The diverse cultures of Bolivia come together in La Paz, its de-facto capital sitting 3,650 meters above sea level. Set against the stark Altiplano plateau, La Paz, with its carnivals, juxtaposing architecture, and buzzing nightlife is one frenetic jamboree. Walking the streets of the city is like stepping into different eras at the same time. Even though they wear modern clothes, locals don the pollera, the traditional Bolivian garb with pride. Inclined cobblestoned streets meld with main concrete boulevards. Similarly, utterly modern 21st-century glass-and-steel structures sit beside gorgeous Gothic spires. So, it’s only fitting that you spend a good few days discovering the fascinating contrasts of the city. Interestingly enough, hotels in La Paz, Bolivia, are much the same. They’re a mix of contemporary and old-world, boutique, offering both creature comforts and a hint of culture.
Bustling and bucolic in equal measure, La Paz is a gem of a place waiting to be discovered. Aside from being one of The 12 Highest Capital Cities In The World, it brims with incredible sights. Since all that sightseeing requires you to put your feet up at the end of the day, here are the 11 best hotels in La Paz, Bolivia.
Where to stay in La Paz, Bolivia?
Not for nothing is La Paz famous for being one of The 12 Most Beautiful Places in Bolivia. With a dazzling nightlife and beautiful, walkable barrios, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most underrated tourist hotspots in South America. Given its all-over-the-place town planning and crazy topography, La Paz isn’t easy to get around. Hence, it’s important to choose where to stay in the city carefully. So, where does one stay while visiting La Paz? Perhaps the most favorite for all travelers is the highly walkable Sopocachi. It has the city’s best restaurants, cafes, clubs, and bars. Don’t miss riding on the Mi Teleférico, which is the world’s longest cable-car system.
Next up is Centro, which is the central area around Plaza San Francisco. It’s perhaps the most contrasting part of the city, with grand structures and plazas and tourist ghettos both. Moreover, it’s also home to most of La Paz’s historic, cultural, and touristic highlights. Thirdly, we have Zona Sur, which is the wealthiest part of the city. It sits several hundred feet below Centro, which makes it much easier to breathe here! Additionally, it’s home to the lively strip of Avenida Montenegro, which has the city’s most stylish nightlife and culinary venues. If you’re feeling intrepid enough to live in a non-gentrified Bolivian barrio, then head straight to San Pedro. A plus point is that it sits between Sopacachi and Centro. Finally, we have the delightful Miraflores. Aside from inexpensive local watering holes, it has choices of hotels that are light on the wallet.
La Casona Hotel Boutique
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Located right in front of the Plaza San Francisco on the main Avenida Santa Cruz is La Casona Hotel Boutique. The thoughtfully refurbished colonial mansion is one of the best budget hotels you can find in La Paz, Bolivia. Also, since it lies right in buzzing downtown, it’s an excellent base to tick off the Top 10 Things To Do in La Paz.
Many of the original features of the rambling 17th-century mansion have been beautifully retained by the hotel. This includes a fascinating mini-museum with a collection of pottery, coins, and other stuff found hidden within a wall when the place was being restored. It also includes a “cava” where liquor fermentation used to take place, a terrace chock-full of potted plants, and a gorgeous patio. So, there’s no better place to immerse yourself in local culture than here. Even though the staff speaks halting English, they’re very helpful. Aside from oxygen available to patrons who suffer from altitude sickness, the place even has a cozy restaurant serving all meals.
The best part about the rooms here is that they range from snug singles to roomy suites. In spite of the colonial setting, all have natural light, modern furnishings, and hot showers. Since noise from the Plaza and Avenida tend to float in at all times, we’d recommend taking a room at the back.
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Atix Hotel
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If you fancy staying in a leafy, residential district in La Paz, then the Atix Hotel is where you should be. The stylish hotel is supposedly the first boutique property in the city and is the perfect base in Zona Sur. Plus, the hotel is not without character. In the indigenous Quechua language, ‘Atix’ translates to “the one who thrives.”
In fact, the hotel’s design and architecture is a celebration of the native Bolivian culture, and a lot of thought has gone into it. Local Comanche stone, which was used in the La Paz pavements in the 1920s-30s, and native Bolivian wood make up the building’s façade. The parallelogram-shaped structure features gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the Andean valley. On the inside, the place is peppered with photographs and paintings by famous Bolivian artist Gastón Ugalde. Aside from providing oxygen bottles for acclimatization, the staff helps you out with travel tips as well. The cherry on top is the hotel’s amenities, which include a sauna, a gym, and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool. Besides, there’s even a restaurant that serves breakfasts and gastronomical meals and a rooftop bar that’s perfect to try out the local cocktails.
Even though they’re divided into five categories, all rooms feature comfy furnishings, sleep-inducing beds, and windows that open. For some indulgence, go for the larger corner suites that have vibrant artwork and petite balconies.
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Casa Grande
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Luxury and style meld stunningly in Casa Grande, one of the most luxurious hotels in La Paz, Bolivia. Located in the heart of Zona Sur, the hotel is perfect if you want to explore the “western” side of the Bolivian capital. Also, since the tranquil, posh neighborhood sits at a lower altitude as compared to other city areas, it’s a great place to walk around. Moreover, with the cable-car station just 10 minutes away, getting to the city center is quick.
The hotel is already an architectural landmark in La Paz, and rightfully so. A towering atrium with a stunning curved glass roof makes an immediate impression. Interiors are a sea of off-white and grey, with potted plants adding a dash of color. During colder days, a swim and a soak in the indoor heated pool and whirlpool tub washes warmth all over you. Moreover, the hotel even has a massage room and a sauna to soothe those aching feet after walking La Paz’s steep streets. A restaurant, bar, and a ground-floor cafe take care of all food needs. Finally, you also have access to the La Paz 18-hole golf club and driving range, which is the highest in the world.
Rooms are minimalist with all standard mod-cons, with a bonus being the minibar and pillow menu. The largest room, the presidential suite, has a whirlpool bath, living room, and terrace overlooking the gorgeous city.
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Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa
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The Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa radiates sophistication and charm without being too flashy but backs it up with plenty of substance. The high-rise boutique hotel is an eccentric blend of Andean elegance and New York panache. Nestled in the heart of Sopocachi, the boutique hotel is an exciting, yet serene escape from La Paz’s hustle and bustle.
There’s nothing about the Stannum Boutique Hotel that you won’t like. “Quirky” is the best way to describe the hotel’s lobby – think dulcet music, Corazon-shaped chairs, and purple couches. Plus, it’s bursting with a laundry list of amenities. For instance, after a workout session in the gym, you can grab a movie at the cinema theater downstairs. The decadent spa is the perfect place to get a massage after a long day of exploring La Paz. The best bit? Aside from a restaurant serving delicious food, the hotel even has an uber-cool cocktail lounge perfect for a nightcap. Finally, the place is even attached to a shopping mall, which is perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs.
If you think the hotel is pretty, you’re sure to fall in love with the rooms. The well-decked-out digs feature spectacular views of of the mountains and the city, high-tech mod-cons, and the fluffiest beds you’ll ever find.
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Camino Real Aparthotel
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Lying smack dab in the heart of the city center, the Camino Real Aparthotel, despite being an aparthotel, offers “true luxuries.” Since it lies at a lower elevation, the hotel is an oasis of calm and the perfect base for acclimatizing to La Paz’s altitude. If you’re looking for a degree of independence with indulgence in the city, then this aparthotel is ideal.
There’s a lot to like about the Camino Real Aparthotel. Everyone’s favorite part of the property is the renovated indoor pool and whirlpool, which is the perfect spot to unwind. Workout fanatics will find the gym perfectly suited to their sensibilities. Afterward, you can wind down with a massage at the Felling’s Spa, which also has loungers and chairs. Begin your day with a bountiful breakfast buffet that includes freshly-baked Bolivian pastries. Furthermore, the fantastic La Tranquera restaurant serves excellent local fare, and barbecued meat is something of a house specialty. In fact, it’s regarded as one of the best in the city.
Rooms, or rather suites, at the Camino Real are modern and spacious to boot, complete with workstations, seating areas, and even coffee machines and minibars. Also, all rooms have panoramic views of the Andes mountains due to the genius circular design of the hotel. If that wasn’t enough, the aparthotel even has its own fleet of taxis to take you to the city center for a very nominal price.
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Casa Fusion Hotel Boutique
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If you want to stay in a tranquil, homely place in La Paz, then it can’t get any better than the family-run boutique Casa Fusion Hotel Boutique. The hotel lies in the heart of Sopocachi, so a delightful local meal is no more than a stroll away. Even though it’s not in the thick of things, you’re barely a block from the Teleférico and a short ride from central La Paz.
Although the hotel sits in a quieter part of Sopocachi, you’ll love the quiet ambiance and air that hangs around the hotel. A soft-white exterior with perfectly-designed windows and soft lighting makes it look more like a townhouse. It sits right next to a delicious-smelling bakery, the other business handled by the same family. It supplies baked goodies hot-from-the-oven right to your breakfast table in the cute glass-walled cafe. The morning meal is the highlight of this intimate place and is a great way to start your day. The staff are unfailingly helpful and help you come to grips with the neighborhood in no time.
Rooms at the Casa Fusion give you the feeling of having arrived home. They featured plush carpeted floors, a flatscreen TV, a writing desk, and lots of natural light. Overall, Casa Fusion makes for an excellent choice for a hotel in La Paz, Bolivia.
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Hotel Rosario
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Hotel Rosario transports you back in time to the La Paz of the past. A restored colonial house in the heart of Downtown La Paz becomes this old-but-gold hotel, which has raked in rave reviews since it threw open its doors. As you step into the charming colonial-era courtyard, the mayhem of La Paz seems to melt away. You’ll love everything about the sun-kissed courtyard, right down to the fountain with flowers cascading out of clay pots. The entire place is sprinkled with vibrant Andean-inspired artwork which gives you an insight into how life was in La Paz.
When it’s chilly, the cozy lounge near the lobby is the perfect place to sip on a cup of complimentary tea. Moreover, the place even has an internet bar that serves delicious beverages and snacks all day long. In addition, a travel agency on-site can help you with last-minute bookings. The highlight, however, is the Tambo restaurant that offers everything from local Bolivian wine to trout from Lake Titicaca.
Despite its seemingly small size, you can choose from 41 rooms at Hotel Rosario. All are decorated with gorgeous motifs from the local Quechua and Aymara cultures, as well as Andean handicrafts and textiles. That said, the best rooms are the ones around the courtyard, with many enjoying spectacular views of the Chacaltaya mountain range.
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The Adventure Brew Hostel
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If you’re looking for inexpensive and a fun-filled stay in La Paz, then the Adventure Brew Hostel is a no-brainer of a stay. It’s easily one of the best hotels, or rather hostels in La Paz, Bolivia. It’s essentially got everything going for it – location, perks, price, you name it. To begin with, it lies a mere five-minute walk from Plaza San Francisco in Centro. Hence, it’s not just within walking distance of sights and markets, but also the bus terminal. Plus, it’s housed in a converted 19th-century colonial mansion with a bright blue facade that’s as cheery-looking as it’s welcoming.
When it comes to the hostel, the name says it all. It’s extremely popular with backpackers, solo travelers, social butterflies, and for good reason. Firstly, it offers designer-style dorms and rooms both. The dorms might be a bit basic, but the private rooms are no less than those at a boutique hotel. Plus, the bathrooms are immaculate and the rooms themselves are large. That said, all the fun at the hostel begins once you step outside the room. Think funky communal spaces, included pancake breakfasts, and even an on-site bar. Every Tuesday and Friday afternoon, you can join their famous barbeque rooftop gathering. The icing on the cake is that there’s even a microbrewery with fun right on tap. Warm, comfy, and clean, the hostel is an all-round great place to stay.
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Selina La Paz
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Selina La Paz is famously known as the best hostel for digital nomads in the city. The funky brand has been making waves all over Latin America for its digital nomad vibes and boho-chic digs. Their La Paz outpost lies in Sopocachi, which is a favorite neighborhood with backpackers in the city. If you’re a remote worker like a freelance writer and need to get work done while exploring La Paz, then you can’t get any place better than this one.
To begin with, this place actually has a separate co-working space with lots of workstations. It gets you in the perfect mood and space for working up a storm, especially if you have a deadline! However, the hostel is not all work and no play. It boasts a fabulous on-site bar where a drink at the end of the day is as good as it gets. besides an extensive list of excellent cocktails, it also serves finger food and light bites. Overall, it’s a great place to get conversations flowing with your fellow traveling mates. Apart from the common kitchen area, the hostel also has a wellness area and a yoga deck to get the blood flowing. A quiet evening is best spent while sipping on coffee and reading a book in the library. If you’re a movie buff, the place even has a cinema!
Selina’s dorms and rooms are as good as their communal spaces. They channel the same boho-chic vibe as the rest of the place, along with huge windows letting in lots of natural light.
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Altus Hotel
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What makes the Altus Express Hotel such a great catch is that it features terraces that directly overlook the gorgeous and leafy Plaza San Pedro! So, it’s like watching everyday life in La Paz unfold as it happens. Located in between Downtown and Sopocachi, it’s one of the best hotels you can stay in La Paz, Bolivia.
An imposing off-white facade is complemented by black wrought-iron balconies. As you enter, funky light fixtures, bohemian furnishings, and clean, symmetrical designs make for great first impressions. Besides a lovely restaurant and room service, the property also has a coffee house and provides cookies, chocolates, fruits, and wine for an additional charge. There’s even a tour desk that can arrange for walking, bike, or city tours for exploring its local culture. Finally, the place even serves a wonderful, hearty breakfast every day.
At the hotel, all rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. All rooms feature a wardrobe. Rooms at the hotel are an unconventional but beautiful blend of Andean and modern designs. Moreover, they feature private bathrooms, mod-cons, and a beautiful little balcony making your stay memorable.
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Rendezvous Guest House
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Rendezvous Guest House is perhaps the best hotel you could possibly find in La Paz, Bolivia. It lies in a Sopocachi house restored lovingly by a Bolivian-American couple. Tucked into a quiet side street, the hostel-hotel oddly gives the feeling of coming home – only, it’s impeccably done up.
It’s the personal experience that is the highlight here, When you speak to the owner, it’s evident that they absolutely love La Paz. In fact, you don’t need to say much to wrangle the best tidbits about the city from them. The standout feature here is the superb restaurant that serves creative seasonal local dishes. Aside from a shared kitchen, the place even has a common area with books, newspapers, and magazines. A lovely garden, a rooftop space, and a daily buffet breakfast complete the offerings here.
Even though it’s a guesthouse-hotel, all rooms are plush and filled with antique furnishings and present-day mod-cons. Moreover, all of them boast splendid views over the city and the mountains beyond. We’d recommend you pay a little extra and get the rooms that boast sunrise/sunset views over the magnificent Illimani mountain.
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Recommended Restaurants / Bars / Food Tours in La Paz:
- La Paz Local Food Tour: Tantalize your taste buds with delicious Bolivian delicacies on this food tour.
- El Vagon del Sur: This restaurant is a local favorite and lies in a converted Bolivian family house. Dig into hearty and authentic Bolivian fare here.
Recommended Activities In La Paz:
- La Paz Full-Day Private City Tour: This full-day guided tour of the city allows you to explore it like a local.
- Lake Titicaca Half-Day Tour: Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world. Discover its delights on this day tour from La Paz.
