Gran Hotel Bolivar (Lima, Peru)

Guests appreciated being in the historic heart of Lima. Jiron de la Union shopping street was nearby and there was plenty of fine colonial architecture to keep sightseers busy in the World Heritage Site where the hotel sits.

Most visitors had positive things to say about the customer service. Personnel were generally described as helpful and courteous, adding to the old world charm. Cocktail fans thought the bar staff made a mean Pisco Sour. A few critics claimed some employees seemed disinterested at times.

Most guests liked this old-fashioned but well-conserved hotel, calling it clean, tidy and beautiful with spacious rooms. The period interiors and classical decor included European furniture and even a vintage Ford car in the lobby. Many reviewers said they loved the quirky charm of the building so if you can live without all mod cons and want to experience the faded glory of 1920s Lima, this hotel might fit the bill. Lots of reviewers were interested in the hotel's list of former guests including Orson Welles and Ava Gardner.

Critics said the rooms were tired-looking and in need of modernization. Some reviewers encountered unreliable hot water, occasional plumbing issues and aging fixtures and fittings.

There's a square outside dedicated to a national hero which gets illuminated at night. Some guests reported that curtains in the rooms did little to exclude the light. Light sleepers noted street and traffic noise was audible in many rooms. There were claims that beds were too small or hard.

Some guests faced problems with the free Wi-Fi, calling it slow with a weak signal.