14 Best Hotels in Central Bolivia, Bolivia

Two blocks from the main square, this rustic hostel doubles as an art gallery with more than 200 framed photographs on the walls. The Dutch-Bolivian owners offer local transportation, tai chi workshops, movie nights, live music, and a hearty pancake breakfast. Packed lunches are available for hikers, and if you'd like local insight, the owners can provide guided tours to hidden waterfalls at no cost. Communal areas include a cozy lounge and a rooftop Jacuzzi overlooking the valley. If you happen to fall in love with the place, the hostel welcomes volunteers for six weeks at a time.

An excellent alternative to the many stuffy and rather run-down business traveler hotels in town, Apart Hotel Anteus makes an affordable base for exploring Cochabamba and the surrounding areas. You won't find anything fancy, but the rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable; there are nice common areas; and the location is ideal, near the Patiño Palace. The staff are attentive and welcoming.

This is a good option for those who need plenty of space and the convenience of a full apartment. The decor is rather stark and austere, and it is a little ways from the center of the city, but the prices are unheard of in Santa Cruz, and the neighborhood is calm and quiet, with a few good restaurants nearby. The top-floor unit has a nice terrace with good city views.

One of the best places to stay in Santa Cruz, thanks to dedicated hosts Nicole and Manuel, this small hotel is beautifully decorated with antique furniture, piles of curiosities, and eclectic art filling up every available space. The memorable rooms feature brick floors (which stay nice and cool in the heat) and are individually decorated, some with loud colorful walls, framed vintage posters, and bookshelves packed to teetering, and others more sedate. All the open spaces are equally filled with personality, and there are plenty of little nooks to relax in, such as a cool green central patio and even a small swimming pool. The abundant breakfasts are served with tasty homemade bread and marmalade, yogurt, and granola. Just 3 miles from the center, Casa Patio is considerably cheaper than the big resort hotel–type options that dominate the city.

Located in town in a welcoming splash of garden near the center of the city, El Jardin makes a great base for independently minded travelers, particularly those looking for the comfort of self-catering. There is a shared kitchen, and there are great spaces to relax in the garden; plus, it is remarkably quiet, despite its central location. The rooms are very spacious and well lighted, and look out over the garden.

Recent renovations and a whole new wing overlooking two large swimming pools make the Gran Hotel one of the best options in town. It is still the typical Bolivian interpretation of five stars – the service is good but the rooms, although comfortable, have no stand-out features. It sees quite a lot of business travel because of the convention center, but is also a good option for kids thanks to the spacious lawn and pool area. The attached restaurant, Acuario, is warm and pleasant and offers a variety of options at both lunch and dinner.

There is really only one place to stay in Cochabamba, and Hotel Aranjuez is it. The beautiful building was built in the 30s but has been nurtured and improved over the years, with particular attention to the now Edenic garden, first planted by the family when they took over 25 years ago. Every space is welcoming and impeccably kept, with interesting art and antique furniture and finishings scattered here and there. The restaurant (particularly the breakfast) has been carefully designed to be healthy and nutritious, using the best of fresh, local produce. Coffee lovers will appreciate the owner's stash of what may be Bolivia's best coffee. Rooms are a little old-school, but spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed.

A free-form pool meanders through the tropical gardens at this low-rise, high-class hotel in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Santa Cruz. The Tranquera restaurant serves good international fare and like its sister restaurant in La Paz, is best at grilled meats. The hotel is showing its age somewhat but it's still a nice place to relax. Every room has a balcony and all the amenities you'd expect from a hotel of this price range.

An ever-popular choice for business travelers, Hotel Cortez is well located and offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. The newer rooms are particularly spacious and have views over the pool and garden. The staff are friendly and efficient, and the common areas are well kept and inviting.

This sprawling hotel on the edge of the city and 15 minutes from the airport is a series of low-slung buildings surrounded by lush gardens and feels more like a remote tropical resort than a city hotel. Due to its high prices, it is most frequented by business travelers who utilize the on-site convention center. El Papagayo restaurant serves excellent seafood, and the stunning Jardin de Asia is one of the city's best dinner spots.

A beautiful house set in an expansive garden on the outskirts of town, this value option offers spectacular views of the Andes in the distance, a comfortable stay, and a great restaurant on-site (La Luna Verde). The garden with hammocks and deck chairs makes a perfect spot to relax and tuck into the good selection of cocktails from the restaurant (there's a happy hour in the evenings). Ask about the extra options on the breakfast—think fresh breakfast burrito. They are well worth the extra couple of bolivianos.

This family home–turned bed-and-breakfast is very easy to fall for thanks to its comfortable rooms and gracious, welcoming hosts. There is plenty of space to relax, and the neighborhood, though 15 to 20 mintues from the center, is lovely. The rooms have good Wi-Fi, and those on the top floor have balconies with views over the city.

This well-designed and comfortable boutique hotel is right on the main plaza. The beautiful brick exterior provides a striking contrast to the modern decor inside, which at times goes past minimalist and just seems empty. Most of the rooms have rather cold, white tile floors, with the odd overly bright carpet breaking it up, but they also boast large, comfortable beds and spacious, modern bathrooms with excellent showers. The service is top notch, and the rooftop pool and terrace feature wonderful views. Ask for a room with a balcony that opens onto the plaza.

The exterior of this all-suites hotel is a bit bland and blocky, but the surrounding green spaces provide a nice contrast, particularly the palm-lined space around the swimming pool. It's not the cheapest option, but the suites are spacious, each with a small living room and a fully equipped kitchenette that includes a small stove, microwave, bar fridge, and all the necessary cookware and cutlery. The interior looks a bit dated, but it's in good shape. The location is good, with quick access to the center. Request a room overlooking the pool (they are the quietest), and ask about the long-running "2+1 offer," which gets you one night free.