19 February, 2016
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
