What it's like to stay in a salt hotel in Bolivia

With so many fun, unique accommodations around the world (oh hiiii ice hotels, treehouses and glamping), there’s no need to settle for a boring hotel room during your next trip…especially if you’re heading to a salt hotel in Bolivia.

The dazzlingly-white, arid Uyuni Salt Flats are well known for their mesmerizing reflections during the rainy season, and the endless horizon that makes for fun perspective photos.

While it’s possible to book a one day Bolivia salt flats tour, those looking to up the ante can stay overnight in the vast desert by checking into a Salar de Uyuni salt hotel.

Palacio de Sal, salt hotel in Bolivia — Palacio de Sal- the couches, walls, table and ceiling are carved out of salt

Quick find

The salt hotels in Bolivia

There are a few Uyuni hotels to choose from: Hotel Palacio de Sal, Hotel De Sal Luna Salada and Casa de Sal (which is in the town of Uyuni, versus in the salt flats like the other two). From the walls to the floors, ceilings, furniture and even sculptures, just about everything is carved out of salt!

Interestingly, since the hotels are constructed out of salt blocks they need to be rebuilt every 10 to 15 years, as rain causes them to disintegrate over time.

Salt hotel in Bolivia — Courtesy of Hotel de Sal Luna Salada

Hotel Palacio de Sal

I splurged on one night at Hotel Palacio de Sal, because hello bucket list! We were greeted warmly the moment we walked through the front doors, and presented with a welcome drink of tropical juice (which was much-needed after the horrific flight from La Paz).

Hotel Palacio de Sal was the world’s first salt hotel, and its grand foyer is quite the sight as it’s tricked out with a chandelier and white couches topped with colourful pillows.

There are about a dozen rooms, and as you head down the long hallway towards them you’ll pass an entertainment room, restaurant, lounge, gift shop and numerous salt statues.

The rooms themselves are surprisingly modern, boasting a double or two twin beds, private bathroom and separate sun room. As it can get chilly at night, the beds have built-in warmers and plenty of blankets, which you won’t actually need if you choose to fire up the in-room heater.

The bed frame, walls, floor, counters and even the roof are made of salt, and you should probably just take my word for it since guests are advised against licking everything in sight to test it out for themselves!

There’s a wellness area and spa on site, and guests love heading up to the second level of the hotel just before dusk to take in the stunning sunset. The two balconies are a perfect place to take in the scene, as the bright orange sun sets behind the looming blue mountains in the distance.

Star gazers will also appreciate the rural setting, as there are no lights to obstruct your view of the galaxy. Click to book

Hotel de Sal Luna Salada

Another great salt hotel in Bolivia is Hotel de Sal Luna Salada, which is found on the outskirts of the Uyuni Salt Flats. With rooms looking right over the expansive desert, the salt walls muffle any noise so it’s an incredibly relaxing experience.

Bedrooms have plush linens, a telephone, private bathroom, work desk with lamp, safe and in-room heating. Prices include breakfast at the on-site restaurant, so you can fuel up ahead of a day of sightseeing.

There’s also a gift shop, shuttle service, bike rentals, and a spa area with a steam room and whirlpool which is the perfect place to unwind after long day of exploring Salar de Uyuni. Click to book

Tips for staying in a salt hotel in Bolivia

Getting there: To get to the hotels located in the Uyuni Salt Flats, you’ll have to grab a cab at the airport, train or bus station, and it costs about 250 BS ($35 USD) for the half-hour trip down the dusty, bumpy road that leads to the flats. Chances are the taxi will look like it’s about to fall apart (if you’re even lucky enough to get one–it’s slim pickings around here!), so a more reliable option is to pre-book a private transfer through your hotel. Be warned: it’s not usually a comfortable journey to get to Uyuni, but the payoff is worth it.

It’s also worth noting that most Salar de Uyuni tours depart from town, meaning you’ll probably have to pay for a transfer back into Uyuni to meet your group. One way around this is to book an excursion directly through the hotel, but that can be more expensive and might mean missing some highlights that are closer to town like the photogenic train cemetery.

Price of staying at a Bolivia salt flats hotel: The price of a double room at Hotel de Sal Luna Salada starts around $100 per night, while Palacio de Sal costs about $200. While you won’t get the full experience of sleeping in the desert, Casa de Sal is the cheapest at about $80 per night and you also won’t have to pay for transfers to the flats.