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UruguayNow's mix of travel and tourist information on Uruguay, hotel reviews for Montevideo and Punta del Este (coming soon for Colonia), restaurant reviews and tips on excursions, sightseeing and lifestyle in Uruguay has been featured in El Pais, La Republica, MercoPress and on Uruguay's Channel 5 TV and other news media in the country. Internationally, we have had kind mentions in the New York Times and the Daily Telegraph.
Best of the Web
Not yet made it to Uruguay? When you're done with UruguayNow, our choice of the top 6 internet resources for the country is just a mouse click away. In no particular order, they are:
Southern Cone Travel: http://southernconeguidebooks.blogspot.com/
Mercopress: http://en.mercopress.com/
Ola Uruguay: www.olauruguay.com
Retired in Uruguay: http://wallyinuruguay.blogspot.com/
Uruguay Natural: www.uruguaynatural.com
Global Property Guide: http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/Latin-America/Uruguay
For reviews of these sites, please click here.
Other recommended sites
Hotel Reviews
Radisson, Plaza Independencia, Old Town
European-style hotel that makes a distinction between concierge and front desk. Its restaurant has panoramic views of the port and is doubtless the best hotel restaurant in town. Good meeting facilities that are only bettered by the Sheraton; nice pool. Guest rooms a little dark. The building is an eyesore but this is hardly a worry if you're inside it. A very professional operation to be sure, but many business travellers will prefer to be based in Punta Carretas – a more salubrious district altogether. Room rates start at US$170. www.radisson.com; tel. 902 0111
Sheraton, calle Solino (next to Punta Carretas Shopping), Punta Carretas
Has the advantage of location over the Radisson, and while its restaurant isn't in the same league as that of its main rival, its guest rooms are brighter. The views from the gym over the River Plate are amazing. No concierge – you'll have to wait in line at front desk if you want a table booked in a local restaurant (most of the fine dining options in Punta Carretas are but a short walk away). Offers a good brunch on Sundays (US$27 per head) A popular place to hold meetings and seminars. Rooms: US$185 – US$285. www.starwoodhotels.com; tel. 710 2121
Regency Zonamerica, Ruta 8, km. 17, near airport and Zonamerica business park
Very convenient for visitors to Zonamerica, a tax-free business and technology park (it's next door) and also close to the airport, Regency Zonamerica offers spacious, luxurious accommodation in a park-like setting next to a lake. Modern spa and fitness area; excellent, filling beakfasts; beautiful outdoor swimming pool. 24-hour room service. Hotel offers a shuttle minivan service to Carrasco and the airport. Highly recommended. Rates: from US$105. Presidential suite is a tremendous bargain at US$175. www.regencyzonamerica.com.uy; tel. 517 0101
Regency Golf, calle Solano García corner Ellauri, Punta Carretas
Our choice for Best-Value Hotel in Montevideo for 2010. This boutique hotel opened its doors in March of last year and has already secured a loyal following. 65 rooms, all beautifully designed and all with kitchenette, plasma TVs, parquet floors throughout. Small gym and sauna, but the Rambla is on your doorstep if you feel like getting some exercise. Nice, bright breakfast room. Full access for wheelchair users. Free parking. Rooms US$110 and up. www.regencygolf.com.uy; tel. 710 4444
Sol Meli� (former Tryp Hotel), calle Miranda corner Bulevar Artigas, Punta Carretas
Sometimes referred to as the Sol Meli�, sometimes the Tryp (even in the hotel's own literature). But not to worry, because the service is spot on, as is the food. Light, airy Mediterranean feel to the lobby; guest rooms kitted out in a similar style to Meli� properties the world over. Overlooks the city golf gourse. Free parking. Recommended. Room rates start at US$120. www.solmelia.com; tel. 710 3800
Regency Suites, calle Otero corner Arocena, Carrasco
In the heart of Carrasco and convenient for the airport. Like an English country house hotel. This 4-star property has 30 very comfortable suites all with kitchenettes. Common areas are beautifully maintained and have comfy chesterfield sofas if you feel like taking the weight off your feet. The hotel makes good use of its space in a relatively small plot; nice deck with a pool in an urban garden at the rear. Great choice for business people in town with their families; good choice for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Rates: US$145. www.regencysuites.com.uy; tel. 600 1383
Bremen Aparthotel, calle Aquiles Lanza corner Maldonado, Centre
One of a kind. German-owned operation offers small to medium sized self-contained apartments that cost from US$45 (for one person) to US$110 (for five people) per night. Wealth of early twentieth-century detailing inside and out. Cable TV; internet access. Some units may be a little noisy. A bit distant from the city's better dining options but quite the thing if you are homesick for a beer in a German Kneipe (pub) – there's one on the premises. www.bremenmontevideo.com; tel. 900 9641
Hotel Ermitage, calle Benito Blanco at Plaza Gomensoro, Pocitos
Montevideo meets Eastbourne at the Ermitage, a cozy hotel near the Rambla that evokes a time when Pocitos was a popular seaside resort. Rooms at the front catch the sun and have a view of the water across pretty Plaza Gomensoro. Bedrooms are nothing special but bathrooms are very nice and have been updated. Hallways a little faded, though. Breakfast a bit patchy. Friendly service. A double with sea view for US$95 (rack rate) is good value. www.ermitagemontevideo.com; tel. 710 4021
Balmoral Plaza, calle San José at Plaza Cagancha, Centre
A hotel with a faintly regal name that it doesn't quite live up to. Rooms a little worn; popular with business travellers. The hotel's pleasant lobby is always busy. Nice buffet breakfast. Downside: odour of cigarettes is everywhere. Upside: if you want to stay downtown, the location is unbeatable and there is a good selection of restaurants on the same street. Certainly worth considering if you can get a discount. Doubles go for US$100 (rack rate). www.balmoral.com.uy; tel. 902 2393
NH Hotel, Rambla Gran Bretaña corner Treinta y Tres, Old Town
If the view's the thing, the NH may be the choice for you. On the Rambla facing the River Plate, albeit in a dilapidated and inconvenient corner of the Ciudad Vieja, the NH offers large guest rooms and a friendly welcome. And of course that view. You should take a taxi to and from this property at night. We include this hotel mainly because it offers good value for money: advertised room rates start at US$90. www.nh-hotels.com; tel. 916 0001