The Best Boutique Hotels in La Paz, Mexico (2024)
Affiliate Disclosure: This Boutique Hotel La Paz, Mexico post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are entirely my own.
If you have followed me for a while, you might know that I have a serious obsession with boutique hotels. Next to the destination or experience itself (the experience for La Paz being swimming with whale sharks ), it is the most important component of my stay.
My accommodations must truly capture the essence of a place – whether it’s a thoughtfully curated 3-star with an exceptionally engaging host, or the occasional splurge on a flawlessly executed 5-star luxury haven where every detail is meticulously attended to.
In the upcoming post, I will share with you my curated selection of the finest boutique hotels in La Paz, Mexico, ranging from quaint and authentic haciendas to opulent properties boasting million-dollar views.
But before I do, I want to begin with a brief overview of the charming town of La Paz to ensure that you are armed with all the necessary insights you need to find your perfect boutique hotel.
A BIT ABOUT LA PAZ
La Paz, derived from Spanish meaning “The Peace,” was founded in 1535 by Hernán Cortés to function as a port facilitating Spain’s trade and exploration in the region. In hindsight, it seems a rather ironic name – especially considering the fact that the colony almost immediately came under attack by indigenous Baja Californians who did not welcome their arrival! (The Baja Peninsula has been home to more than a dozen different tribes, some going back thousands of years.)
The present day economy of La Paz relies heavily on the fishing industry due to its strategic location along the Sea of Cortez (shrimp, tuna, and more). Additionally, tourism plays a significant roll, with visitors drawn to its beautiful beaches, excellent diving and snorkeling sites, and eco-tourism opportunities such as whale watching.
Despite tourism’s significance, La Paz has managed to hang on to its authentic Mexican character. This stands in contrast to some of the larger resort towns in Mexico (Cancun, Ixtapa, Los Cabos), largely because those were state-planned, and built specifically for international tourism.
GETTING AROUND LA PAZ
If you are in La Paz, Mexico for only a short stay, you can easily manage without a car. The main town area can be navigated on foot or by taxi, and many tour operators offer hotel pick-ups.
However, considering that most visitors to La Paz arrive and depart from San Jose del Cabo Airport (SJD), renting a car can still be practical. The drive time from the airport to La Paz is approximately 2 hours, and the cost of a transfer can sometimes equal that of a rental car for a few days. Additionally, having a car gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace.
Note: We used the local company Cactus Rental Car at SJD and were very happy.
WHERE TO STAY IN LA PAZ
The majority of La Paz hotels are situated along or within walking distance of the Malecon, the beachfront promenade. The La Paz Malecon stretches just over 5 kilometers (3 miles) and serves as the heart and soul of the city, bustling with activity day and night.
Staying along the Malecon places you right in the heart of the action, but it can also get rather noisy, particularly on weekend evenings. There’s a street running between the hotels/restaurants and the boardwalk that serves as a popular cruising strip for cars, often with the bass cranked up to the max.
As an alternative, there are a number of La Paz boutique hotels that are just a block or two from the beach. In some of these, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – a superb location and a gorgeous view, thanks to the slight elevation from the beach.
To get very specific, I particularly like the area around Bellisario Dominguez Street, with its stylish boutiques, cafes, and hotels. In my opinion, it offers a much more pleasant and notably less touristy experience compared to the Malecon strip.
BOUTIQUE HOTELS LA PAZ, MEXICO MAP
I’ve taken the liberty of mapping out my favorite boutique hotels in La Paz (which I describe in greater detail later on), so you can get a better sense of their respective locations.
My recommended hotels are shown in yellow, like the icon above.
BEST BOUTIQUES HOTEL IN LA PAZ, MEXICO
1. MANTARRAYA OUTPOST
Mantarraya Outpost is an eco-friendly boutique hotel featuring six beautifully appointed casitas, each blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings and offering the utmost in comfort and privacy. When not out exploring, guests can relax and unwind on the sun terrace or in the hotel’s tranquil garden oasis, complete with hammocks, lounge chairs, fire pit and a refreshing outdoor swimming pool.
Guest rooms at this lovely hotel feature a private bathroom, free wifi, air conditioning, complimentary organic toiletries, bath and beach towels, and a desk. Most rooms sleep two people in a queen bed. There is one room available with 2 queen beds that could be suitable for friends or a family (sleeps up to 4 people).
A beautiful hot breakfast is included in a stay and is served in the outdoor dining room. It is served a little later than is typical at many hotels (9am), which could explain why this property is actually classified under the bed and breakfast in La Paz, Mexico category on some booking sites. You may want to book your excursions for the afternoon so you don’t miss out.
Also available for guest use are bicycle rentals and beach equipment such as chairs, cooler and umbrellas.
While the hotel does not have its own parking lot, it is located on a very quiet street with plenty of available free parking.
Check rates for the Mantarraya Outpost on Expedia or Booking.com. See also reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor.
If you’d like to have a better look around the Mantarraya Outpost, check out this Instagram reel:
2. HOTEL CATEDRAL LA PAZ
Situated in the shadow of the iconic Catedral of La Paz, Hotel Catedral La Paz offers a charming retreat in the heart of the city. This boutique hotel features 15 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each blending colonial charm with modern comforts.
After a day of sightseeing, guests can relax and unwind in the hotel’s tranquil courtyard garden, rooftop pool, or enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant (open all day), which specializes in traditional Mexican cuisine. A complimentary breakfast with both American and Mexican items is included in a stay.
Room features at Hotel Catedral La Paz include a king or 2 queens beds, a work desk, a large flat screen TV, air conditioning, a safety deposit box. a hair dryer, complimentary toiletries and a coffee maker.
Check rates for Hotel Catedral La Paz on Expedia or Booking.com. See also reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor.
3. THE ORCHID HOUSE
The Orchid House is a lovely 5-star hotel property, located in a tranquil area that is about a 10 minutes’ drive from central La Paz. This luxury resort offers an intimate and romantic escape on the ocean. This boutique hotel features eight elegantly appointed suites, each exuding warmth and charm with its rustic furnishings, vibrant artwork, and luxurious amenities.
Guests at The Orchid House Baja can relax and unwind in the hotel’s serene courtyard garden, complete with a beautiful outdoor pool and comfortable lounge chairs. The hotel’s on-site gourmet restaurant serves up a delectable fusion of Mexican and international cuisine. The property has a fitness center, concierge service and free private parking.
Room features include air-conditioning, free wi-fi, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV. While breakfast is served in the restaurant, it is not included in the room price.
Check rates for The Orchid House on Expedia or Booking.com. See also reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor.
4. REPÚBLICA PAGANA (NEW!)
This new, contemporary La Paz boutique hotel features 12 individually decorated rooms, each showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Baja California Sur with its vibrant colors, intricate tilework, and handcrafted furnishings. Just two blocks off the Malecon, it is in a great location from which to explore La Paz.
República Pagana boasts a range of upscale amenities, including a rooftop bar and restaurant with panoramic views, a tranquil courtyard garden, and a chic lobby bar. The hotel’s central location provides easy access to the city’s top attractions, including the Malecón promenade, the historic Cathedral of La Paz, and the vibrant local markets.
Room features at Republica Pagano include air conditioning, wireless internet, bathrobes, slippers, a minibar, an iPod dock. Rooms have either a partial or full ocean view.
Note: Some people have noted that this hotel is a little noisy, both internally, and from exterior street noise.
Even if you are not staying at Republica Pagana, I highly recommend a sunset drink (or dinner) on their rooftop. Although the cocktails are pricey, they are excellent. It is one of the prettiest rooftop bars I have been to in Mexico and is worth a splurge.
Check rates for República Pagana La Paz on Hotels.com or Booking.com. See also reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor.
5. CASA AL MAR
Nestled amidst swaying palms and verdant gardens, this 4-star boutique hotel offers large suites that exudes a tranquil ambiance, featuring contemporary Mexican decor and beautiful ocean views. Their 2-bedroom, 1-bath suites (+kitchen) can be a great options for families or small groups.
Casa al Mar offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, and free wifi throughout. Rooms are air-conditioned and include a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a toaster, a safety deposit box, and flat-screen TV (with streaming capabilities). A complimentary daily breakfast is included in a stay.
This property is located in a central location right across from the Malecon. With this in mind, it can be a little lively outside (noisy).
Check rates for the Casa al Mar on Expedia or Booking.com. See also reviews from recent guests on Tripadvisor.
PLEASE READ REVIEWS
I hope this boutique hotel La Paz, Mexico guide has helped you find the perfect accommodations for your travel needs. I endeavor to keep all my guides current, but I always like to encourage travelers to take a few extra minutes to read the most recent reviews on a property (check Tripadvisor, Google, etc.) Please also be aware that these reviews often auto-default to the most “relevent” reviews. I always change that filter to “recent” or “newest”.
