Mistura 2014, one of the culinary world’s most eagerly anticipated festivals, is amping up to hit Lima, Peru from September 5th through the 14th and it's going to be one deliciously fun week. Just a short distance from the Miraflores district, in Costa Verde of Magdalena del Mar, the fest will take up more than two and half kilometers with mouthwatering tastings, cooking demos, panels, dinners, and plenty of parties. So now that you've bought your ticket, have you figured out where to stay? Here our picks for the best spots in Lima. Happy festivaling and buen provecho!
And for up-to-the second delicious coverage, stay tuned to our Out in the World blog and Facebook and Twitter pages. If you see our Founding Editor Marie Elena Martinez (@mariesworlds) at the festival, say hi!
Westin Lima Hotel and Convention Center
The Westin Lima, part of the Libertador Hotel Group, opened its doors in May 2011, and is the first Westin in South America. This 301-room property boasts not only the largest spa in South America but also the largest venue for meetings in the entire region. All rooms and suites offer the Westin's signature products, wifi, LCD Direct TV, a minibar, an interface adapter, 24-hour room service, and a complimentary nightly shoe shine service. After a long day of festivaling, relax at The Heavenly Spa, a 20,000 square foot foot space with 17 treatment rooms, a fully-equiped gym, and a heated swimming pool. And if you didn't get your fill at Mistura, check out the upscale Maras, headed by chef Rafael Piqueras. Definitely make time for a nightcap of pisco sours at the In Situ Bar.
Casa Andina Private Collection
This 148-room property is located in the heart of Lima, within walking distance of Sala Luis Miro Quesada Garland, Calle de las Pizzas, and Kennedy Park. The family friendly spot boasts an indoor pool, spa, and steam room; complimentary wifi in all public areas; complimentary breakfast; a 24-hour gym; and a rooftop terrace, where you'll be able to check out views of the city.
Next up, three more gorgeous places to lay your head…
[pagebreak]Escape to an earlier time at Hotel B, an intimate boutique hotel in a belle epoque mansion. The 17-room property, once the vacation home of President Augusto Leguia, was beautifully and painstainkingly restored and remodeled to fit into the neighborhood's bustling art scene. Situated next to the Lucia de la Puente Gallery, the hotel has a library in a travelers club theme, a rooftop sun deck with a plunge pool and stationary bicycles, and posh rooms with pilliow menus, in-room massages, and free wifi. And if you don't get your fill at Mistura, the hotel has a restaurant/bar created by Oscar Velarde (the owner of Lima's acclaimed La Gloria) with complimentary afternoon tea.
The first non-smoking hotel in Lima, this JW Marriot is located smack in the middle of the touristy Miraflores district. Near the LarcoMar Shopping and Entertainment Center and overlooking the ocean (which is accessible via a costal path), this property has a little something for everyone. And with 300 chic rooms (with standard amenities, including wifi), there's also enough space. If you're hungry, check out La Vista, an award winning retaurant that dishes out local and international cuisine (with gorgeous views). Or, if you're tired after all that festivaling, book a treatment at the spa, which offers a special jet lag treatment. Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List as one of the Best Places to Stay in the World, this hotel will definitely be a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of Mistura.
The Libertador Hotel group has had its roots in Peru for more than 35 years, when it opened its first hotel in Cusco. Since then, the portfolio has expanded to include 8 hotels, 3 of them firmly in the luxe category. This property, located in the residential district of San Isidro, is cozy but chic with 54 rooms and two suites. There's also a gym and a business center (though you might do all your walking at Mistura), a restaurant featuring traditional Peruvian ingredients, and a bar. Should you wish to extend your time in Peru, the hotel is also partnered with a tour operator who can help you make any and all arrangements to continue your vacation.