Dazzler By Wyndham Montevideo

The Dazzler hotel chain is characterized by their strategic locations -- they are always situated in trendy city neighborhoods -- and the ambience once inside this Dazzler location lives up to those expectations. The lobby is stylish, with a mod twist on contemporary design that's everywhere from the chartreuse love seats to the eye-catching louvered wooden wall and gray marble floors. The hotel's other common spaces are equally funky, and the Dakota Steak House features street-art inspired pieces in its outdoor courtyard and a more classically designed pub-style interior with black subway tiling. The spa and gym are swish and modern, too. The fresh vibe draws a wide international clientele, one that includes families, tourists, and business travelers. 

The Dazzler is in Montevideo's trendy Punta Carretas neighborhood and within a 15-minute walk of the city's Rambla, or waterfront promenade. The neighborhood is filled with all manner of swank eateries and boutiques, and the Punta Carretas shopping mall is about 10 minutes away on foot. Parque Rodo, a lovely place for a morning stroll, is just over 10 minutes away on foot via 21 de Setiembre. The Cine Casablanca is just one block away and other neighborhood highlights include Camelia, a cafe that’s attached to the hotel, La Perdiz (12 minutes away on foot), La Lupita (two blocks away), La Pulperia (an eight-minute walk), and Bar Lobo (a five-minute walk). The sights within the historic district at Ciudad Vieja are not within walking distance, though, and will take about 10 minutes to reach via taxi. Plaza Independencia is also a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The seaport and ferries to Buenos Aires are just a bit further, about 15 minutes away by car, while the international airport takes 30 minutes to reach by taxi. 

The rooms here are smart and simple, with a contemporary look defined by tasteful cream and beige hues alongside pops of deep magenta. The near-silent air-conditioning and sound-proof windows means the rooms are quiet, a welcome surprise considering that the hotel is located on one of the busier streets in Montevideo. Mid-tone wood furniture and headboards continue the vintage look seen in the hotel's common areas, and lend the otherwise minimalist spaces a bit of mod character. Narrow panel shelving runs along the walls, a plus for those needing extra storage space. Rooms also feature minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes. Bathrooms are on the smaller side but are bright, clean, and have fluffy towels plus toiletries. Fixtures are modern, and rainfall showerheads are a nice touch over bathtub/shower combos. The twin beds weren't the most comfortable we've ever slept on and were a bit stiff, though the king- and queen-size beds felt much nicer. 

The Dazzler offers plenty of features for a property that has reasonable rates in a trendy location. The hotel has a sleek spa area with a creatively lit hot tub, scented candles, a sauna and steam room, plus massage and other spa services available with advance notice. The fitness center is attached to the spa, and has floor-to-ceiling windows along with an impressive quantity of up-to-date cardio machines -- there's certainly enough equipment for a proper workout. In warmer weather, the large rooftop pool is a pleasant choice, with stunning 360-degree views of Montevideo and the port.

Free breakfast is served at the on-site Dakota steakhouse, and it’s fairly limited buffet: an array of croissants, bread, and fruit cocktail -- all of it bland and lacking in diversity. A better bet might Camelia Cafe, which flanks the hotel on the other side and offers vegan and other healthy options. The lunch and dinner at Dakota is better and popular, offering mostly casual American pub fare that gets solid marks from many guests.

The hotel has single computer next to the lobby in a semi-private corner for those who need it, but Wi-Fi is free and functional throughout the hotel. There are also several meeting rooms available. Bicycle rentals are also available for guests wanting to explore the neighborhood. Small pets are allowed.