When most people think of Peru’s capital, Lima, they rarely think of relaxation and wellness. However, for travellers looking to recharge their batteries, there is no better retreat than Orchid Hostels in the heart of Lima. Offering everything from meditation groups to vegan food all delivered with a splash of luxury, Orchid Hostels Lima is surely a flashpacker’s dream.
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A variety of accommodation
Orchid Hostels Lima offers a range of rooms to suit all types of traveller. The largest shared accommodation comes in the form of a twenty-bed dorm (starting at 26 soles per night) but with far more space than you would usually associate with a room of this size.
Private options are available too and range from singles right up to king size rooms. The price for a queen room with a balcony and private bathroom starts at 133 soles per night.
Although there are some private bathrooms, nearly all rooms benefit from shared facilities. Communal bathrooms are clean and all showers have hot water. A simple buffet breakfast is included in the room rate. Towels are provided to guests upon arrival and there is the option to order room service from the restaurant below the hostel.
Great central location
Situated just off the corner of San Martín Square, Orchid Hostels Lima benefits from one of the best locations in the entire city. Within walking distance of all the main attractions in the historic downtown, this is a great central point from which to explore Lima.
The hostel itself is located in a beautiful colonial style building with high ceilings and a beautiful courtyard on the bottom floor. There are plenty of food options nearby including both international and Peruvian cuisine to suit a whole range of budgets.
Knowledgeable staff
All of the staff at Orchid Hostels Lima are well informed about the local area and are happy to answer guest queries. Upon check-in, you are provided with a map of the area which also includes sketchy parts of the city that should be avoided after dark.
This map outlines all of the main tourist attractions as well as popular restaurants. Orchid Hostels Lima is currently in the process of creating their own tour agency and offer their very own walking tour of the downtown area for guests. This lasts somewhere between an hour to an hour and a half and is funded by tips.
Although this is a good introduction to the historical centre and the philosophy behind many of the religious buildings, alternative tours such as Lima by Walking provide a more comprehensive overview.
Wellness – Yoga, Spa and Meditation
A huge selling point of Orchid Hostels Lima is the emphasis on wellness. Underneath the hostel and owned by the same management, is a spa where guests can indulge in massages and other therapeutic treatments. Yoga sessions are offered in the spa for everyone but guests get a 50% discount. A mat is included in the price.
Meditation sessions are also offered in the evenings but be warned, the chanting can be quite loud! There is a heated massage chair in the hostel which is available for guests to use at 15 soles for a half an hour session. It won’t take long before you’re feeling completely refreshed!
Vegan restaurant
Vegetarians and vegans will be elated to discover that the restaurant Samadhi which is located below the hostel and also owned by the same people, is vegan-friendly. International and Peruvian dishes are available. A complimentary welcome coffee voucher is provided to all guests at check-in and it is possible to get a three-course menu of the day including drink for just 13 soles. There are often promotions too which include this mammoth burger, chips and a hot drink for less than 10 soles!
Whilst a firm favourite with the veggies, the food is also popular with the meat-eaters too – something I can personally attest to!
Prices at Orchid Hostels
- Dorm rooms from $9 USD per night.
- Private single rooms from $24 USD.
- Twin rooms from $35 USD.
Check availability and book Orchid Hostels Lima on Booking.com.
Sheree Hooker | Editor @ South America Backpacker + Winging The World
Sheree is the awkward British wanderluster behind wingingtheworld.com, a travel blog designed to show that even the most useless of us can travel. Follow Sheree’s adventures as she blunders around the globe, falling into squat toilets, getting into cars with machete men and running away from angry peacocks.
