The former Casa de la Moneda, one of Arequipa’s most beautiful 18th‑century mansions built of sillar volcanic stone, has been transformed into Casa Andina Premium Arequipa Hotel, a 5‑star property that feels like a living museum. Just a few blocks from the Plaza de Armas and around the corner from the Santa Catalina Convent, it combines colonial architecture, peaceful courtyards and a private chapel with all the comforts of a modern luxury property.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa stands out as one of the few hotels worldwide to receive UNESCO’s Blue Shield recognition in 2019, a designation reserved for sites of exceptional cultural heritage.
Location and Historical Background
The hotel sits in Arequipa’s Historical Center, placing you within a 6-minute walk from Plaza de Armas and 5 minutes from Santa Catalina Monastery. This strategic positioning gives you direct access to the city’s main attractions without needing transportation.
The building’s story stretches back to 1550 for its initial construction, though it underwent significant remodeling in 1794 during Peru’s colonial era. The Marquis Don Blas de Quiróz once resided here, carving the motto “After God, Quiróz” into the structure. For one thing, the property served as Peru’s Mint from 1836 to 1841, a brief six-year period that permanently branded the building’s identity. Locals continued calling it Casa de la Moneda long after its minting operations ceased, turning the name into a lasting custom.
The Peruvian government declared the structure as National Heritage in 1956. After the June 23, 2001 earthquake damaged the building, restoration work began and finished in 2006. The hotel now operates with 40 guest rooms, and you’ll notice the building’s past most clearly in the lobby, where stately columns and high ceilings reveal its colonial origins. The proximity to Catedral Arequipa and other landmarks means you can walk to many attractions directly from the property.
Room Types and Accommodations at Casa Andina Premium Arequipa
The property divides its accommodations between the original colonial manor house and a sensitively designed four-story modern wing. Five luxury colonial suites occupy the historic structure, while superior rooms and standard suites fill the newer section.
The Imperial Suite spans 61 m2 and features a king bed, separate living room, original wooden balcony, and city views. This room represents the most luxurious option at Casa Andina Premium Arequipa. The Senior Suites showcase original stone walls, chandeliers, colorful carpets, private entrances, interior patios, and jacuzzis. Both room types preserve traditional sillar walls, high ceilings, colonial decorations, and wrought iron windows that transport you back in time.
Two standard colonial suites offer beautiful furnishings with the same historical character. The modern wing houses 29 superior rooms at the back of the building, decorated in a classic and clean style. Six standard suites in this section provide more space than superior rooms, including sitting areas and king beds. Junior suites are available for guests seeking additional amenities.
Each accommodation type at this hotel in Arequipa serves different preferences, from those seeking authentic colonial ambiance to travelers prioritizing modern comfort.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa Hotel Amenities and Features
Breakfast at Casa Andina Premium Arequipa unfolds in the colonial courtyard where a skilled harpist performs Andean music, creating an atmosphere that sets this hotel in Arequipa apart from standard properties. The onsite Alma Bar Restaurante serves Peruvian cuisine with international influences, operating daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for breakfast, 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for lunch, and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for dinner. The restaurant’s warm setting opens to the main courtyard, perfect for lingering conversations over meals.
The property features two colonial courtyards with high vaulted ceilings that anchor the restored architecture. For relaxation, you’ll find a full-service spa offering massages, a sauna, and a whirlpool tub. Rooms come equipped with premium bedding, bathrobes, minibars, and 24-hour room service for late-night needs.
Standard amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, luggage storage, and currency exchange. The staff provides personalized recommendations for exploring nearby attractions. Business travelers can access meeting facilities and a business center, while leisure amenities include a sun terrace and TV room. The hotel accepts pets and maintains 24-hour security with key card access throughout the building.
Casa Andina Premium Arequipa Hotel FAQs
Q1. What are the check-in and check-out times at Casa Andina Premium Arequipa? Check-in time is at 14:00 (2:00 PM) and check-out time is at 12:00 (noon). These timings are standard for Casa Andina properties in Arequipa and several other Peruvian cities.
Q2. How far is Casa Andina Premium Arequipa from the main plaza? The hotel is located just 5 minutes from Arequipa’s Plaza de Armas in the Historic Center. You can reach the plaza with a 6-minute walk, and Santa Catalina Monastery is also only 5 minutes away on foot.
Q3. What types of rooms are available at this property? The hotel offers several accommodation options including Superior Rooms, Standard Suites, Junior Suites, Standard Colonial Suites, Senior Colonial Suites, and the Imperial Suite. The colonial suites are located in the historic manor house, while superior rooms and standard suites are in the modern wing.
Q4. Does the hotel have an on-site restaurant? Yes, Alma Bar Restaurante serves Peruvian cuisine with international influences. It’s open daily for breakfast (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM), lunch (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM), and dinner (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM) in a warm setting that opens to the main courtyard.
Q5. What makes Casa Andina Premium Arequipa historically significant? The hotel is housed in a 225-year-old building constructed in 1794 that served as Peru’s Mint from 1836 to 1841. It received UNESCO’s Blue Shield recognition in 2019 for its exceptional cultural heritage and was declared National Heritage by the Peruvian government in 1956.
