Couldn't have been happier with our pick in Arequipa. Just off the main square we got a great room. Maybe a bit noisy by the street but that is common. Hot water, nice bathroom, comfortable beds and a nice breakfast. Not sure what more you could want for the price.

Stayed at Costablanca on both ends of a Colca Canyon tour. The rooms are beautiful, they have a stunning rooftop courtyard, and breakfast was delicious. All of this is more than enough to give them a great review. But even better, I had a problem with getting some laundry back from a local laundry place, and I was flying out that night. I was really worried I would have to leave Arequipa without my clothes. The staff at Casablanca went out of there way to call the laundromat, try and look up another number in the phonebook, and generally try to solve the problem and calm my fears. There was actually little they could do, but they did everything possible and clearly genuinely cared about my dilemma. Happy side note - got my laundry and a taxi in time to the airport. Stay at Costablanca. You won't be sorry. Also, the location can't be beat! Oh, and the WiFi was great...which is absolutely something to comment on in Peru.

After a nine hour overnight bus ride from Cuzco, we arrived at Arequipa at 7am. We arrived at the hostal and a friendly face greeted us, stored our bags, and we were off to have breakfast. When we returned to check in, the only room they had was the largest room, with four beds and a balcony facing the street. They still charged us the rate for a standard room!
The rooms had stone walls, wooden doors that opened into the balcony, and a small but clean bathroom with a sky light letting in natural light. Hostal provides free breakfast (freshly squeezed juice/bread with butter/tea/coffee), a nice common area, where you can lounge or read as the friendly hostal cat roams about.
The location is great, it is at the corner of the main plaza, which is beautiful day or night. Highly recommended & budget friendly!

My room at the Casablanca was spacious, well decorated, offered comfortable seating, good lighting and a nice bathroom. Public areas had comfortable seating and natural light. The breakfast was first rate. Staff were helpful and friendly. Hotel is a one minute walk from the main plaza. The New York Times Frugal Traveler had a piece about this hostal earlier this year. It was even better than the writer indicated. This was absolutely my best stop during a 30 Peru journey and half the price of other options. The only improvements I would recommend are better lighting around the public PC and improved management spot checks to ensure that 'failed' light bulbs are replaced in guest rooms.