Where to Stay in Uruguay
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
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Regions of Uruguay
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The capital offers Uruguay's most diverse accommodation options, from business hotels in the Centro to boutique properties in historic Ciudad Vieja and residential apartments in Pocitos and Carrasco. The city serves as an excellent base for exploring the entire country, with good value compared to coastal resorts and year-round availability.
Uruguay's most glamorous destination features luxury resorts, designer boutique hotels, and upscale vacation rentals catering to South America's elite. This is the country's most expensive accommodation zone, especially during summer, though off-season rates drop dramatically and the area becomes surprisingly accessible.
The stretch of coast immediately east of Montevideo offers family-friendly beach towns with more accessible pricing than Punta del Este. These areas attract primarily domestic tourists and provide a more authentic, less pretentious beach experience with good-value apartments and small hotels.
This eastern coastal region balances natural beauty with developing tourism infrastructure, offering everything from rustic surf hostels in Punta del Diablo to eco-lodges near Cabo Polonio and boutique hotels in La Paloma. The area provides authentic beach experiences with fewer crowds and better value than the western resort corridor.
This historic region along the Río de la Plata features charming colonial architecture, particularly in UNESCO-listed Colonia del Sacramento, where restored 18th-century buildings house boutique hotels and B&Bs. The area serves as a popular weekend escape from Buenos Aires and offers a more cultured, historical accommodation experience.
Uruguay's rural heartland offers authentic gaucho experiences at working cattle ranches converted into tourist accommodations. These estancias provide all-inclusive stays with horseback riding, traditional asados, and insight into rural life, representing one of Uruguay's most distinctive accommodation experiences.
The northwestern region along the Uruguay River features numerous thermal spa resorts built around natural hot springs, offering wellness-focused accommodation with therapeutic pools and spa facilities. These year-round destinations provide a different tourism experience from the coastal zones.
The inland portion of Maldonado department offers rural tranquility and wine country accommodation near Garzón and the emerging Uruguayan wine region. This area provides a peaceful alternative to the coastal crowds with boutique vineyard hotels and countryside retreats.
Uruguay's northern border region with Brazil offers practical accommodation primarily serving cross-border commerce and transit, with limited tourist infrastructure. The area provides insight into Uruguay's dual-culture border life but is primarily a stopover zone rather than a destination.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Uruguay
International hotel chains maintain a limited presence in Uruguay, concentrated almost exclusively in Montevideo and Punta del Este. Major brands include Radisson, Sheraton, and Sofitel in the capital, while Punta del Este hosts Conrad Resort & Casino and a few international luxury properties. Regional Argentine chains like Enjoy and some Brazilian brands appear in border areas and thermal resorts. The scarcity of chain hotels means travelers should expect more independent properties with variable standards and booking systems.
Uruguay's accommodation landscape is dominated by locally-owned properties, from family-run posadas and boutique hotels to apartment complexes and guesthouses. The term 'posada' typically indicates a small inn or B&B with personal service, while 'apart-hotels' offer apartment-style accommodation with hotel services. Vacation rentals through local agencies are extremely popular along the coast, where many Uruguayans and Argentines own second homes that are rented seasonally. Hostels affiliated with Hostelling International are found in most tourist areas, offering reliable budget options with good standards.
Estancias (working cattle ranches offering tourism) represent Uruguay's most distinctive accommodation type, providing immersive gaucho culture experiences with horseback riding, traditional meals, and rural activities typically included in all-inclusive packages. Cabo Polonio's off-grid accommodations without electricity or vehicle access offer a unique back-to-nature experience. Historic colonial properties in Colonia del Sacramento provide stays in restored 18th-century buildings. Some coastal areas feature beach cabañas (rustic cabins), while the thermal regions offer dedicated spa hotels built around natural hot springs with 24-hour pool access.
Booking Tips for Uruguay
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
Peak season coastal accommodation (December-February) should be booked 3-6 months ahead, especially for Punta del Este and popular beach towns during Christmas and New Year's. Many properties require full prepayment and enforce strict cancellation policies during high season. Consider booking shoulder season (March-April or November-December) for significantly better rates and availability while still enjoying beach weather.
During peak summer season, many coastal properties enforce minimum stays of 7-10 nights, particularly in Punta del Este and José Ignacio, with some requiring full-week Saturday-to-Saturday bookings. These restrictions typically apply from late December through January. Weekend minimums (2-3 nights) are common in Colonia del Sacramento year-round due to Buenos Aires weekend traffic.
For beach stays of a week or more, apartment rentals often provide better value than hotels, especially for families or groups. Local rental agencies in each coastal town offer more inventory than international platforms, though communication may require Spanish. Most apartments come fully equipped with kitchens, allowing significant savings on dining costs in expensive resort areas.
Estancia stays typically operate on all-inclusive or full-board basis with meals, activities, and horseback riding included in the rate. Clarify exactly what's covered before booking, as some charge extra for certain activities, transfers, or beverages. Most estancias require advance booking and provide transportation from nearby towns, as they're often located on remote rural properties.
Many coastal accommodations, restaurants, and services close completely from May through September outside the main tourist season. This particularly affects smaller beach towns in Rocha department. If visiting in winter, confirm your accommodation is actually open and verify what services will be available in the surrounding area to avoid arriving in a shuttered town.
While international booking platforms cover major destinations, many excellent Uruguayan properties only list on local sites or work through regional agencies. Websites like SoloUruguay and local tourism boards often have more comprehensive listings, particularly for vacation rentals and estancias. Direct booking sometimes yields better rates and flexibility, especially in smaller properties.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Uruguay
For summer coastal stays (December-February), book 3-6 months in advance, especially for Punta del Este during Christmas and New Year's when properties fill up and rates peak. Colonia del Sacramento requires advance booking for summer weekends. Estancias should be booked at least 1-2 months ahead during peak season as they have limited rooms.
Shoulder months (March-April and October-November) offer excellent flexibility with 2-4 weeks advance booking usually sufficient for most destinations. Rates drop significantly along the coast while weather remains pleasant. This is the sweet spot for value-conscious travelers who can still enjoy beach activities without the crowds or inflated prices.
Winter months (May-September) allow last-minute booking in most areas except thermal spa towns, which maintain steady demand year-round. Many coastal properties close entirely, so confirm availability before traveling. Montevideo and interior regions remain accessible with good rates and availability. Thermal resorts should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead even in winter.
Book 1-3 months ahead for most Uruguay travel outside peak summer season. Coastal accommodation requires the longest lead times during high season, while Montevideo and interior regions offer more flexibility. Always book earlier for holidays (Christmas, New Year's, Easter) and popular weekends. Consider that Uruguay's small size means limited accommodation in some areas, so even off-season booking ahead is wise for specific destinations.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Uruguay