Hospedaje El Artesano, Cusco

Quiet, clean, cheap, and central yet out-of-the-way little hostel-slash-guesthouse, situated in Cusco's trendy and eclectic San Blas neighbourhood. I checked in to this place (on the recommendation of Jesus) after leaving my host family today, and I'll be here on-and-off for the rest of my time in Cusco. It seems to be almost empty — I've got a 6-bed dorm all to myself — and this is probably due to its being very basic, and to its location at the top of a big hill, which can only be climbed on foot via a flight of steep steps.

Rooms: clean and quiet, and bathrooms in each room.

People: not very many — mainly older people, and a few families.

Staff: friendly, and mostly part of the same family (bit of a family business going on) — but no English.

Location: fairly central, and a 10-minute walk from the Plaza, but it's a hike up a big hill.

Food / Internet: none (but they have a kitchen).

Hot water: excellent! Great showers to be had (just check that the switch for the water heating device is on — this got me once).