I found La Paz fascinating in the brief time we transited through after the Uyuni Salt Flats. Unlike the bubble you’re in when you are in the untouched countryside, La Paz is a raw, gritty and at times rough city that portrays the real situation of Bolivia. The city is massive and a cacophony of buildings that don’t make sense. Many empty and half constructed buildings are a byproduct of the drug trade because apparently construction is a good place to launder money. This was a stark awakening for us after the desolate lagoons, mountains and salt flats of the country. So in this city framed with these challenges, we needed a luxury hotel in La Paz as we transited home. The most luxurious hotel in La Paz by miles is the Atix Hotel, and in my opinion, the only place to stay.
A Little About the City
La Paz is a fascinating city in Bolivia, and for the next time you’re on Jeopardy, FYI it is not the capital city. Instead, Sucre has the honor of that designation, something that it won during a civil war. However symbolically, La Paz is an economic, political and sports capital of the country. Football is a major part of life in Bolivia, no matter who you are. La Paz is the highest national capital in the world, clocking in between 11,000 and 13,000 feet.
The other unique aspect of the city is that there are cable cars that serve as the transportation system. La Paz literally is off the cliff of neighboring El Alto, essentially in the valley and surrounded by jagged rock. The Southern part of the city is likely where you’ll spend most of the time, which is where to stay in La Paz. For years, the accommodations didn’t quite match the drama of the destination. There was bound to be a boutique hotel in La Paz sooner or later. The most luxurious hotel in La Paz wouldn’t look out of place in Buenos Aires or Mexico City — and that’s precisely the point.
Where to Stay: Atix Hotel
The name Atix means “one who thrives” in Quechua, the local language which is the energy that the hotel gives off. Architecturally Atix is shaped like a parallelogram which gives rooms views of the surrounding Andean Valley. It is La Paz’s first Design Hotels member and lives up to the unique design standards of the group. As far as I’m concerned, it’s the only place to stay in La Paz. Casa Grande Hotel across the street is the other high end hotel in the city, but it’s a hard pass. Service, rooms, facilities and design are all inferior to Atix.
The Interiors
Inside, the hotel functions as a living gallery. The 53 rooms display fine-art photography and artwork in corridors, rooms, and common areas by native artist Gastón Ugalde, Bolivia’s Andy Warhol. Uganda traveled to the South Lípez Desert, Lake Titicaca, and the Salar de Uyuni to capture Bolivia’s stunning landscape for the commission. Every floor of the hotel is filled with modern art, and is like a museum or art gallery in itself.
The Rooms
Each room is chic and modern in design with panoramic mountain views. It’s all about the attention to details that make Atix the most luxurious hotel in La Paz. The ajo wood headboards sourced from the Amazon and local stone floors make the rooms feel rooted in Bolivia. After a week in the Salt flats, the rain shower in the large baths are a luxury in themselves. The living area also had a small dining room and second bathroom. Off the large bedroom there was a terrace with artwork that had a view of the city.
As La Paz, like Bolivia, has largely been forgotten by the world, they don’t see a lot of high-end tourists come through. I stayed in one of the larger suites for $350. Your dollar goes a long way at the most luxurious hotel in La Paz.
The Food & Drink
In-house restaurant Ona is part of an ongoing revolution modernizing La Paz’s food scene. Chefs cook exclusively with Bolivian produce sourced from the surrounding mountains in creative renditions of classics. While there are compelling restaurants outside of the hotel, a low-key dinner at Atix is still a good use of time. The real showstopper is the rooftop. The beverage program is overseen by a mixologist from Lima’s Central restaurant. The bar is good for a nightcap to order the cocktail inspired by the salt flats while taking in the view of the city.
The Verdict
In a city where luxury is in discreet pockets, Atix is the most luxurious hotel in La Paz. It lives up to its designation as a Design Hotels and is the place to stay as you transit through or conduct business in La Paz.
Other Articles You’ll Like
Where to Eat in La Paz
The Best Hotel in the Atacama
FAQs
Q: What is the most luxurious hotel in La Paz, Bolivia?
A: The most luxurious hotel in La Paz, Bolivia is Atix Hotel, located in the southern part of the city in an upscale neighborhood.
Q: What is so special about Atix Hotel in La Paz?
A: Atix Hotel is by far the most luxurious hotel in La Paz because of its design, artwork by renowned artist Gastón Ugalde and the chic and comfortable rooms.
Q: Does the Atix Hotel have a pool?
A: As the most luxurious hotel in La Paz, Atix Hotel does indeed have a pool with stunning views of the surrounding Andean valley.
Q: Where is Atix Hotel located in La Paz?
A: Atix Hotel is located at Calle 16 8052 Calacoto Between, Julio Patiño, La Paz, Bolivia. Phone: +591 69831262
