Cusco, Plaza San Francisco, 360-13.517504,-71.981596(Show on Map)
7.2
Good
Checkin - Checkout dates
1 Room2 Guests
Info
Summary of reviews
Pirwa Backpackers Colonial, located in the heart of Cusco, is lauded for its prime location, just a short walk from the iconic Plaza de Armas. Guests appreciate the ease of exploring the city while enjoying the tranquility of the historic center. The hostel's colonial architecture adds to its charm, making it a notable attraction in its own right. A combination of accessibility, historical allure, and affordability makes it an attractive choice for visitors to Cusco.
The hostel offers a reasonably well-received breakfast. Although it is free and considered good, some guests find the lack of variety and the early start time limiting, especially for those with early tour schedules. The breakfast usually includes staples like bread with butter or jam and yogurt with rice flakes.
When it comes to accommodation, the rooms provide generally comfortable beds with hot showers and a social environment conducive to meeting new friends. However, some rooms seem outdated, lacking windows or air conditioning, which can make them feel cramped. Occasional cleanliness and maintenance issues, such as non-functional bathroom doors and noise, were noted, but these don't overshadow the overall comfort for most guests.
Cleanliness at the hostel receives praise, with well-maintained facilities and secure luggage storage. Some minor areas of improvement include isolated hygiene issues and occasional maintenance problems, but the commitment to cleanliness is evident.
The hostel staff enhance the overall experience with their warm and welcoming demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the staff's friendliness, attentiveness, and willingness to help, creating a homely atmosphere. While there can be occasional inefficiencies, particularly concerning card payments, the genuine care offered by the staff is a consistent highlight of the guest experience.
One significant downside is the unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity, especially troublesome in the rooms and on the upper floors. Guests often find themselves without internet access, which can be a drawback for those who require connectivity during their stay.
Overall, Pirwa Backpackers Colonial offers a comfortable and social environment in a prime location in Cusco, with friendly staff and charming colonial aesthetics, though it could improve its breakfast offerings and Wi-Fi reliability for an enhanced guest experience.
Nightlife
Pirwa Backpackers Colonial is located near the Plaza de Armas which is the center of Cusco's nightlife.
Small
Room Types
Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis room features shared bathroom facilities and private lockers. Blankets and towels are provided.
Budget Double or Twin RoomThis room features bunk beds, private lockers, and extra blankets. Cleaning service is provided.
Double RoomThis room features a double bed, private bathroom, and sofa.
Triple Room with Shared BathroomThe triple room features parquet floors, as well as a shared bathroom boasting a shower. The triple room has a patio. The unit has 3 beds.
Bed in 4-Bed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a patio.
Single Bed in Female Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory has a patio and sofa.
Bed in 16-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room This bed in dormitory features a patio.
Double Room with Share BathroomThis double room features a shared bathroom, a wardrobe, a sofa as well as a patio. The unit offers 1 bed.
Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a patio.
Bed in 10-Bed Mixed Dormitory RoomThis bed in dormitory features a patio.
Twin RoomThe twin room includes a private bathroom equipped with a shower. The unit offers 2 beds.
Standard Family RoomThe family room includes a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The unit has 4 beds.
Guest Reviews
7.2
Good
Review Summaries
Location
Pirwa Backpackers Colonial boasts an enviable location in the heart of Cusco, making it an ideal choice for travelers aiming to explore the city with ease. Situated just a short, 7-minute walk from the iconic Plaza de Armas, the hostel offers guests an excellent base close to all the main attractions and strategic points in the city. Visitors appreciate the convenience of being only two blocks from the main square, while still enjoying the calm atmosphere of the historic center. This prime location is complemented by the hostel's inherent charm as a colonial building, which stands as a tourist spot in its own right. Guests frequently mention the friendly and welcoming staff, adding to the overall comfortable experience. With its combination of accessibility, historical charm, and affordability, Pirwa Backpackers Colonial is a standout choice for those visiting Cusco.
Breakfast
The breakfast at Pirwa Backpackers Colonial has received mixed reviews from guests, with several highlighting positive aspects and others suggesting areas for improvement. Many appreciate the simplicity and quality, describing it as good, inclusive, and delicious despite its basic nature. It is a complimentary offering, which adds to its appeal, and some guests point out that it provides enough to start the day, especially considering it's a hostel setting.
However, there are recurring mentions of a lack of variety, with the same options being served every day, leading to a monotonous experience for longer stays. The breakfast mainly includes bread with butter or jam, and yogurt with rice flakes, lacking in substantial or protein-rich options. Furthermore, the timing of breakfast, starting at 7 AM, poses a challenge for guests planning to start early tours, limiting their ability to partake.
Overall, while the breakfast is generally appreciated for its quality and inclusion, introducing variety and adjusting the timing could enhance the experience for guests, making it more accommodating and enjoyable.
Rooms
Pirwa Backpackers Colonial offers a mixed experience when it comes to its rooms. On the positive side, guests often find the rooms and beds to be comfortable, providing ample comfort after a day of exploring. Many appreciated the opportunity to make friends in the hostel's social environment and were particularly pleased with the availability of hot water in the showers. For those in private accommodations, a sense of safety and stable temperature contributed to their satisfaction.
However, some guests encountered issues, particularly with older rooms lacking windows, which led to feelings of claustrophobia. The absence of air conditioning in certain rooms also left some guests feeling uncomfortable. Additionally, hygiene appears to be inconsistent, with some rooms not as clean as expected, and maintenance issues like non-functioning bathroom doors and deteriorated common area infrastructure have been noted. Noise from wooden floors and proximity to smoking areas further detracted from the overall experience for some guests. Those considering a stay should weigh the social, friendly atmosphere against the potential for less desirable room conditions.
Beds
At Pirwa Backpackers Colonial, guests frequently praise the comfort of the beds, noting that they are ideal for relaxation before and after a strenuous hike. Each bed in the dorms comes equipped with thoughtful amenities such as an individual bed light, plug, and table, enhancing convenience and personal space. While there are remarks about mattresses being somewhat worn out or uncomfortable for some, the general consensus favors the comfort provided by the beds. The design and features around each bed contribute to a satisfying stay, especially for backpackers seeking a restful night's sleep.
Cleanliness
Pirwa Backpackers Colonial receives generally positive feedback regarding its cleanliness, with many guests praising the overall cleanliness of the restrooms and rooms. Visitors consistently note the rooms as clean and comfortable, and frequently mention that the facilities are well-maintained. Secure luggage storage and good laundry service add to the convenience. However, there are some areas for improvement. While the restrooms are often clean, occasional maintenance issues and the distance of some bathrooms from the rooms can cause inconvenience. Guests have also pointed out isolated issues, such as humidity in certain rooms and occasional stains on sheets. Despite these minor setbacks, the commitment to cleanliness is evident, though ongoing attention to maintenance could enhance the guest experience further.
Staff
Visitors to Pirwa Backpackers Colonial are consistently greeted by a warm and welcoming staff who ensure that every guest feels at home. The reception team stands out for their kindness and attentiveness, always ready with a smile and eager to assist travelers with their needs. The atmosphere is enhanced by the cheerful nature of the staff, who go above and beyond to accommodate guests, even opening the doors early for those looking to head out on morning tours. While there might be occasional hiccups with the efficiency in handling card payments, the overall experience remains positive due to the team's genuine care and consideration for each visitor's comfort.
The location and atmosphere complement the excellent treatment provided by the staff, adding to the overall appeal of the hostel. Regular praise is given to the lady on the morning shift, noted for her approachable demeanor and helpful nature. Although there are mentions of inefficiency in some instances, the kindness and friendliness of the staff seem to outweigh any shortcomings. Whether it's ensuring rooms are tidy or maintaining an inviting environment, the staff at Pirwa Backpackers Colonial contribute significantly to making every stay a memorable one.
Wi-Fi
The reviews highlight a significant issue with the Wi-Fi connectivity at Pirwa Backpackers Colonial. Guests frequently mention that the Wi-Fi does not work inside the rooms, especially in upstairs areas. Several reviews indicate that the internet connection is quite poor overall, often leaving guests without any access. This issue seems to be consistent across various rooms, with some mentioning specific rooms where connectivity is particularly problematic. Overall, while the hostel may have other attractive features, reliable Wi-Fi access is not one of them.
FAQ
No, Pirwa Backpackers Colonial doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Pirwa Backpackers Colonial.
No, Pirwa Backpackers Colonial doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Pirwa Backpackers Colonial.
No, Pirwa Backpackers Colonial doesn't have a gym.
