4 Best Hotels in Southern Bolivia, Bolivia

It's a hotel, made of salt, on the edge of one of the planet's most amazing natural wonders. There's not much more to say. Although the Salar itself is about a mile away, the views at sunset are incredible, and the stars and silence at night are priceless. The rooms are warm and comfortable with great showers, and the design is attractive. Luna Salada is not flawless—the crunchy salt on the floor can be annoying, and the food can be found wanting at times—but with an open mind this can be the perfect way to end or begin your Salar experience. The best option is to come by rental car to avoid the obscene transfer costs. You should organize your trip deeper into the Salar with a reputable company before coming to the hotel, as their in-house tours are not the best. Book well in advance.

Quiet and with a slightly stuffy attitude, this is the most upscale hotel in town, although rather far from the five stars it claims. The large, spacious lobby is a treat, and the location and staff are excellent. The rooms are spacious and clean but nothing special.

The five-star luxury offered by Los Parrales belongs to an earlier era and the facilities are all somewhat aged, but the service is excellent and friendly and the rooms spacious, some with great views over the Guadalquivir River. The expansive manicured gardens and large swimming pool are great for relaxing. The center of town is far—about 3.5 km (2.17 miles) from the hotel, so expect to pay around (Bs)15 for a taxi.

This historic hotel with its impressive warren of arches and courtyards has been impeccably restored, and is a paradise for history and antique buffs thanks to its colonial exterior and neo-classical French interior. Some of the mural work and antique furniture is truly impressive. A visit to the tunnels below offers a rare insight into the life of this storied building, originally built in the late 17th century as the seat of the royal administrator of the region. Unfortunately, it is only really worth it if you shell out for the very best rooms; the standard rooms, while luxurious, are aging a little—peeling paint, rattling fridge, imitation antique furniture—and not in line with the price.