Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ZONA SUR
If you'd rather restrict your appreciation of La Paz's frantic charm to measured doses, or you
simply want to minimize the adverse effects of altitude, the Zona Sur is a more oxygenated
option. Akin to downtown Phoenix or Tucson, with an upfront and spectacular Wild West
backdrop, palm tree-lined boulevards and a climate to match, it feels very much removed
from the rest of the city.
Camino Real (Suites)
Av Ballivián 369 and corner of C 10, Calacoto 02 2792323,
caminoreal.com.bo
.
A conspicuously modern, sun-glinting skyscraper that looks much taller
than its eight floors suggest. Arranged in vertigo-inducing circles with lots of greenery above
an imposing black marble reception, it's home to state-of-the-art executive rooms with great
canyon views. Extras include pool, sauna, wi-fi, 24hr business centre, an inclusive American
buffet breakfast and even entrance to the local golf club. If you're on a bud
get don't mis
s the
regular weekend special with basic doubles slashed to a mere Bs525 ($75).
Bs1365 ($255)
Casa Grande Hotel
Av Ballivián and corner of C 17, Calacoto 02 2795511,
casa-
grande.com.bo
.
Self-consciously stylish boutique hotel sporting a design midway between
warehouse minimalism and retro comfort. The reception is all modernist leather sofas, glass
and perforated steel, while the carpeted rooms are more dated if still inviting, equipped with
kitchen, wi-fi and a daily newspaper. If you don't fancy
cooking ther
e's the colourful
Mezzo
Café
, with a menu of trendy snacks. Breakfast included.
Bs1106 ($158)
Hotel Calacoto
C 13 No. 8009 and corner of Sánchez Bustamente 02 2774600,
hotel-
calacoto.com
.
Hidden away down a leafy, mercifully serene side street, this hacienda conver-
sion has dispensed with much of its former quirky charm in favour of more blandly modern
decor, though it's still a decent deal for the location and a fraction of the price of its skyscrap-
ing neighbours. There's a choice of rooms or self-catering apartments plus all the usual fringe
benefits like wi-fi and inclusive breakfast, and they also offer horseriding i
n the surro
unding
badlan
ds. Their
trump card, however, is still the genteel garden. Doubles
Bs476 ($68)
; apart-
ments
Bs596 ($85
)
Hotel Oberland
El Agrario 3118, Mallasa 02 2745040,
h-oberland.com
.
Clean, calm,
Swiss-owned complex in the environs of Valle de la Luna, with an environmental bias, and
an “eco spa” with a dome-covered pool maintained at an inviting 35 degrees. The en-suite
rooms and three-person apartments are modern-rustic, with beamed ceilings, rugged views
and the occasional brick fireplace, while the well-manicured garden is the scene of re
gular
BBQ
s and occ
asional em
bassy bashes. Wi-fi and buffet breakfast included. Apartments
Bs630
($90)
; doubles
Bs392 ($56)
