I didn't tell my parents in law this was a hostal because in Europe hostals are confused for youth hostals, crowded and not clean. In Peru, like in many other countries, hostals have start ratings. This place had two starts rating. The rooms were so clean you can see your face in the shining hard wood floors. They were also very spacious, and my husband and his parents were making fun to the fact that they had a window to the hallway! The guy at the front desk, Alfredo, was very nice and helpful pointing us to the nice restaurants. There is no money exchange in this place, but Alfredo was nice enough to call one of the guys at the money exchange house to bring money for the exchange. The money exchange in Arequipa is not the greatest; it is better in Cuzco. I called the hostal directly to arrange pick up. I paid $4 from the bus terminal to the hostal. People in Arequipa told me that $4 was too much. Taxis charge less than $1 anywhere in the city, but they are very tiny. The hostal is located close to Plaza de Armas, but the street is not the nicest in the city. Alfredo told us to be always careful and always call for a taxi, but we didn’t have any problems. There is tourist info in Plaza de Armas, but please shop for tours prices. More money doesn't always mean better.