6 Best Hotels in Potosi, Southern Bolivia

One of Bolivia's great, rare accommodation finds, this magnificently restored hacienda offers a peek into 500 years of the region's history. Although it's 20 km (12 miles) from the city, it is the best place to stay in Potosí. The rooms are basic but comfortable, and there are plenty of common areas to explore and gardens to lounge about in. The food is simple but fresh and tasty, with most of the ingredients coming from the farm itself. The location offers a great opportunity to explore the altiplano around Potosí, which can be strikingly beautiful. Photographers will appreciate the stunning light at sunrise and sunset. The museum is a must-see, with hundreds of artifacts, a restored chapel, and a library with an astounding store of rare and valuable books.

Among the very uninspiring collection of hotels and generally apathetic service that Potosí offers, La Casona is easily the best budget option despite its decidedly backpacker feel. The staff is hit and miss, but some are friendly and helpful, and the location is the best selling point—it's in a beautiful old building just a block and a half from the main plaza. The rooms are spartan at best, but those with a private bathroom are clean, warm, and more than sufficient as a base for a few days. The breakfast is forgettable; rather, eat out with the money you saved by not bothering with one of the bigger, more expensive hotels. The Wi-Fi is better in some locations than others; check before settling into your room.

Although far from the central plaza—and walking at this altitude is not for most—this is one of Potosí's more modern hotels offering large, clean rooms and nine suites spread over three floors. The rooms are rather somberly decorated but comfortable with balconies overlooking a courtyard under a glass dome. The restaurant is open from 7 am to 11 pm.

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.

Artwork by local Potosí painters brightens hallways and rooms in this centrally located hotel, probably the best in the city for the price, although you may find this designation relative. There's a small patio on the top floor where you can risk a little sun. The big plus here is central heating.

An all-round decent option a few blocks up from the plaza, this hotel offers simple, comfortable rooms and friendly staff. The location is good, although uphill, and everything is generally clean and pleasant. The attached restaurant isn't a bad option; the breakfast is fine, although the quality is up and down.