A Weekend at Hotel Factoria, Asuncion
The capital of Paraguay had never been on my radar until one of my best friends met a girl from Asunción. When they decided to get married, I knew I needed to do some research and find a place to stay that was fit for a luxury executive. There are few international chain hotels in Asunción, but one boutique hotel stood out as a promising option. For about $100 USD per night in a double room, I decided to give Hotel Factoria a chance and booked it through a third-party site.
Upon arriving in Asunción, our driver, arranged through the hotel, was already waiting for us outside the arrivals hall. Thankfully, we had organized the hotel car because, if I had booked an Uber and it had taken the same route, I might have thought I was being kidnapped. The drive left the main highway and ended on an unpaved road. Between a construction site and an uninviting wall, we came to a stop. When a bellman suddenly appeared, it became clear that we had, in fact, arrived at the hotel. Soon afterwards, the setting revealed itself: Hotel Factoria boasts a prime location between a posh nightlife area and a shopping district filled with malls.
The night auditor handled check-in, and although it took much longer than expected, we were warmly welcomed as Hugo explained everything to us. At 2 a.m., when we tried to find food in Asunción, we quickly realized this mission was impossible. Fortunately, since we had booked a room for the night before, we were able to settle in and enjoy a much-needed eight hours of wonderful rest. Our twin-bedded room, located on the third floor and overlooking the courtyard, felt airy and comfortable. However, soundproofing could have been improved as we could still hear music from the neighbouring nightclubs. Additionally, while the beds appeared soft and plush, they were firmer than expected. That said, I still managed to get a good night’s sleep and recharge for the upcoming wedding.
The room’s design was unique, but the bathroom showed its age. The shower door didn’t close properly, resulting in wet floors every time we used it. Bathroom amenities, however, were hotel-branded, provided in refillable bottles, and smelled fresh and clean. While the room offered decent comfort for a two-night stay, I wouldn’t recommend staying here for an extended period. On the plus side, the minibar selection was vast and included Italian water. Housekeeping did an incredible job cleaning the room and tidying up properly daily.
The pool area on the other hand left much to be desired. Although it looked appealing in photos, the experience didn’t live up to the promise. Mosquitoes (known to carry dengue and yellow fever) bit us while we relaxed, and I had to remove towels and drinks left by other guests to use the sun loungers. While the pool area was designed to be a relaxing oasis, it was poorly maintained, and there seemed to be no staff oversight to ensure cleanliness and order.
One highlight of Hotel Factoria was the breakfast, which could also be served in-room. The quality and variety of the offerings were excellent. On the first morning, I enjoyed eggs Benedict, and on the second, a tasty toast. The restaurant staff was kind, attentive, and fluent in English, making the experience seamless. I also appreciated the housekeeping team, who kept our room spotless throughout our stay.
In conclusion, I would stay at Hotel Factoria again if I ever returned to Paraguay. That said, the likelihood of me revisiting Asunción is quite low. Nonetheless, I would recommend Hotel Factoria over options like the Sheraton, Crowne Plaza, or Aloft. The hotel’s authentic vibe and thoughtful design set it apart, offering a unique experience in a city with limited luxury options.
