a noisy city. The hostel offers ear plugs for sale -- the cacophony of horns, sirens, and whistles that drone on well into the early morning make these a must. Travelers considering Casona Roja should ask for a room toward the rear of the building, well away from Avenida Grau.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms are roomy, and private rooms are available. Each dorm room has wooden lockers, although they are too small to fit entire backpacks. The hostel’s bathrooms are as spartan as they are functional. Showers are hot, but lack strong water pressure, and there is a mix of dorm-style bathrooms (multiple toilets and showers) and a handful of single bathrooms throughout Casona Roja’s two floors. There is a changing room attached to each shower with hooks to hang clothes. Bedrooms and bathrooms are clean.
Common Spaces
A basic breakfast included in the price of every bed. Breakfast -- two rolls, butter, jelly, tea, and juice -- is served from 7 to 10 a.m. every day at the small kitchen table. The hostel offers full use of its kitchen -- a gas stove, microwave, pots, pans, and a sink. A downstairs bar (open from approximately 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) features a flat-screen television, drink specials, and a chance to meet fellow travelers. There are four other communal areas where travelers can congregate and plan their days in Lima or beyond. A computer in the television room offers free wired internet, and there is an extensive DVD collection for passing the time on rainy days. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the entire building and this operates well most of the time.
Summary
The hostel’s amenities more than make up for its quirks. The helpful front desk offers generic maps and suggestions for local sights and restaurants in Barranco, neighboring Miraflores and even Central Lima. The staff also can arrange for a taxi to and from the airport (this will cost extra). Casona Roja won’t wow budget travelers, but for those hoping to spend a few days in Lima, it offers clean, comfortable rooms at cheap rates -- if you can get past first impressions.
The Location
The hostel is set in an old brick house on Avenida Grau, one of the main thoroughfares through Lima. It is five-minute walk from the nearest bus stop and a three-minute walk to a Metro -- Peru’s national supermarket chain. A sign at the front desk warns visitors that Lima is a noisy city. The hostel offers ear plugs for sale -- the cacophony of horns, sirens, and whistles that drone on well into the early morning make these a must. Travelers considering Casona Roja should ask for a room toward the rear of the building, well away from Avenida Grau.
Rooms and Bathrooms
Dorms are roomy, and private rooms are available. Each dorm room has wooden lockers, although they are too small to fit entire backpacks. The hostel’s bathrooms are as spartan as they are functional. Showers are hot, but lack strong water pressure, and there is a mix of dorm-style bathrooms (multiple toilets and showers) and a handful of single bathrooms throughout Casona Roja’s two floors. There is a changing room attached to each shower with hooks to hang clothes. Bedrooms and bathrooms are clean.
Common Spaces
A basic breakfast included in the price of every bed. Breakfast -- two rolls, butter, jelly, tea, and juice -- is served from 7 to 10 a.m. every day at the small kitchen table. The hostel offers full use of its kitchen -- a gas stove, microwave, pots, pans, and a sink. A downstairs bar (open from approximately 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.) features a flat-screen television, drink specials, and a chance to meet fellow travelers. There are four other communal areas where travelers can congregate and plan their days in Lima or beyond. A computer in the television room offers free wired internet, and there is an extensive DVD collection for passing the time on rainy days. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the entire building and this operates well most of the time.
Summary
The hostel’s amenities more than make up for its quirks. The helpful front desk offers generic maps and suggestions for local sights and restaurants in Barranco, neighboring Miraflores and even Central Lima. The staff also can arrange for a taxi to and from the airport (this will cost extra). Casona Roja won’t wow budget travelers, but for those hoping to spend a few days in Lima, it offers clean, comfortable rooms at cheap rates -- if you can get past first impressions.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2011
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