Located

Located
in the Barranco district of Lima, the Belle Epoque-style
building that houses Hotel B was originally built in
1914 as a summer residence and its conversion into a hotel came
nearly 100 years later. In 2013, eight art collectors in Lima
collaborated to refurbish the two-floor mansion and sprinkled their
personal art collections – full of Latin American gems – like fairy
dust over the walls. The result is a hotel with an artsy character,
a vintage feel and a truly modern sensibility.

At first glance, the lobby might seem a little too grand dame,
with its crown molding and turn-of-the-century furniture. But don’t
be fooled – this place is sexy. Turn your room key (which is itself
an antique objet d’art) and you will find a black-silk neck-tie,
which is meant to be draped on your door handle instead of a Do Not
Disturb sign.

Rooms

The main building houses ten rooms with high ceilings and
dramatic tapestries, while the more contemporary extension is home
to seven more. Classic elegance with a modern twist defines the
décor here – each of the rooms has an imposing armoire lined with a
different vintage fabric. And you won’t be able to stop admiring
the art on the walls – if you like it enough then you can enquire
about pricing and take it home with you, as all works are for sale.
From £200 per night.

What’s for breakfast?

Breakfast is not included, but it’s a great way to start the
day. A long table in the library of the main house is laid out with
everything from delicious gluten-free granola and avocado to
charcuterie. Order a plate of eggs with local cheeses or choclo
(Peruvian corn) from the menu.

How about lunch and dinner?

The restaurant gives a sensual nod to the Barranco district’s
European roots, with dark wood tables topped with marble. Óscar
Velarde, chef and owner of one of Peru’s most famous restaurants
(La Gloria) created the menu. It reads Mediterranean (think
crostini, pizzas, grilled meat and seafood) but tastes thoroughly
Peruvian, thanks to the incorporation of local quinoa, corn and
seafood.

Is there a bar?

Lima’s well-to-do set has Hotel B on their radar thanks to the
bar. You’ll find pisco, of course, but it’s the spectacular gin and
tonics that really have the town talking. Served fishbowl-style, a
new gin is spotlighted every week and poured with premium tonics
and fragrant garnishes. Make use of your guest privilege to sip
cocktails on the private rooftop terrace.

Amenities

The key word here is lujo (luxury) and it’s implemented
everywhere from the soaps, made for the hotel by a local company,
to the thick terrycloth bathrobes, towel warmers, hot water
bottles, iPod dock stations and tray of fresh fruit and glass of
champagne awaiting you at check-in. Be sure not to miss the daily
lonche, Peruvian high tea.

Things you should know

Ask for a room in the old house. The ceilings are higher, they
often have a better view and some come complete with hopelessly
romantic balconies.

Within a short walk you can find…

The multi-coloured Spanish colonial architecture of Barranco,
Lima’s most bohemian barrio (neighbourhood). Isolina is a hot new
restaurant that dishes up family-style Peruvian food including
tripe and stuffed potatoes.