Hotel Esmeralda

The views from most rooms are excellent, but I can’t recommend this hotel. Hotel Bella Vista is a better option in Coroico, and it’s a shame because I remember better days here. I’ve stayed a couple of times over the years. It used to feel friendlier and more charming, even though things could be hit and miss. One year, for instance, the pool was green with algae. This time, the hotel felt dark and lifeless, with building rubbish in many corners. It needs new management, in my opinion. We had an elderly relative and another family member who needed help with bags. There are several steps down to reception, but nobody offered help at check-in or checkout, even though help was clearly available. The owner also let her daughter hold a private party with loud music late into the evening. It only stopped after we complained twice. There are several dogs, mostly very sweet, but they could be an issue if you have young children and a dog of your own. During our stay, they only served breakfast. There was no lunch or dinner, which is a pain when the town is at the bottom of a very long, steep hill. On my last two visits, including one before the pandemic, the restaurant was busy and vibrant. This time they weren’t serving food. Then the room rate suddenly changed. That was the last straw, so we left a day early and sadly won’t return.