San Pedro Velmont Hostal, Potosi, Bolivia

Just around the corner for the Plaza Mineras, where you can enjoy traditional Bolivian street-food away from the souvenirs and bustle of the tourist district, is this quaint hostel. All the rooms look out onto beautiful internal courtyard bedecked with pot-plant foliage. On most nights, and the occasional afternoon, the courtyard will be full of travellers from all different nations, swapping stories and lounging about on the sofas.

The only downside is that none of the windows open onto the outside world, as the courtyard is protected from rain.

The owner is a wonderful lady called Norma, who will always go out of her way to treat guests like they're her children. Sometimes this will mean bartering with taxi drivers to get the best price, other times it means insisting they have an extra pillow.

Facilities

Some private bathrooms, hot water, cable TV, cafeteria, breakfast (not included), internal courtyard national and international calls, internet and wifi, computers for guest use, safe deposit box, free luggage storage, towels (extra charge).