We stayed at the Colonial House Inn after reading the reviews on this website. I believe the Inn has changed hands lately, as it is no longer family run. The Inn rooms were shabby and not extremely clean. We stayed in two different rooms, one with a shower head with exposed wires. The bathroom wasn´t cleaned daily and the water did not stay hot for an entire shower. The two ladies running the Inn were helpful, but spoke very little English. All in all, the Inn is a cheep place to stay, but you get what you pay for.

This place is symbolic of Peru. Old, faded, with a certain charm, but in dire need of remodeling. Our room had a French door that opened on a pretty patio, and that was enough to conquer me. Having breakfast on the terrace, with a view of the city roofs and old Misty looming in the background was even better. And talk about the price: 45 soles (about $15) for room plus continental breakfast!!! We never found another deal like this one in Peru.

The Colonial House Inn is a traditional sillar (white volcanic rock that Arequipa is known for) home-cum-hostel with several basic guest rooms, a bright, sunny courtyard and a peaceful rooftop terrace where you can enjoy your breakfast. My room had high ceilings (I'd guess 14 feet) and a skylight with a private bath.

I enjoyed it because I felt like I was getting a taste of what it's like to live in Arequipa and it was clean and safe. It was also a bargain and a 3 minute walk to the main tourist drag. The staff are friendly and accommodating (example: i had a 2 am arrival or departure on each of the 3 days I stayed there and they handled each with a smile).

My only regret is that I wasn't able to stay longer. Arequipa is a charming city --- and very different than the other regions of Peru I visited. I'll definitely be returning.

FYI, contrary to a previous post, the Colonial House Inn is not the same as The Casa de Sillar--although I believe the owners are related.

A bit shabby but this added to the charm. Breakfast taken on roof with a view of volcano. Ran out of hot water one morning. The girls who work here are very friendly and extremely helpful. 5 minutes walk into town.