Restored to its original grandeur, this storied sillar (white volcanic stone) colonial mansion is the only 5-star hotel in Arequipas historic center and is as much living museum as it is hotel. Inhabiting the 1794 former Casa de la Moneda (Mint House)a National Historic Monument it is Arequipas finest hotel and one of the most sumptuous hotels to stay in all of Peru. Meticulously restored and remodeled in 2008 after more than a century of neglect, the hotel features high vaulted ceilings, 2 ample colonial courtyards, and an elegant gourmet restaurant. The lengthy restoration unearthed numerous surprises, including original frescoes, reliefs, and even a chapel long hidden from view. Five spectacularly large suites have unrivaled Republican-era flavor, yet the historic mansion has also been ingeniously adapted: a unique architectural skylight shields the main courtyard from Arequipas intense sun, and 36 new rooms occupy a sleek modern adjunct structure off a second interior patio. Brilliantly illuminated at night, the hotel is in the heart of Arequipas historic quarter, just around the corner from the magnificent 16th-century Santa Catalina Convent and only 3 blocks from Arequipa Plaza de Armas. On a quiet street in the heart of Arequipas historic district, the hotel is just steps from the entrance of the famed Santa Catalina Convent and only 3 blocks from the Plaza de Armas. In the midst of Arequipas top restaurants, sights and shopping, the hotel is only15 minutes by taxi from Arequipas Rodriguez Ball n airport and 10 minutes from the bus station. Arequipa, Perus second-largest city, is renowned for its long sunny days, lovely main square, collection of beautiful colonial buildings built of sillar (white volcanic stone), and clear views of snowcapped volcanoes that ring the city. Arequipa is 1,020 km (635 mi) south of Lima & 300 km (185 mi) sw of Puno/Lake Titicaca. It can be reached on daily flights of an hour or less from Lima, Juliaca & Cusco.