Hotel Mitru
The best and most reliable hotel in town, the busy Mitru has been run by the same family for generations...
Bolivian accommodations are among South America’s cheapest, though price and value are hardly uniform. Be aware that with the exception of the international hotel chains, the star ratings for hotels are not based on the recognized international rating system.
The Bolivian hotel-rating system divides accommodations into posadas (inns), alojamientos (basic accommodations), residenciales (simple accommodations), casas de huéspedes (family-run guesthouses), hostales (hostels) and hoteles (hotels). This subjective zero- to five-star rating system reflects the price scale and, to some extent, the quality. (Note that hostales are not necessarily hostels as you might normally think; some are in fact upmarket hotels.) Rock-bottom places are usually found around the bus and train stations, though this area is often the most dangerous in town.
Prices in this book reflect high-season rates (late May to early September). Room availability is only a problem at popular weekend getaways like Coroico and during fiestas (especially Carnaval in Oruro and festivals in Copacabana), when prices double.
In the Altiplano, heat and hot water often makes the difference in price, while in lowland areas, air-con and fans are common delimiters.
The sleeping sections in this book are organized by author preference. Always ask to see a couple of rooms before committing, keep your valuables in a safe when available and check the sheets for bedbugs by searching for their feces beneath pillows. You can sometime negotiate the room price in cheaper places.
Warning: several readers have alerted us to improper use of propane heaters in Bolivia. These are sometimes offered in cheaper accommodations but are not meant to be used in enclosed spaces so refrain from using them if supplied.
The best and most reliable hotel in town, the busy Mitru has been run by the same family for generations...
The name says it all...
Self-promoting, party pumper and one of a chain of insomnia-crowd-attracting hostels...
Another HI affiliate, this pleasant, typically white hotel has a particularly beautiful double courtyard...
Making a name for itself as a backpacker haven the Amigo Hostel is well-equipped with kitchen, TV room a...
Clean and reliable and popular with groups.
A strange sort of retro Buddhist joint that will appeal to some but be a turn-off for others...
The ‘in’ place for Santa Cruz backpackers, this superbly equipped hostel has a pool, jacuzzi, pool table...
The best budget choice near the bus terminal is this clean, friendly HI-affiliate where breakfast is inc...
A 20- minute walk outside of town, this resort is surrounded by its own tropical forest, complete with w...
Luna Salada Hotel is an award-winning place, 7km from Colchani, with 23 stylish rooms a...
This bright, HI-affiliated place is in a fabulous spot between San Pedro and El Prado...
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