Estrella Andina Hotel

Incredible service! I used my room here as the staging area for my expedition into the Andes, as the hotel is smack in the middle of that strip on Illampu, which caters to foreign climbers. The day before I set off to the high peaks, I recalled that I needed to hire a driver to take me there. The travel agent who sits in the lobby of Estrella Andina was very kind and very honest - instead of trying to force me to go with one of her guides, she respected my desire to climb independently, and hired me an English speaking driver with a brand new 4x4. While I did spend more on the driver than I wanted to, that’s because I did not make clear to the agent that I wanted a cheap local dude with no drivers license, in an ancient Toyota. lol. But the ride she obtained for me provided and excellent and smooth trip out to the cordillera. And was priced very fairly for the service I received. Front desk staff put up with my shenanigans and never complained - like being late to meet said driver, which meant they had to run upstairs and wake me. And therefore not having time to check out and settle my bill. Instead, they graciously let me store my luggage in a secure area, and said I could pay when I came back from my adventure (I guess they could tell I was a decent climber, as they were risking not getting paid if I died on the mountain hahaha). 4 days later, I returned to settle up and get my shit... and was expecting an extra charge for leaving the room a complete filthy mess (had been in a rush to get my climbing gear in order before the driver came). I had also smoked a joint in the room the night before my expedition, to calm my nerves about things that could go wrong and kill me in the mountains. But if they noticed, they did not complain. Therefore, I stayed there again :) I am not a party kid looking to bend such tolerance to my own gain, and normally I treat my hotel rooms with much more care. As Estrella Andina will find out when I check out today...

The first room I was given (106) was tiny, dingy, and had an unattractive tiled floor. Along with an analog TV that belonged in a motel 6. The bed was comfy, a heater was provided, and I didn’t care enough to ask for a better room at reception. However, when I returned from trekking and asked if they could give me a better room this time round (offered to pay for upgrade) they said that all rooms were the same features, same price. But of course, saying this got me room 305 - which is twice the size, beautiful hardwood floor, flatscreen tv, etc... So if you don’t like the first room they give u, just ask to see another one. You won’t be disappointed because the service here is INCREDIBLE and actually wants you to be happy :)

24h access - we landed at 2am and staff were waiting for us. Juli was very helpful and attentive. Comfortable rooms, good breakfast (fruit, eggs, pancakes, cereal, yoghurt, hot drinks), coca mate tea available all day. Secure area to leave luggage if you are on an overnight tour. Good Wi-Fi access in rooms and public areas. Will arrange taxis if required. ATMs next door and pharmacy & convenience stores few doors away.

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