A pleasant stay in Montevideo
Dec 3rd, 2009, 02:48 AM
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A pleasant stay in Montevideo
We stayed a few nights in a small hotel that I wish to recommend
specially if you ask for the most expensive rooms. They are 130
dollars, some discounts are offered for Seniors, AAA etc like
in most Best Westerns Hotels.
Hotel Pedro Figari, is located by the sea in Carrasco, half an hour drive from
downtown .
Carrasco is a nice neighborhood with several good places to eat, and a relaxed
atmosphere. The hotel offer bicycles which are fun.
The upper class rooms are very nice, they are first of all very large, have big
windows with sea view, wooden floors, king beds, large digital TV screes ,
modern bathrooms. The buffet breakfast is good, with fresh fruits, scrambled eggs,
bacon, cold cuts and a variety of baked goods. Yogurt and cereals etc
We found the front desk very kind and helpful.
In all we had a very pleasant stay, we go often to Montevideo usually staying in other
hotels, this trip we were pleasantly surprised with the " money wise " advantages of this type of rooms
IThey have three different kinds of rooms, the key is to aim to the top.
specially if you ask for the most expensive rooms. They are 130
dollars, some discounts are offered for Seniors, AAA etc like
in most Best Westerns Hotels.
Hotel Pedro Figari, is located by the sea in Carrasco, half an hour drive from
downtown .
Carrasco is a nice neighborhood with several good places to eat, and a relaxed
atmosphere. The hotel offer bicycles which are fun.
The upper class rooms are very nice, they are first of all very large, have big
windows with sea view, wooden floors, king beds, large digital TV screes ,
modern bathrooms. The buffet breakfast is good, with fresh fruits, scrambled eggs,
bacon, cold cuts and a variety of baked goods. Yogurt and cereals etc
We found the front desk very kind and helpful.
In all we had a very pleasant stay, we go often to Montevideo usually staying in other
hotels, this trip we were pleasantly surprised with the " money wise " advantages of this type of rooms
IThey have three different kinds of rooms, the key is to aim to the top.
Dec 3rd, 2009, 07:06 AM
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Thanks for the recommendation, Graziella.
I love Montevideo and Uruguay. Uruguay doesn't get the attention it deserves because, after all, who can compete with Argentina right next door? That's precisely what I love about the country though. It's smaller and more manageable.
I love Montevideo and Uruguay. Uruguay doesn't get the attention it deserves because, after all, who can compete with Argentina right next door? That's precisely what I love about the country though. It's smaller and more manageable.
Dec 3rd, 2009, 08:25 AM
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I'm really looking forward to our trip to Argentina and Uruguay in late February. We're planning on 2 nights in Montevideo and 4 nights in Punta del Este. But Jeff's right - I know very few people who have been there and there isn't a lot of information out there, compared to what you can find for Argentina.
Dec 5th, 2009, 05:13 AM
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I was born in Uruguay and go often to visit family and also because our daughters who live in Buenos Aires spend Summer holidays in Punta del Este. I am not saying this is the only resort in the Uruguayan coast to go, there are several others worth going. Punta of course is the largest, most luxurious and better know.
Montevideo beaches are not nice, only when the River Plate tides work the right way the water turns into a nice green color inviting swimmers.
Personally I prefer the places east of Punta but for a short visit I would recommend Punta always renting a car. The way things are set up it is a place to drive around
I wonder what happened to someone that posted in Fodors that he was going to be in Punta during his honeymoon at the end of November, I was visiting on those dates Uruguay and thought the weather was fine, I hope they had a good time in Punta.
One thing I found out most hotels were full, that is why we ended up in Hotel Pedro Figari and had a pleasant surprise , we found Montevideo full of tourists many from nearby Brazil.
I believe that most people would have a great time in Uruguay specially in Summer time.
Montevideo beaches are not nice, only when the River Plate tides work the right way the water turns into a nice green color inviting swimmers.
Personally I prefer the places east of Punta but for a short visit I would recommend Punta always renting a car. The way things are set up it is a place to drive around
I wonder what happened to someone that posted in Fodors that he was going to be in Punta during his honeymoon at the end of November, I was visiting on those dates Uruguay and thought the weather was fine, I hope they had a good time in Punta.
One thing I found out most hotels were full, that is why we ended up in Hotel Pedro Figari and had a pleasant surprise , we found Montevideo full of tourists many from nearby Brazil.
I believe that most people would have a great time in Uruguay specially in Summer time.
Jan 2nd, 2010, 06:12 AM
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If you were going to recommend a hotel right in Montevideo for late April-early May for 2 or 3 nights, which would it be? I had originally booked Cala di Volpe, but my friends strongly disliked it and changed hotels.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 02:44 PM
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Hi seek ocean , I was reading about your trip in another posting. I guess it all depends of what you are looking for to do in Montevideo. I checked the Plaza Fuerte) I found out it is an old hotel thaat has been remodeled, which I knew in my youth, actually we used to go to there for tea ( like the English...lol( it was called Alhambra Hotel, well the thing is that is located in the Old town in the heart of it. It is the main plaza, in the Plaza there is the Cathedral, an XVIII
building that I believe its plan was destined to a larger city of the River Plata Colony and was erected by mistake in Montevideo, then a tiny town.
Down town is now a tourisc place, with little shops. restaurants and peatonal alleys. I would hope to be there during the week when the business community is around
I guess it is a better choice than Cala di Volpe which is by the water but in a place with not much to do, I believe.
I would not stay in the Plaza Fuerte during week end days because there will be very few
locals. What is nice to go nearby is the Teatro Solis to a show or concert or whatever is on.
This is a theater build in the XIX century. Lately the City Government remodeled , in my
opinion they should have done a better job, because it is difficult to expect the right choices from any government bureocrats. Nevertheless go to a show there, I also believe that there might be some good night clubs, well at least one of quality, I forgot the name in that area but it might have closed, write and ask the hotel if you are interested. At night I guess you better take taxis. If you think you might consider going to the night club that was really very much INlet me know I might be able to find out for you if it has not closed.
I hope I helped you a little. BTW do not miss the Iguazu falls. Mendoza I guess you can go any time.
.
building that I believe its plan was destined to a larger city of the River Plata Colony and was erected by mistake in Montevideo, then a tiny town.
Down town is now a tourisc place, with little shops. restaurants and peatonal alleys. I would hope to be there during the week when the business community is around
I guess it is a better choice than Cala di Volpe which is by the water but in a place with not much to do, I believe.
I would not stay in the Plaza Fuerte during week end days because there will be very few
locals. What is nice to go nearby is the Teatro Solis to a show or concert or whatever is on.
This is a theater build in the XIX century. Lately the City Government remodeled , in my
opinion they should have done a better job, because it is difficult to expect the right choices from any government bureocrats. Nevertheless go to a show there, I also believe that there might be some good night clubs, well at least one of quality, I forgot the name in that area but it might have closed, write and ask the hotel if you are interested. At night I guess you better take taxis. If you think you might consider going to the night club that was really very much INlet me know I might be able to find out for you if it has not closed.
I hope I helped you a little. BTW do not miss the Iguazu falls. Mendoza I guess you can go any time.
.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 02:59 PM
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I forgot to mention thay
in the same Plaza , called Plaza Matriz, in front of the Cathedral steps from the Hotel Plaza Fuerte is the Cabildo. The Cabildo is a museum from Colonial times. It is interesting in as much that the Cabildo was the place where the authorities of the city met during the Colonial Days under Spain of course.
Go for the superior rooms usually it is worth it. I might be wrong but go during the week days.
in the same Plaza , called Plaza Matriz, in front of the Cathedral steps from the Hotel Plaza Fuerte is the Cabildo. The Cabildo is a museum from Colonial times. It is interesting in as much that the Cabildo was the place where the authorities of the city met during the Colonial Days under Spain of course.
Go for the superior rooms usually it is worth it. I might be wrong but go during the week days.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 03:58 PM
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Thanks you SOOOO much Graziella! What a friend you are! As you might remember, I was supposed to be on my trip right now and the rest of my friends did make the trip. Providing my health is okay, I am hoping to try again. It's like a re-run, planning this trip twice. But, it's so different this time...with the change in seasons and the folks who are going (just my husband and I).
I am on TA also, trying to figure out...again..how to do all this. We are not nightclub people. Tango in BA is about it, but we do love good music, so maybe we'll se what's up. I will keep in touch with what I am planning. Thank you again! PS. I am now thinking of several nights in BA and then fly to Iguazu for two nights, fly from Iguazu via BA to Montevideo for 3 nights and then work our way by land and water back to BA for a couple nights, with a one night stay in Colonia, maybe at the El Capullo Posada or the El Viajero. What do you think about all that? XO Seeks
I am on TA also, trying to figure out...again..how to do all this. We are not nightclub people. Tango in BA is about it, but we do love good music, so maybe we'll se what's up. I will keep in touch with what I am planning. Thank you again! PS. I am now thinking of several nights in BA and then fly to Iguazu for two nights, fly from Iguazu via BA to Montevideo for 3 nights and then work our way by land and water back to BA for a couple nights, with a one night stay in Colonia, maybe at the El Capullo Posada or the El Viajero. What do you think about all that? XO Seeks
Jan 3rd, 2010, 05:12 PM
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Your trip sounds similar to what we're planning. We've got 7 nights in an apartment in BA, then we're flying up to Iguazu. We'll fly back to BA, but then I think we'll be taking Buquebus to Montevideo for 2 nights. After that, we've got 4 nights in Punta del Este then back to BA for a night before flying home. I had thought about stopping in Colonia, but I think I prefer getting back to BA the day before our flight. It would make for a very long day otherwise.
I've read about a couple of jazz clubs in Montevideo, and I think we'll check them out. Plus tango of course.
I've read about a couple of jazz clubs in Montevideo, and I think we'll check them out. Plus tango of course.
Jan 3rd, 2010, 05:43 PM
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Hi seek ocean , it is fun for me to try to give some useful information, I am thrilled that you are going to Uruguay and Argentina.
I always prefer to go on our own. Hope you get well and have a blast.
Your last itinerary sounds excellent to me, Buenos Aires is a huge city full of things to do, Iguazu Falls are fantastic, you cannot miss them, btw I know that Pluna ,the Uruguayan airliner. flys direct from Montevideo to Iguazu. However I do know if you can have a triangular ticket worth your money like Bue-Iguazu-Montevideo -Buenos Aires. Or maybe you can buy an open ticket like this US-BUE-Montevideo-US ?
this way may be it is worth it, the TA should know.
If I were you that is the way I would like to fly to save time and maybe money.
I agree: leave Colonia out and go back to BsAs the day before your flight. May be two days and nights in Montevideo is enough. It all depends if you go to the theater etc , Teatro Solis has a website www.teatrosolis.org.uy.
Uruguay is a lovely country but you have to understand it is a small country nothing comparable to its huge neigbors Argentina and Brazil. The funny thing is that both Argentineans and Brazilians love to come to spend time in Punta del Este and other Uruguayan beaches.
Beaches- in my opinion - are only worth visiting if you go during the Summer which could be extended to include March and December.
In Summer time this is easily corraborated most all licence plates in Punta are from Argentina.
Only problem I see with Uruguay is that is a country where government, bureocracy, is huge, and intrudes too much on the life of its people.
People in Uruguay are kind and polite with tourists. Well this is what I think but nevertheless both in Argentina and Uruguay you should be alert.
Have fun.
I always prefer to go on our own. Hope you get well and have a blast.
Your last itinerary sounds excellent to me, Buenos Aires is a huge city full of things to do, Iguazu Falls are fantastic, you cannot miss them, btw I know that Pluna ,the Uruguayan airliner. flys direct from Montevideo to Iguazu. However I do know if you can have a triangular ticket worth your money like Bue-Iguazu-Montevideo -Buenos Aires. Or maybe you can buy an open ticket like this US-BUE-Montevideo-US ?
this way may be it is worth it, the TA should know.
If I were you that is the way I would like to fly to save time and maybe money.
I agree: leave Colonia out and go back to BsAs the day before your flight. May be two days and nights in Montevideo is enough. It all depends if you go to the theater etc , Teatro Solis has a website www.teatrosolis.org.uy.
Uruguay is a lovely country but you have to understand it is a small country nothing comparable to its huge neigbors Argentina and Brazil. The funny thing is that both Argentineans and Brazilians love to come to spend time in Punta del Este and other Uruguayan beaches.
Beaches- in my opinion - are only worth visiting if you go during the Summer which could be extended to include March and December.
In Summer time this is easily corraborated most all licence plates in Punta are from Argentina.
Only problem I see with Uruguay is that is a country where government, bureocracy, is huge, and intrudes too much on the life of its people.
People in Uruguay are kind and polite with tourists. Well this is what I think but nevertheless both in Argentina and Uruguay you should be alert.
Have fun.
Jan 4th, 2010, 04:04 AM
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Thank you so much Graziella. I really appreciate the energy you are putting into helping me. I am going to fly on frequent flyer miles, which will help to save a huge amount of money. I found airline tickets through an internet travel agency that go from AEP to IGR (Iguazu)to Montevideo for $20 USD more than just flying Ba to Igr RT and then back by land and water as I think I mentioned in an earlier post. I still would love to add another destination like the NW or Mendoza, but I don't think I have the time.
I will definitely look into the theater.
I appreciate your 'heads up' on security. I am always careful. If you have any idea of what to do with several days in Montevideo and surrounds, please don't hesitate. I am Seeksocean on Trip Advisor and they do private messaging. Would you mind writing me over there if you think of it? Thank you again !!!!!
I will definitely look into the theater.
I appreciate your 'heads up' on security. I am always careful. If you have any idea of what to do with several days in Montevideo and surrounds, please don't hesitate. I am Seeksocean on Trip Advisor and they do private messaging. Would you mind writing me over there if you think of it? Thank you again !!!!!
Jan 4th, 2010, 04:46 AM
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Graziella, I went to the website for the Teatro Solis. It's in Spanish only, which I can bascically (very bascically)understand. I went to the calendar and it looks great. If we are in Montevideo from a Wednesday through a Friday night, do you think there is a good chance to see a preformance?
Jan 4th, 2010, 06:19 AM
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I am reading this thread with interest seeksocean. Thanks graziella for all the inside info. Please don't go private with all this good advice. I for one want to hear all of it. I have been thinking of going over to Montevideo from Buenos Aires later in January. If it is hot in the city I may be seeking a beach experience combined with small interesting towns. Is Uruguay the way to go especially if I want to experience another country/culture?
Jan 4th, 2010, 06:38 AM
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Glad you are enjoying all this MsLizzy. I just didn't want to bore everyone with my constant questions. Hop on in! If you read any of my older stuff, you'll see that I had already planned this trip and couldn't make it...so here I go again!
Jan 4th, 2010, 06:42 AM
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PS. MsL, In my past research, I came to the conclusion that PDE is the beach to go to. It just wasn't possible because our trip was at new years and the beaches there and hotels are PACKED and expensive. Not my scene. I put a lot of effort into Mar del Plata research. It looked ...okay...Lots of holiday travelers there as well, so we opted to not beach it.
Maybe it will be less crowded in PDE the later part of July...but I kind of doubt it. maybe try the outlying areas of quieter and go into PDE for some fun nightlife.
Maybe it will be less crowded in PDE the later part of July...but I kind of doubt it. maybe try the outlying areas of quieter and go into PDE for some fun nightlife.
Jan 4th, 2010, 07:11 AM
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seeksocean, read again - I'm going to be there January not July....or did you mean to type January? Anyway, I am not into a crowded beach scene either but it would be interesting to go to another country. Montevideo is on the water, would it be a nice seaside city holiday for a couple of days?
