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Dec. 19th, 2019
Up until this past October, it had been 14 years since I was standing along the streets of Lima, Peru. Fresh out of high school, I was eager to open up my world to everything this South American city had to offer.
Since then, I’ve made my way across the globe experiencing everything from the warm waters of Jamaica to the soaring high rises of Singapore, quiet calm of Santorini, vibrant city life of Argentina and the picturesque beaches of Rio de Janeiro. With 17 countries now under my belt, I was given the opportunity to return to Lima this past fall and jumped on the chance to take it in all over again.
In May of this year, AC Hotel Lima Miraflores opened its doors as Marriott’s first AC property in the country and second on the continent. The design-led European lifestyle hotel located in the Miraflores district was my home base for the five-day trip. Having only visited Lima previously, Miraflores feels like a nice respite from the bustling capital. Resting on the coastline, the area is an affluent neighborhood located just 10 minutes outside of Lima. It’s a great option for anyone wanting the energy of city life with the beauty and serenity of a beach town.
The property, sitting 18 stories high, offers 150 guestrooms, 11 suites, two meeting rooms and five dining and drinking options. Boasting a chic, minimalist vibe, the property’s public spaces are decorated with neutral color tones, functional design elements and thoughtful details meshing together its European and Spanish roots. Modern and stylish, each guestroom has ocean or city views, rainfall showers, ergonomic desks and chairs, 55” TVs, mini fridges and outlets with dual voltage adaptors for U.S. appliances. Key cards are also needed to travel in between floors giving guests another layer of security while on vacation.
For dining, guests can enjoy breakfast at AC Kitchen which boasts a European-inspired buffet with everything from fresh-made pastries to a la carte egg dishes, meats and cheeses, and fresh juices. In the afternoons, AC Kitchen transforms into Saladero, a chic restaurant featuring an ever-changing, tapas-style European and Peruvian fusion menu. Like most eateries in Peru, seafood is the star of the show here, so be sure to ask about the fish of the day and always, always order the ceviche.
Upstairs on the rooftop, the property boasts an elegant open-air space that serves Peruvian fare and creative craft cocktails. To get a real feel for Peru culture and history, try either a pisco sour or gin and tonic, two of the country’s staple cocktails. The bar is also considered the area’s best (and only) rooftop venue overlooking the ocean, making it a great place to meet locals and other travelers.
The hotel sits directly across from El Malecón—a 6-mile long, clifftop promenade—and Larcomar, the neighborhood’s high-end mall which includes restaurants and bars, name brand stores, local boutique shops and even a grocery store should you wish to stock your in-room fridge. We ventured to the mall a few times during our stay and enjoyed the convenience of snagging anything we may have left at home or just grabbing a quick drink before adventuring for the day.
One of the hotels best assets is its location. Whether you want to walk around the area’s artsy Barranco neighborhood, explore the Mario Testino exhibit at MATE museum, or explore the Huaca Pucllana ruins, you’re only a few steps or a short ride away. Founded in 2012 by Testino himself, MATE (pronounced mAH-the) is dedicated to showcasing the best international contemporary art and photography through residencies, events, exclusive programming, guided tours and workshops. This was possibly our favorite stop during the trip as we walked through larger-than-life photographs done by Testino and beautifully-crafted replicas of typical Incan clothing and jewelry.
Serene, modern and chic, AC Hotel Lima Miraflores offers travelers a chance to experience a side of Lima that caters to affluent crowds while still showcasing the country’s culture, flavors and way of life. Whether dropping in for a few days before visiting Maccu Pichu or enjoying a long foodie vacation in Peru, the property is a great homebase for your Lima trip.
