Lobby of Fitzcarrald Hotel
You will think you hit gold if you stay at the 3-star Fitzcarrald Hotel – a Peruvian family-run operation that delivers 4-star service and quality along with providing one of the best included-breakfasts in town. Conveniently located in Iquitos along with a value-based price point, the hotel rooms are clean and spotless, with amenities and services that will surprise you.
Getting There
For adventurous travelers who fly to Iquitos, Peru – jungle gateway to the Peruvian Amazon – you will find a variety of hotels at many price points to fit just about any budget. Iquitos is the starting point for many jungle lodge experiences as well as many river cruises that ply the Amazon. However, Iquitos City has a unique charm and joy of life not experienced anywhere else in Peru. That is why it is necessary to spend at least a couple nights to sample the charm and tropical vibes of this vibrant city. Enjoy the architecture, art scene, regional jungle cuisine, as well as Amazonian hospitality at its best.
The hotel can make advance arrangements for you to be picked up at the airport by taxi, ensuring you will have adequate room in the vehicle for your luggage. The rates are extremely reasonable and you will be hard-pressed to do better on your own. Otherwise, most transportation is by 3-wheeled open-aired moto-taxis. Luggage is resigned to the back, where it can easily flip off into the street if not secured.
Wonderful Boutique Hotel that Treats You Like Family
I was promptly greeted at the airport with a sign bearing my last name. It was comforting to me that the driver knew the address of the property and I didn’t need to worry about it. Upon arriving at the property, I was immediately welcomed and made to feel like I was family. I knew I was off to a good start.
The Fitzacarrald has 20 air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms with tile/marble floors that feature flat-screen TV set with satellite channels along with feather pillows, linens and down pillows. My deluxe room came with a queen-sized bed. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, but because this is the jungle city of Iquitos, expect the internet to be slow and affected by weather. It happens all over the city. Daily housekeeping and room-service are also provided.
Deluxe Queen-sized room
The reception desk is staffed 24-hours, but it is the younger family members during the day-shift that can provide you with English assistance. They provide concierge service and a tour desk, as well as currency exchange for guests. Fax and photocopying services are also provided. In my case, the son helped me re-book reservations back to Lima for an alternate day. He also arranged for my luggage to be stored at the hotel while I did a 5-night deep jungle excursion to Curassow Lodge.
Conveniently located, the FitzCarrald Hotel is several blocks from the main square Plaza de Armas and the Boulevard, with its scenic vistas of the river and restaurants galore. A grocery store is within a 15-minute walking distance, but why walk when you can catch a mototaxi for about 3 Peruvian soles – less than $1 USD. Be sure to negotiate the price in advance before hopping into the mototaxi. If you are unsure, the hotel staff will be glad to help you. Or if you prefer, the hotel staff can provide grocery shopping service for you. (My deluxe room came with a small refrigerator.)
3-star Hotel with 4-star Service at Fitzcarrald Iquitos
The owners quickly discovered my love of avocado, and I was overjoyed to find that every morning I was treated to the freshest avocado toast in town. Breakfast is hearty, with fresh juice, fruit bowl, toast, coffee and eggs served every morning with a smile. Breakfast can also be served to the room.
Complimentary breakfast
I was pleased to learn that for a very modest fee, I could leave my laundry at the desk and that it would be returned by 6:00 pm that same evening. As the climate is hot and humid, laundry service was a pleasant surprise.
Food & Drink at Fitcarrald Hotel
One of the newest ceviche places to open in Iquitos is located on the same side of the street as the hotel. This is delicious regional ceviche place is so new that the restaurant was only recently named – Warmi Yura Cevicheria. It’s located several doors down at Fitzcarrald #327. (Fitzcarrald Hotel is located at #367.)
Warmi Yura Cevicheria
Guests can also enjoy South American, Latin American and Peruvian meals at Huasai Restaurant within 5 minutes’ walk of Fitzcarrald Hotel. Or try a meal at Dawn of the Amazon.
If you prefer, the hotel provides a limited bar, snack bar as well as packed lunches for purchase.
Value-based Price Point
It’s the price that will blow you away as the hotel is one of the most value-based for what they offer. The hotel offers deluxe rooms with queen beds and private bathrooms from around $35 to 45 USD, depending on the day and the season. (In Iquitos, there are only two seasons: rainy season and non-rainy season.) Book direct at the hotel website or you can compare rates at Booking.com or Hotels.com.
This will be my second home every time I am in Iquitos. After all, they are like family to me.
Review and all photos by Albuquerque, New Mexico-based travel writer Karin Leperi. The writer paid full-price for her accommodations while recently at Fitzcarrald Hotel for a total of 5 nights. As always, all opinions are strictly her own.
