Reports Travel Destinations, The Telegraph:

Palacio de Sal

Uyuni, Bolivia

The Palacio de Sal is the world’s first salt hotel, and it’s the ideal base from which to explore the Salar de Uyuni. Everything from the ceilings to the furniture is made from salt, but this is far from the only selling point: great service, dramatic views and excellent facilities make for wonderful stays.

9/10 Location

It’s found just over 15 miles from the city of Uyuni in southwest Bolivia, and enjoys a dramatic, remote setting on the banks of the world’s biggest salt flats, the Salar de Uyuni. The hotel is ideally located for relaxing in the starkest of settings, and for starting or finishing a tour of the salt flats – one of Bolivia’s prime tourist attractions.

8/10 Style & character

The hotel blends effortlessly into its dramatic surroundings by incorporating salt into every element of the design. The walls, ceilings, furniture and more are made of salt, while in the public areas, salt sculptures by Bolivian artists make eye-catching focal points. Wooden walkways and deep red furnishings keep the atmosphere warm and prevent the salt surroundings from feeling too bare.

8/10 Service & facilities

The staff are friendly, pleasant and bilingual, and can arrange tours of the Salar de Uyuni. If you book directly with the hotel, they will also organise free transportation to and from the airport.

There’s a spacious bar with a snooker table, and several living areas with large windows where guests can relax, play cards and enjoy a drink, and, at nighttime, look at the stars. There is also a shop selling traditional Bolivian products, such as clothes made of alpaca wool. A spa is set to open in autumn 2018, complete with a swimming pool, fitness centre and sauna.

8/10 Rooms

There are 42 rooms of varying sizes, from standard rooms to suites. The spacious standard rooms are built in the style of salt igloos, with domed salt-brick ceilings and large, comfortable beds made of salt. The bathrooms have powerful showers and toiletries made in Bolivia using salt from the region.

7/10 Food & drink

There is one restaurant where breakfast, lunch and dinner is served. Breakfast is buffet-style, with hot food such as omelettes and pancakes, and cold options such as cereals, empanadas, bread, ham, cheese, fruit and cookies. Guests can serve themselves hot drinks and juices.

Dinner is also served from a buffet, and guests can choose from a selection of dishes made with local salt, such as llama, lamb or chicken, or for vegetarians, salads, rice and quinoa. Lunch has to be reserved two hours before and can be ordered according to guest’s preferences. Casual meals such as sandwiches can be ordered at the bar. There’s also a wide drinks selection including Bolivian wines and beers.

7.10 Value for money

Double rooms from 1,330 BOB (£144) year round. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Rooms are on the ground floor, but they have not been specifically adapted.

Family-friendly?

There’s one room which can fit four people.

Orillas Salar de Uyuni, 0000 Colchani, Bolivia.

00 591 2 6225186 palaciodesal.com.bo

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/south-america/bolivia/uyuni/hotels/palacio-de-sal-hotel/

Bolivian Thoughts | Pensamientos Bolivianos (Bilingual/Bilingüe)

Palacio de Sal – Uyuni, Bolivia