Where to stay in Montevideo, Uruguay: Best areas and hotels

Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway, especially if you’re drawn to places rich in attractions and history. Here are the best tips on where to stay in Montevideo, featuring the top neighborhoods and recommended hotels for your stay.

Best places to stay in Montevideo, Uruguay

Where to stay in Montevideo, Uruguay?

The best places to stay in Montevideo include Punta Carretas, Ciudad Vieja, Downtown, Barrio Sur/Palermo, Parque Rodó, Pocitos, Buceo/Malvín, Carrasco, and Tres Cruces.

The most recommended central areas for accommodation are Ciudad Vieja and Downtown Montevideo. Ciudad Vieja is the city’s historic heart, filled with historical landmarks, while Downtown, just adjacent, provides budget-friendly stays and a more modern infrastructure.

For a well-rounded experience, Punta Carretas is the top choice. However, neighborhoods like Pocitos, Sur/Palermo, Buceo/Malvín, and Parque Rodó also offer a similar appeal, boasting excellent infrastructure.

For those seeking luxury and comfort, Carrasco is the ideal choice, renowned for its sophistication. Tres Cruces, on the other hand, is perfect for travelers looking for a strategic location with convenient access to the city’s main areas.

When choosing where to stay in Montevideo, pick the neighborhood that best matches your travel style and proximity to the attractions you want to explore.

1. Punta Carretas: the best place to stay in Montevideo

Punta Carretas is without doubt the best place to stay in Montevideo, Uruguay, thanks to several factors that will enhance your trip. Conveniently located between Pocitos and Parque Rodó, this neighborhood offers the perfect balance of charm and accessibility.

Nestled along the Río de la Plata, Punta Carretas features exceptional infrastructure, offering a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and must-see attractions. From here, you can easily visit iconic landmarks like the Punta Brava Lighthouse, the scenic Rambla, Castillo Pittamiglio (a unique castle-inspired structure), and Villa Biarritz Park, home to a vibrant market every Saturday starting at 10 a.m.

In addition, this upscale neighborhood, renowned for its charming tree-lined streets and beautiful mansions, is home to Punta Carretas Shopping Mall, a former prison now considered the city’s best shopping destination.

If you enjoy nightlife, Punta Carretas offers a vibrant scene with plenty of options to keep you entertained after dark.

As a sought-after area among tourists, Punta Carretas tends to have slightly higher prices for accommodations, restaurants, and services compared to other neighborhoods.

Hotels we recommend for staying in Punta Carretas:

• Own Montevideo: A charming and elegant hotel offering great value for money. Highlights include its neutral-toned decor, spacious rooms, and excellent amenities. The hotel also features an outdoor pool with city views and a charming terrace.
• Regency Golf – Hotel Urbano: Situated across from the shopping mall, this hotel features a restaurant, gym, breakfast, and bar. The rooms are equipped with a minibar and kettle, making it a convenient and comfortable stay in Montevideo.
• Vivaldi Hotel Loft Punta Carretas: Offering well-equipped lofts, this hotel is perfect for those who prefer accommodations with kitchen facilities. It also includes a gym, outdoor pool, restaurant, and breakfast.
• Mercure Montevideo Punta Carretas: Boasting rooms with stunning views of the Río de la Plata, this hotel offers a gym, bar, garden, terrace, and breakfast.
• Opta Coliving Punta Carretas: This modern hotel features a rooftop pool, free bicycles, workspace, lounge, and gym. Guests can also enjoy yoga and fitness classes during their stay.

See more hotels in Punta Carretas.

2. Ciudad Vieja: Montevideo’s Historic Center

Ciudad Vieja is one of the most visited neighborhoods in Montevideo, celebrated for its rich history, iconic architecture, and charming tourist spots. As the oldest area of the city, it houses many must-see attractions, including the Mercado del Puerto, the Cathedral, the Cabildo, and the Torres García Museum.

The neighborhood is also home to the port, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving in Montevideo by Buquebus from Buenos Aires or vice versa.

Strolling through Ciudad Vieja, admiring its historic buildings, and exploring its museums and tourist sites is a must-do experience. Thanks to its abundance of attractions, the neighborhood is a great choice for accommodation in Montevideo, with excellent public transportation coverage.

Ciudad Vieja offers a wide range of hotels, including budget-friendly options. For the best experience, we recommend staying near the squares, pedestrian streets, or along the Rambla.

While Ciudad Vieja is bustling during the day, it quiets down at night as many businesses close. As a result, walking around after dark may not be as safe. If you’re looking for nightlife, we suggest exploring other areas of Montevideo.

Hotels we recommend for staying in Ciudad Vieja:

• Alma Histórica Boutique Hotel: This charming hotel is located in front of Plaza Zabala, just 500 meters from the promenade. Set in a beautiful building, all rooms offer city views, and the hotel boasts a terrace with stunning views of the area.
• Fauna Montevideo: With its excellent infrastructure and cozy and well-decorated spaces, this hotel offers comfort and is conveniently located near Montevideo’s top attractions.
• Puerto Mercado Hotel: Just 100 meters from Mercado del Puerto, this hotel offers basic accommodations along with a bar, 24-hour reception, parking, and breakfast.
• Puertovideo: This apartment comes with all the amenities you’ll need, offering an excellent location with access to a pool, terrace, and parking.
• Apto. Entero Ciudad Vieja: If you’re looking for your own space, this fully-equipped apartment accommodates up to 4 guests and is considered one of the best places to stay in Montevideo.

See more hotels in Ciudad Vieja.

3. Downtown Montevideo: commercial area with a wide range of accommodations

Downtown Montevideo is the city’s commercial hub and modern center, centered around 18 de Julio Avenue and Independence Square, which serves as the boundary between Ciudad Vieja and the downtown district.

Downtown is home to historic buildings and lively plazas, showcasing a contrast between Montevideo’s past and present. Unlike Ciudad Vieja, the area is a hub of commercial activity, bustling during the day with museums, theaters, shops, supermarkets, and a wide variety of restaurants.

Downtown offers a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets, and its excellent public transportation network makes it easy to explore other parts of Montevideo.

One downside of staying downtown is that, like Ciudad Vieja, it’s bustling during the day but quiets down at night, making it less ideal for those seeking vibrant nightlife.

Hotels we recommend for staying in downtown Montevideo:

• Smart Hotel Montevideo: A budget-friendly option just steps from Independence Square. This hotel offers spacious, well-decorated rooms, good amenities, and city views.
• Esplendor by Wyndham Montevideo Cervantes: A well-located hotel with excellent amenities, including a heated pool, a terrace with city views, laundry service, a gym, and breakfast.
• Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel: Located across from Independence Square, this hotel offers a wide range of amenities, including a gym, pool, spa, bar, sauna, running track, casino, concierge service, and massages.
• Crystal Tower: Just 20 meters from Avenida 18 de Julio, this hotel offers straightforward facilities, including a gym, bar, restaurant, solarium, and breakfast.
• Apto próximo a Casco Histórico: For those seeking apartment-style accommodation, this option is an excellent choice in Montevideo, accommodating up to 3 guests and offering full amenities.

See more hotels in Downtown.

4. Barrio Sur/Palermo: neighborhoods near the downtown

These two adjacent neighborhoods, located along the Río de la Plata, Barrio Sur and Palermo, offer interesting options for accommodation in Montevideo. They are particularly lively during Uruguay’s Carnival, which runs from February to March.

Barrio Sur borders Ciudad Vieja, while Palermo is close to Parque Rodó, both providing easy access to Montevideo’s main attractions.

During Carnival, these neighborhoods come alive with parties and parades, making them a vibrant choice for those looking to be at the heart of the celebration. The area also boasts good tourist infrastructure, with quality restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Outside of Carnival season, these neighborhoods quiet down and may not be the best choice for accommodation in Montevideo. Safety can be a concern, especially at night, and you may need to travel farther to reach the city’s main attractions.

Public transportation in the area is limited, which can make exploring Montevideo more challenging.

Hotels we recommend for staying in Barrio Sur and Palermo:

• Ibis Montevideo Rambla: Located just 1 kilometer (0.62 miles) from Ramírez Beach, this hotel offers a bar, restaurant, parking, and breakfast.
• Apartamento Único en el Corazón de Montevideo: A well-equipped apartment featuring a washing machine, air conditioning, microwave, and other amenities. It accommodates up to 3 guests.

See more hotels in Bairro Sur and Palermo.

5. Parque Rodó: ideal for family trips

Planning a family trip? Parque Rodó is an excellent neighborhood to stay in Montevideo. Known for its expansive green spaces, it’s often considered the vibrant, green heart of the city.

Situated along the banks of the Río de la Plata, Parque Rodó is home to Ramírez Beach and a large park featuring beautiful lawns, trees, monuments, and fountains. The park itself is named after the Uruguayan writer José Enrique Rodó.

With its prime location, the neighborhood is peaceful yet close to downtown Montevideo, Punta Carretas, and Pocitos. On Sundays, you can explore the Parque Rodó Market, and if you’re visiting in December, don’t miss the Christmas Market, offering a variety of holiday products.

The main drawback of staying in this area is the limited number of hotels, but you’ll find excellent vacation apartments and visitor-friendly infrastructure.

Hotels we recommend for staying in the Parque Rodó neighborhood:

• Apartamento Paseo del Lago: Accommodating up to 3 people, this apartment offers great value for money. It features a bedroom, a living room, and a fully equipped compact kitchen.
• El mejor Lugar Departamento de Diseño: This well-equipped apartment accommodates up to 4 people and is just a few blocks from Punta Carretas.

See more hotels in Parque Rodó.

6. Pocitos: a peaceful area with good infrastructure

Pocitos is widely regarded as one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Montevideo. During the summer, it’s a lively hub, while in the winter, it quiets down and becomes less crowded. Travelers love Pocitos for its comprehensive infrastructure, which caters to all kinds of visitors.

Besides being a safe and peaceful neighborhood, Pocitos boasts a wide variety of national and international restaurants, bars, cafes, and excellent hotels. It’s also home to the famous Pocitos Beach, which stretches for 2 kilometers (1.24 miles), and the iconic Montevideo sign—a must-see spot for the classic tourist photo.

Another highlight of Pocitos is its promenade, perfect for evening strolls on foot, by scooter, or by bike, all while enjoying stunning sunset views. Don’t miss the chance to try traditional Uruguayan mate, a must-try local drink.

For nightlife enthusiasts, Pocitos boasts a vibrant scene filled with top-notch restaurants, bars, and clubs.

Pocitos offers good transportation links to other parts of the city. However, accommodations here tend to be pricier, which might not suit travelers on a tighter budget.

Hotels we recommend for staying in the Pocitos neighborhood:

• Leading Hotels of the World: A 5-star hotel offering modern, sophisticated spaces. It features a classic bistro led by chefs Ale Morales and Florencia Courreges, as well as a charming bar with city views and excellent amenities.
• Hotel Costanero MGallery: Featuring modern, well-decorated spaces with elegant furnishings and stunning sea views. The hotel includes a gym, restaurant, bar, terrace, outdoor pool, and sauna, making it one of the top places to stay in Montevideo.
• Hyatt Centric Montevideo: A charming hotel with sea views, located near Pocitos Beach and the Naval Museum. The hotel features spacious, elegantly decorated spaces. With top-notch amenities, it’s one of the best hotels in Montevideo.
• Armon Suites Hotel: Located just 600 meters from Punta Carretas Shopping Mall and 500 meters from Pocitos Beach, this hotel offers simple, charming, and cozy spaces with solid amenities.
• Soro Montevideo: Just 200 meters from Pocitos Beach, this hotel offers excellent amenities, including a bar, gym, restaurant, and free bicycles for guests to use.

See more hotels in Pocitos.

7. Buceo/Malvín: an elegant coastal region with beaches in Montevideo

Buceo is a coastal residential neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere located next to Pocitos and is considered one of the best places to stay in Montevideo. This elegant area boasts a wide variety of shopping centers, restaurants, bars, cafes, clubs, and supermarkets.

Major thoroughfares in the city also pass through the Buceo neighborhood, making public transportation easily accessible.

Adjacent to Buceo is Malvín, another highly attractive residential area for those seeking accommodation in Montevideo. With its bohemian and safe vibe, Malvín is a tree-lined neighborhood home to two beaches, Malvín and Honda, perfect for enjoying the summer months.

Both neighborhoods feature excellent hotels, although they are not the most budget-friendly options in the city. However, Buceo offers a wider variety of accommodations at more accessible prices.

Hotels we recommend for staying in Buceo/Malvín:

• Hilton Garden Inn Montevideo: Located in Buceo, near shops, restaurants, and the beach, with direct access to Montevideo Shopping Center. This hotel offers well-decorated, high-standard accommodations, with rooms that can accommodate up to 4 adults and 4 children, making it an excellent choice for family trips.
• Cottage Puerto Buceo: Located near popular bars and restaurants, this hotel features beautiful neutral-toned decor with a strong emphasis on wood elements and excellent amenities. It offers cozy, well-equipped accommodations and great service.
• Palladium Business Hotel: This 4-star hotel offers excellent facilities, including a terrace with city views. It also features a gym, bar, restaurant, and breakfast service, among other amenities.
• Modern apartment first line beach: A cozy apartment with excellent amenities, accommodating 2 guests and offering stunning sea views.

See more hotels in Buceo and Malvín.

8. Carrasco: a luxurious and residential neighborhood

Looking for an exclusive neighborhood for your stay in Montevideo? Carrasco is undoubtedly the perfect choice.

This upscale neighborhood, nestled along the Río de la Plata, is known for its beautiful mansions, quiet streets, security, and stunning landscapes. Carrasco boasts charming parks, high-end restaurants, and sophisticated shops, all set within a refined atmosphere.

Carrasco is home to the luxurious Sofitel Casino and SPA, a five-star hotel set in an impressive architectural landmark. During your stay, take a leisurely stroll along Carrasco Beach and visit attractions like Stella Maris Church, Carrasco Lawn Tennis, and the neighborhood’s beautiful parks.

The main drawback of Carrasco is its location—15 kilometers (9.32 miles) from downtown Montevideo—which makes it more convenient for those with a car. Additionally, it is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city.

Hotels we recommend for staying in Carrasco:

• Sofitel Montevideo: A luxurious 5-star hotel housed in an iconic architectural landmark. With top-notch amenities and elegant spaces, it’s one of the best hotels in Montevideo.
• Cottage Carrasco: This hotel offers comfortable accommodations with beautiful decor. Located in a quiet residential area, it features an outdoor pool, gym, sauna, bar, and restaurant.

See more hotels in Carrasco.

9. Tres Cruces: a strategic area for getting around

The neighborhood surrounding the Tres Cruces bus terminal is an excellent option for staying in Montevideo, especially if you plan to explore other destinations by bus. If not, you might want to consider staying in a different part of the city.

Staying in Tres Cruces provides easy access to Ciudad Vieja and downtown Montevideo, where many of the city’s top attractions are located. Additionally, the area offers a range of hotels at more affordable prices.

Tres Cruces is home to landmarks like the Obelisk, Democracy Square, and the Pope’s Statue. However, most bars, restaurants, and cafes are found in the surrounding neighborhoods, not within Tres Cruces itself. Another downside is the lack of safety, particularly at night.

Hotels we recommend for staying in Tres Cruces:

• Hotel Ciudadano Suites: Offers excellent accommodations, including a restaurant, bar, and breakfast service. It offers rooms for up to 4 guests, making it an excellent choice for where to stay in Montevideo.
• Days Inn by Wyndham Montevideo: A well-located hotel with solid amenities. Featuring simple decor, it offers a gym and breakfast service.

See more hotels in Tres Cruces.

Now that you’ve explored our tips on where to stay in Montevideo, choose the neighborhood and hotel that best suit your travel style. Check out our tips on the best tours in Montevideo, Uruguay.