Casa Grande Hotel, La Paz

Location

Located just a 15-20 minutes’ drive from the centre of Bolivia's governmental capital, Casa Grande is set – surrounded by mountains – in one of La Paz’s wealthiest suburbs, Calacoto. Quiet and residential, you’ll find the city’s best restaurants here, including the Michelin starred Gustu. Here, fine gastronomy is predicated on locally sourced seasonal ingredients and the work of disadvantaged youths. And, at 3,200 metres, it’s in the lowest part of the city, helpful for acclimatising to what is the highest ‘capital’ in the world. Don’t forget to take some time out with the city’s café culture before exploring its alleyway markets and world-class museums.

Accommodation

This contemporary favourite is arranged around a large atrium, where indoor gardens and guests alike benefit from an enormous glass dome roof. Inside the rooms, block shades are picked out against a single splash of colour from the bed throw, itself a contemporary take on traditional fabrics. You’ll also be treated to all the creature comforts you’d expect from a Deluxe offering, with WiFi, a minibar, an iPod docking station, personalised air con and a pillow menu. And, while many feature some of the best views in Lap Paz, the Deluxe Kings come with a private balcony, looking out over the neighbourhood to the foothills beyond.

Dining

At the hotel’s signature Yerba Buena restaurant, an eclectic menu showcases seasonal dishes, served either in its luxuriously appointed dining room or out on the ground floor terrace. The dress code is formal-casual. Perhaps start with one of the seafood dishes – there’s seared scallops, prawn salads and calamari served on roasted pancetta – before moving onto an indulgent risotto or a prime cut, including a crunchy suckling pig, dressed in apple purée. While you’ll be treated to a range of dessert favourites here, be sure to call into the ice cream bar where Italian gelato, artisan cafés and freshly made cakes and waffles are served on a cosy terrace.

Facilities

The hotel’s standout feature is undoubtedly its stylish penthouse bar. Watch the sun set over the lights of La Paz while you enjoy a mixologist-prepared cocktail or immaculately presented light bite. The hotel also features a full-service spa where you’ll find everything from saunas to Jacuzzis. Book into a massage, make use of the well-equipped gym or swim a length in the heated pool, all to yet more of those gorgeous views. Lastly, there’s complimentary access to the world’s highest golf course – La Paz Golf Club – with special rates on rounds and driving ranges.