Sandwiched between Brazil and Argentina, Uruguay might be easy to miss on a map, but if you want to visit a South American country that is relatively safe and stable, has an extremely rich art and design scene, but also an engrossing story and strong national culture — with colourful regional differences, and has an incredible coastline and a rugged interior well worthy of exploration, then Uruguay is perfect. Compared to Brazil and Argentina we don’t have a huge set of recommendations for the best places to stay in Uruguay, but the list is by no means short, with some great properties in the capital Montevideo, in Punta del Este, known and loved for its beaches, and in Colonia del Sacramento,

And that’s before you consider our recommendations for the best places to stay in Uruguay outside the main cities. And if you have time, we certainly recommend you go beyond Uruguay’s cities.

Some of our Uruguay Collections:

• The Best Places to Stay in Montevideo
• The Best Places to Stay in Punta del Este
• The Best Places to Stay in Colonia del Sacramento
• The Best Places to Stay in Carmelo

Where to Stay?

• Montevideo is the eclectic and vibrant capital: a picturesque city awash with the colourful facades of colonial-era houses, and a bustling hub of competition to have the best food, most beautiful architecture and most interesting art. It’s also got great museums, a lovely Old Town and it’s very safe by South American standards. It’s also quite romantic if you want it to be.
• Punta del Este, a beach resort on a gorgeous peninsula, and José Ignacio, which is just along the gorgeous, white, sandy coast, are fantastic places to come if you’re looking for fun and the beach. Punta del Este has plenty of sun, plenty of space on the beach, casinos, bars and cafes, restaurants, yachts, surf schools, nightlife... you name it! José Ignacio is smaller and quieter, but not particularly easy to get to without a car. If you do stay around here drag yourself off the beach for long enough to see the Casa-Pueblo, a kind of resort-mansion-museum. There are some other great museums here too.
• Colonia del Sacramento is, well deservedly, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the old part of it is anyway, the Barrio Histórico, a colonial-era centre of narrow cobbled streets on a small peninsula that runs into the Rio de la Plata. As well as the colonial architecture and the local charm, Colonia del Sacramento is also known for its sunsets; it’s a local custom to applaud the sunset in Uruguay and they’re certainly deserving around here. Colonia del Sacramento is 180 kms from Montevideo, but a relatively short ferry trip from Buenos Aires, so it’s popular with Argentinian visitors.
• If you’ve heard about Uruguay’s hot springs Salto is the place to come. It’s Uruguay’s second largest city, close to an impressive waterfall system, a big dam, and the hot springs ‘fields’.
• If you like the idea of Uruguay as a unique, but coastal, holiday, then Carmelo on the Paraná Delta might be for you? Founded in the early 1800s, this is a cobblestone centre for yachting and fishing centre, surrounded by vineyards and wine producers.
• If you’re here to see the gauchos then Tacuarembó is the place to go; with its rolling hills that rise gradually into mountain ranges, this is Uruguay’s rich, rural interior for wide open spaces and horse-riding trails.
• Surfers will know about La Paloma and the Punta del Diablo, which is a laid-back, backpacker-y version of Punta del Este. But if you go beyond La Paloma you’ll hit Cabo Polonio, a tiny town with a huge population of sea-lions — and other coastal dwellers. This is a wild area, and the town’s electricity comes from generators and wind power rather than the national grid.

Don't forget that the best places to stay in Uruguay (especially those by the beach) will be very busy during peak holiday periods. So if you want to guarantee your room, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to Stay in Uruguay

For a short break

• If you don’t have long to spend in Montevideo, La Oliva might be a good choice. It’s in the Puerto Carretas district close to the beach and well connected to many of the city’s main sights. It’s contemporary, spacious and well priced.
• If you want to see Punta del Este, but not totally immerse yourself in it consider staying at the L'Auberge Hotel, which is just three minutes from the beach, but surrounded by an elegant garden. The 35 rooms are elegant too, and their fabulous restaurant is gorgeously candlelit.

For Great Views

• Punta del Este’s Fasano Las Piedras offers the kind of views you’d travel a long way for, especially from its architecturally impressive stand-alone rooms, which are glass-fronted on precisely the right angle for the best vista. There’s a great restaurant and spa too.
• Bahia Vik sits right up against the coast, on a grassy hill above the sand, but with the majority of its floor-to-ceiling windows facing right out over the ocean. The accommodation is in a collection of beach bungalows and suites, decorated with clean lines and large pieces of contemporary art. There’s a choice of pools as well as the beach, and you’re just out of José Ignacio.
• Casa Suaya also occupies an enviable position just outside José Ignacio, this time it’s right up against a stretch of white sandy beach. The Casa’s 31 rooms are bright and contemporary, with a similar erring towards sharp lines, modern art and floor-to-ceiling windows. There’s a great outdoor heated pool too.

For a Beach Break

• The Posada del Faro is right on a stretch of pristine, white sandy beach, just outside José Ignacio. There are only 15 rooms, all whitewashed with beamed ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. You’re close to surf school too…
• The Posada Arenas de José Ignacio is a five minute, relaxed stroll from the beach in the sleepy village of José Ignacio. There are 12 rooms, decorated in a contemporary style. José Ignacio is close to a gorgeous lagoon, and a great kitesurfing spot too.
• The Posada de los Pajaros is a 16 room boutique hotel right on Montoya Beach, in La Barra, Punta del Este. It’s got that whitewashed boxy look outside, a bit like the Greek islands, and inside the rooms are light and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening out onto fantastic sea views. There’s also a very nice pool. Adults only.
• For a relaxed beach break at Punta del Este you could try the Kala Boutique Hotel. It’s not right on the beach, but only a five minute walk away, and its 12 sunny, spacious rooms and pool are a quiet place to unwind post- or pre-beach.
• Le Club at Punta del Este offers everything you might want from a Punta del Este beach break: 14 beachside rooms with large windows, a trendy restaurant and great access to local bars and cafes, as well as beach-y facilities.

Some of Uruguay’s Most Romantic Hotels

• Montevideo’s Alma Historica Boutique Hotel is a beautifully renovated 1920s townhouse with 15 elegant rooms decorated with antiques, plus floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious bathrooms. Stay here and you’ll be well positioned for taking in the romantic atmosphere.
• The Casa Bikini is a ten room boutique bolt-hole between the forest and the sea at Punta del Este. Each of the suites have been individually decorated and they’re named after writers — book the Coehlo suite for a private terrace and bath. There’s a fantastic library and a pool too. And you’re just moments from the beach.
• The Posada Plaza Mayor in Colonia Del Sacramento, is a charming colonial property turned atmospheric 17 room hotel. Inside expect exposed stone, antique furniture and chintz fabrics. Outside there’s a tranquil garden where they’ll serve you breakfast with a sea view if the weather permits.
• For romance by the sea consider the Serena Hotel in Punta del Este, an adults-only hotel with 31 rooms which are right on the sand. Ok, so the restaurants and terraces are on the sand, and the rooms, with their modern decor and big windows, are just behind those.
• Casa Zinc is a six room design hotel in La Barra, Punta del Este, but it’s back from the beach and the hubbub of town, set in a tranquil garden, so it feels quite secluded. The rooms are large and airy, with big arched windows and some very nice antiques. Breakfast is an indulgent affair and runs through until 4pm.

For an Escape

• The Pueblo Barrancas is a collection of ten yurts and cabanas spread out along a scenic stretch of rugged countryside just behind a beach along the coast from Punta del Este. The accommodation is comfortable, rustic in style, but it does have everything you’d expect from a hotel — smart bathrooms being the one we thought to ask about first. There’s also a large pool and a restaurant serving regional specialities.
• For somewhere special, and a bit secluded, consider the 12 room Estancia Vik, a fantastic ranch, with luxurious trimmings and some eye-popping contemporary art. Each of the suites has its own design, the restaurant offers the best locally sourced, regional cuisine and there’s a huge amount to do: everything from polo to bird watching to surfing — you’re just a short drive from the beach.
• The Posada Campotinto is a wine estate in lush, peaceful Carmelo, with just five rooms, but a fantastic restaurant. The decor is traditional and rustic, but with plenty of additional glass. This is a romantic escape.
• The Hotel Art & Spa Cumbres is in a beautiful, rural spot just a few miles outside of Punta del Este. All of its 28 rooms and suites are chic and spacious, with tranquil views. You’re close to the beach, the food is exceptional and there’s a spa, just as the name suggests.
• La Solana is on a beautiful stretch of beach a few miles outside Punta del Este so it’s not a remote escape, but it does have a feeling of seclusion, as well as six light, spacious rooms with huge windows and great sea views. Plus a great restaurant that serves local, and Catalan cuisine.

For Families

• The Charco Hotel is made up from a collection of Colonia del Sacramento’s Portuguese houses dating from around 1680. Inside they’re large and airy, with chic, modern decor, and the largest suites have multiple bedrooms making them perfect for families.

For Foodies

• El Garzón is one of Uruguay’s hottest restaurants, run by its most renowned chef, Francis Mallmann, and it’s tucked away in the small, but pretty, rural town of Garzón. It has just five bedrooms, all different, but all luxurious, decorated with candelabras, antiques and plush fabrics.

For great value

• For something simple, chic and contemporary consider Montevideo’s Smart Hotel, which has 65 rooms and suites in the heart of downtown Montevideo, plus a gym and their Bar Americano, which is a foodie bar.
• Montevideo’s Don Boutique Hotel is an affordable option in the Old Town, with a great Art Deco look and just 21 rooms. It’s also only a few minutes walk from the beach, or you could just admire the beach from afar for their rooftop bar, complete with pool.
• Hyatt Centric’s first hotel in South America is their 178 room offering on the historic waterfront in Montevideo. There’s a boutique feel and smart rooms with plenty of luxurious trimmings, and there’s a top-notch restaurant and an indoor pool. The location is excellent too.

Prefer an Apartment or Villa?

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Uruguay’s main airport is the Carrasco International Airport, which is just east of Montevideo. Connections are limited and most of us will have to travel via somewhere else, maybe Madrid, Miami or Panama City. Punta del Este International Airport, or Capitán Corbeta C. A. Curbelo International Airport, also called Laguna del Sauce International Airport, is linked to Argentina and Brazil, and the Pres. Gral. Óscar D. Gestido International Airport serves the Riviera Department, and is similarly linked to Argentina and Brazil.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• Generally temperate and moist because it’s pretty close to the equator, Uruguay doesn’t have the kind of mountains that stop a weather front in its tracks, so the main thing to know about the weather in Uruguay is that it’s changeable. Otherwise the seasonal fluctuations are fairly small, with slightly cooler weather in winter: June through August, and hotter between December and February, but rain spread evenly throughout the year. Christmas is still the busiest time to visit but there’s no bad time to visit weather-wise.

Still not sure?

• Refine your search to the best places to stay in Montevideo?
• or the best places to stay in Punta del Este or José Ignacio?
• or the best places to stay in Colonia del Sacramento?
• or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.