Are you struggling to find really comfortable accommodation to recover from altitude without falling into a tourist trap? We’ve set down our suitcases in the Zona Sur to give you an honest, unfiltered casa grande hotel review of this Bolivian nugget. Get ready to find out if this 5-star hotel with spa and pool is the oasis of relaxation you’ve been promised for your next trip! 🇧🇴
- Sorting out the real from the fake: which casa grande hotel are we talking about?
- A strategic location in the heart of the zona sur de la paz
- Service and welcome: the human element at the heart of the experience?
- Comfort and elegance of the rooms: our detailed verdict
- Spa, pool and equipment: is true luxury on offer?
- The culinary experience: how good are the hotel’s restaurants?
Sorting out the real from the fake: which casa grande hotel are we talking about?
What you need to know before reading the rest (our opinion in brief)
If you’re looking for a great value in La Paz, the Casa Grande Hotel is a must. Located in the Zona Sur, this establishment boasts glass architecture, a full spa and a superb indoor pool, perfect for recovering from altitude.
For us, it’s one of the best choices in La Paz if your budget allows. We tell you all about it.
If you’re already convinced, here are some useful links to organize your stay: Book a hotel at the best price on Trip.com, Reserve your airport transfer here, and The best activities in Bolivia here.
One name, many destinations: a brief geographical overview
Typing casa grande hotel reviews on the Internet quickly leads to a geographical misunderstanding. There are establishments bearing this name just about everywhere, whether on the beaches of Las Terrenas, in the backstreets of Mykonos or on the Brazilian coast.
Each hotel has its own specificities, and it’s quite easy to get the wrong continent when booking. We ourselves almost got the photos mixed up before realizing that we weren’t going to the Caribbean.
This table should help you see things more clearly, even if our article focuses solely on the Bolivian nugget. This is the one we’re interested in for an Andean tour:
| Hotel | Country | Type/Vibe | Main strong point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casa Grande Hotel | Bolivia (La Paz) | Luxury & Business | Spa and location Zona Sur |
| Hotel Casa Grande | Dominican Republic (Las Terrenas) | Charm & Beach | Close to the sea |
| Casa Grande | Greece (Mykonos) | Boutique & Design | View of the Aegean Sea |
| Casa Grande Hotel | Brazil (Guaruja) | Family resort | Large pool and beach access |
Our pick: focus on the casa grande hotel de la paz
On this blog dedicated to Bolivia, it was the only logical choice. This 5-star hotel enjoys a solid reputation in the capital for its upscale service and unique architecture.
After weeks of trekking, we were looking for a little absolute comfort before setting off again. We needed a real cozy bed and modern facilities to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the historic center.
The rest of this article details our unfiltered experience at this establishment, which remains a benchmark among accommodation options in Bolivia.
A strategic location in the heart of the zona sur de la paz
Having clarified which hotel we’re talking about, it’s time to tackle the first criterion of choice for any traveler: location. And Casa Grande’s location is far from insignificant.
La zona sur, a district apart
La Zona Sur is the modern face of La Paz. Here, the streets are safe and the atmosphere is decidedly more affluent. Located lower down than the center, this district offers precious respite for your lungs. A major asset if you’re worried about altitude sickness in Bolivia.
Forget the chaos of the historic center, this is a radical change of scenery. Here, the air is different, almost residential. It’s another face of La Paz, quieter and more residential.
What do we think of casa grande hotel? It fits right in with this “select” atmosphere.
Accessibility and nearby points of interest
In terms of transport, the Línea Verde cable car is a game-changer. It connects the district to the rest of the city in the blink of an eye. It’s a fast and spectacular means of transport.
Around the hotel, you’ll find everything you need. There are chic boutiques, excellent restaurants and even cinemas. It’s also the corner of the embassies, a guarantee of tranquillity.
Here’s what we were able to do without ever having a problem with transport:
- San Miguel shopping center (for shopping and restaurants).
- Valley of the Moon (just a short cab ride away).
- Green cable car (to downtown).
- Art galleries and trendy cafés.
What location means for your stay
If you’re looking for peace and security, this is the place to be. It’s also ideal for a stress-free business trip. We loved this first gentle acclimatization to altitude.
But there’s another side to the coin. It’s a long way from the hustle and bustle of the Witches’ Market and the historic center. You’ll have to take your own transport to get there.
It all depends on your priorities when choosing where to sleep in La Paz. For us, it was the perfect compromise.
Service and welcome: the human element at the heart of the experience?
Our first impression on arrival
We arrived a little exhausted, but the atmosphere in the lobby soothed us straight away. With its meticulous decor and soft lighting, we were finally able to breathe. At the reception desk, our suitcases are taken in hand and check-in is completed in two minutes. A real sense of professionalism that’s a welcome start to this Casa Grande Hotel review.
The little extra? We were immediately offered a mate de coca, a classic for the altitude. As an added bonus, it was very refreshing and we appreciated the gesture.
The welcome sets the tone. And here, it’s clearly top-of-the-range. You can tell right away that you’re in good hands.
An attentive staff (or almost)
In terms of services, the rest of our stay confirmed this first positive impression. Whether it’s the concierge or room service, everyone seems to be aligned to make our lives easier. There’s a real sense of fluidity in day-to-day organization.
We tried out the concierge service for a last-minute reservation. Not only did they take care of it, but they also gave us a couple of nice tips for the evening. The availability and courtesy of the staff is really the strong point here, because they really know their stuff.
Well, nobody’s perfect, but they come close. We just noticed a slight wait at the bar on a rush night, which was quickly forgotten with a smile. It’s really just a quibble.
Language barriers and request management
For those worried about the language barrier, there’s no need to worry. The staff juggle English with ease, and we’ve even heard a few words of French. Having multilingual staff in front of you makes all the difference in the world when it comes to making yourself understood.
We needed a cab at an ungodly hour for a departure. The request was processed in thirty seconds and the driver was there right on time. Top-notch responsiveness.
All in all, you feel really looked after, which justifies the standing of the establishment. The customer experience is totally validated.
Comfort and elegance of the rooms: our detailed verdict
Let’s move on to what is perhaps the heart of a hotel stay: the room. This is where you sleep, where you rest. So, does Casa Grande live up to its promise of luxury and comfort?
Style: modern elegance with local touches
We immediately fell in love with the design. It’s sober, resolutely modern, with quality materials. The color palette remains neutral, soothing, far from the aggressive bling-bling we were a little afraid of before arriving.
It’s not a sanitized international chain, however. Here and there, you’ll find nods to Bolivia, like the touches of wood and textiles that warm the atmosphere and give the place a real soul.
Frankly, it’s chic without being ostentatious, and makes you feel good right away. A real aesthetic success in our opinion.
Equipment, bedding and bathroom
Let’s talk about the sinews of war. The mattress is a marvel, neither too soft nor too hard. With the blackout curtains, night-time comfort is total, and we slept like babies after our excursions.
The private bathroom doesn’t disappoint either. The space is generous and the water pressure ideal for relaxation. The toiletries add a touch of private spa.
If you’re looking for a complete casa grande hotel review, you’ll be pleased to know that the in-room facilities have been thought out so that you won’t be short of anything:
- Ultra-comfortable king-size bedding.
- A functional work desk and a good Wi-Fi connection.
- Well-stocked minibar and coffee machine.
- A large bathroom with shower and/or bathtub.
Cleanliness, soundproofing and views
In a 5-star hotel, dust is unforgivable. In this respect, it was absolutely spotless, from floor to ceiling. Daily housekeeping is beyond reproach, and we never found the slightest defect during our stay.
La Paz is noisy, but here it’s dead quiet. We found the soundproofing very effective. You can’t hear your neighbors or the hustle and bustle of the outside world, which is a rare and precious thing when it comes to recuperating.
Large bay windows flood the room with light. Even if not every room has the craziest view, waking up to the mountains or the Zen garden changes everything.
Spa, pool and equipment: is true luxury on offer?
The spa: a bubble of well-being at altitude
Our Casa Grande Hotel review is confirmed here: the spa is frankly one of the establishment’s major strengths. The atmosphere is incredibly calm and serene from the moment you enter. It’s the perfect place to disconnect completely.
In La Paz, this kind of service is not a gadget but an absolute necessity. After walking all day at 3600 metres, it’s vital for physical recovery. Your legs will thank you.
We tested several installations to get back on track:
- A wide range of massages to relieve tension.
- Comprehensive facial and body treatments.
- A dry sauna and hammam to eliminate toxins.
- A hot Jacuzzi ideal for relaxing.
The indoor pool: a real plus at la paz
Finding a heated indoor swimming pool in La Paz is rare enough to warrant mention. Most hotels don’t have one, which is a shame. This one is *vast and the water temperature is just right*. The deckchair area is an invitation to laze around.
Taking a dip with a view of the mountains in the distance is a truly unique experience. We loved this moment of relaxation, suspended in time. It’s a magical experience.
The premises are spotlessly clean at all times. Soft towels are always available on site.
Gym and other business services
The gym has modern cardio and weight training equipment. This is more than enough for a complete workout during your stay. Be careful, though, as high-altitude sports require you to adapt your breathing, so take it easy.
The hotel also has professionals in mind, with a highly functional and accessible business center. The meeting rooms are well-equipped for relaxed working. We meet a lot of business travelers here.
In short, the establishment is ultra-complete in terms of facilities. Whether it’s for wellness or work, the standing clearly justifies its top-of-the-range positioning.
The culinary experience: how good are the hotel’s restaurants?
After effort and relaxation, comfort. A luxury hotel must offer a gastronomic experience to match. So we tested the Casa Grande’s breakfast and restaurant for you.
Breakfast: a good start to the day
We attacked the day with the buffet, served free to guests every morning. There’s plenty to choose from, from savoury options to pastries and fresh fruit. There’s even a cooking station where you can order your own minute eggs. It’s varied and, frankly, appetizing.
What we loved was the emphasis placed on local produce from the morning onwards. We were able to sample exotic fruit juices and quinoa, which was a welcome change from the classic continental fare. It immediately anchored our stay in Bolivia.
To sum up our casa grande hotel opinion on this point: a complete, high-quality buffet. Perfect for fortifying yourself before exploring the city.
The main restaurant: a dinner to match?
In the evening, we settled down at Yerba Buena, the restaurant located within the hotel. The ambience is rather chic and hushed, under a pretty glass roof surrounded by greenery. It’s a soothing setting that invites you to take your time.
The menu offers an interesting mix of international cuisine and Bolivian gastronomy revisited with seasonal ingredients. We tried the smoked trout and fillet of beef, both well-executed dishes. The quality of the products is there, and the presentation is meticulous.
It’s a very good place to eat, but we also recommend youexplore the restaurants in the neighborhood. If you’re a wine lover, their selection includes Le Vin Bolivien, ideal to accompany your meal.
The bar: for a nightcap with a view
It’s impossible to miss the Casabar, located on the roof of the hotel. The relaxed atmosphere is the perfect spot to unwind after a long day’s walking. The terrace offers spectacular views, especially as the sun sets.
On the drinks front, the menu is solid, with local beers such as Huari for connoisseurs. But the real plus is the signature cocktails, especially those made with Singani. It’s fresh, local and goes down easy.
It’s a very pleasant place to end the evening, not without difficulty after a few drinks. The breathtaking view of the illuminated city is well worth a visit.
In conclusion, the Casa Grande Hotel is a sure bet in La Paz. With its relaxing spa, cozy rooms and impeccable service, we loved our stay in the Zona Sur. It’s the perfect mix of luxury and comfort for recuperating after an adventure. We recommend it 100% 100%! 🇧🇴✨
