This hotel is overpriced, dirty rooms with bedding that does not fit the beds leaving large sections of the mattresses exposed - took an hour and four calls to get sheets onto the beds. Room was cramped and the noise from the casino and the smell of smoke was unbelievable. Great location but if you can, go somewhere else.

The Hotel Crismar is the place to stay in Arequipa. It is centrally located across the street from the Post Office and two blocks from the Plaza de Armas. Karin and Bernie DioGuardi who own and manage the hotel are a delight. They are fluent in English and willing to go out of their way to be helpful.

All of the staff including the people in reception and the person who cleaned the room - were pleasant and helpful. Laundry service was another plus.

A complimentary breakfast was served by staff who seem to enjoy the work they are doing. The dining room is also open for lunch and dinner serving both traditional and international fare.

I stay at the Crismar every time I go to Arequipa and highly recommend it to others.

We had one night here and arrived late afternoon. The staff on duty at reception did not speak English, but were cheerful and friendly. The room was small, but had large comfortable beds and a tv. The bathroom was large and well appointed. There was no heating or cooling, but the late afternoon sun streaming through the window kept the place cosy.

Great location, in the centre of town and easy walking distance to everything. And yet it was peaceful, with very limited street noise.

Plenty of hot water in the afternoon to wash off the Colca canyon dust. However, major disappointment at 5am, when we got up to catch an early flight - absolutely zero hot water. Not sure if this was an isolated case, but a significant black mark from me. I live for hot water. Having said that, I'd possibly stay here again. Can't comment on breakfast as we left before the dining room opened.

I stayed at the Crismar for one month (got a job in Arequipa for the summer), so I think I know what I am talking about. The Crismar is a basic, nice hotel. Location is great (walking distance to most of the Arequipa highlights: Plaza de Armas, Catedral, Iglesia de los Jesuitas, Convento de Santa Catalina, calle San Francisco, etc.); Price is great (around $40 USD for a renovated room: nice, clean, big, comfortable beds, cable TV, free Internet, modern bathrooms, tons of hot water); Staff is great (really nice and helpful).

El Libertador is a better hotel by far, BUT if you want to stay in a nice centrally located hotel (for one-third of the price), I would recommend the Crismar. As I said, it is nothing more than a 3 or 2.5 star hotel, but it is a really decent place to stay.