Montevideo sits on the northeastern bank of the Río de la Plata, a city of historic European architecture, strong art deco influence and a long waterfront. It is Uruguay's capital, chief port and financial hub, and it has a reputation as a vibrant, eclectic place with a rich cultural life.
For a visitor, the city is easiest to understand as a chain of districts running along the coast. The old town, known as Ciudad Vieja, sits at the western end, with the central business district and Plaza Independencia just inland from it. Eastward along the Rambla and the beaches come Parque Rodó, Punta Carretas, Pocitos, Buceo and Punta Gorda, with Carrasco further out again. This guide covers which of these areas to base yourself in, what each is like, and what kind of accommodation you will find at each budget level.
Best areas to stay in Montevideo
1. Ciudad Vieja (Old Town)
This is the historical heart of the city, the fortified area of the colonial period and the centre of Montevideo's artistic and intellectual life since the 1800s. Staying here puts you within a few steps of the Plaza Independencia, the Teatro Solis, and many of the best restaurants, music venues, bars and sightseeing spots. It also places you in the middle of Montevideo's nightlife.
It suits first-time visitors who want to walk to the main sights, and travellers who value location over quiet. The old town is where you find a mix of simple hostels, small guest houses and hotels, including some in 1930s art deco residential buildings. Note that many hotels in central Montevideo are dated and badly maintained, though this does not apply to all of them; the ones near Plaza Independencia are of high standard.
2. Punta Carretas
Punta Carretas is described as a trendy neighbourhood a few blocks from the beach, and it is one of the districts where you can find good hotels. It suits visitors who want to be near the water and within reach of the centre without staying in it.
Accommodation here leans toward comfortable, well-kept places rather than dormitories, and some cater to specific needs such as kosher breakfast and information about local synagogues. It is a practical base if you plan to spend time on the beach and along the Rambla.
3. Pocitos
Pocitos is one of the districts named as a good place to find hotels, and it also has at least one friendly hostel with free breakfast and wifi, a lounge with a shared computer and TV, and a fully equipped kitchen. It suits budget travellers who want a residential, beachside setting rather than the old town, and it works for longer stays where a kitchen matters.
4. Parque Rodó
Parque Rodó is listed among the districts where good hotels can be found. It sits between the old town and the eastern beach districts, which makes it a reasonable compromise if you want to be near the centre without being in the middle of the nightlife.
5. Buceo
Buceo is another of the districts named for good hotels, further east along the coast. It suits visitors who prefer a quieter, more residential base while still being on the coastal strip.
6. Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is named among the districts with good hotels, at the eastern end of the coastal run. It is the choice for travellers who want distance from the centre and a calmer setting.
7. Carrasco
Carrasco is listed as a district where good hotels can be found, and it is also where you find the Carrasco Casino. It suits visitors who want to stay well away from the centre, and it is the natural base if the casino or the eastern side of the city is your priority.
8. Around Tres Cruces bus terminal
The area around the Tres Cruces bus terminal has at least one hotel with suites including mini-kitchens and a free buffet breakfast, a block and a half from the terminal itself. It suits travellers arriving or leaving by long-distance bus, or anyone who wants an easy connection onward without crossing the city.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostels and simpler hotels that are better located and cheaper. Hostels generally do not have private rooms, only dormitories. Cooking and washing facilities are usually available and wifi is included; some hostels also have computers with internet access and a TV room.
- Mid-range: Chain and independent hotels with simple but comfortable rooms, often bookable online, sometimes with a pool, gym or breakfast. Apart-hotel style places with mini-kitchens also fall in this range, which suits longer stays.
- Splurge: High-standard hotels near Plaza Independencia, popular among foreign dignitaries, and modern hotels with views of the Rambla or the city, larger breakfasts, parking and internet access. Small guest houses in restored old-town buildings offer a residential alternative at the upper end.
In Uruguay it is not uncommon for hotel rooms to be priced in American dollars, so check the currency when you compare rates.
Best area for a first visit
Ciudad Vieja is the best base for a first visit. It puts you within walking distance of the Plaza Independencia, the Teatro Solis and the old town's restaurants, bars and music venues, and it is the area most closely tied to the city's history and cultural life. If you want a quieter base with the same easy access to the centre, Parque Rodó or Punta Carretas are the sensible alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Which areas of Montevideo have the best hotels?
The districts named for good hotels are Parque Rodó, Punta Carretas, Pocitos, Buceo, Punta Gorda and Carrasco. Hotels near Plaza Independencia are of high standard and popular among foreign dignitaries.
Are hotels in central Montevideo well maintained?
Many hotels in central Montevideo are dated and badly maintained, but this does not apply to all of them. The ones near Plaza Independencia are of high standard.
What should I expect from a hostel in Montevideo?
Hostels generally do not have private rooms, only dormitories. Cooking and washing facilities are usually available and wifi is included, and some hostels also have computers with internet access and a TV room.
Where should I stay if I arrive by long-distance bus?
There is accommodation a block and a half from the Tres Cruces bus terminal, including a hotel with suites that have mini-kitchens and a free buffet breakfast. That makes the terminal area a convenient first or last night's base.
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