Central Montevideo, near shops,
restaurants, and major tourist sights
Rooms are clean, with mini-fridges and air-conditioning
Casual cafeteria with modest kitchen facilities
Simple breakfast buffet is available
Airport shuttle services available (for a fee)
Bike rentals available
Computer station
Free Wi-Fi
Breakfast not included with room rates
Some room noise from neighbors and street outside
Immediate area can feel a bit sketchy at night
No elevator
The budget Hotel Iberia offers a solid and simple stay in
the center of Montevideo. Rooms are basic and clean, with bright colors employed in sometimes excessive ways -- and the hotel is a fine choice for those looking for a cheap and friendly experience near plenty of tourist sights. The hotel has few features beyond a computer station, and breakfast is not included. The immediate neighborhood isn't the most appealing at night, but that’s hard to avoid in Montevideo's Centro. Guests wanting to be closer to Ciudad Vieja could investigate Hotel Palacio, another budget option with more old-world charm.
Scene
Homey, simple, serene vibe for tourists on a budget
There’s something that’s immediately inviting about Hotel
Iberia: It’s packed with Buddha statues and assorted art pieces spread over
two floors, with romantic lighting and colorful walls throughout. The overall
ambiance is dark and serene, and clearly reflective of the owner’s personal
taste, explaining the homey feel of the place. There isn't much in the way of public space here, and most guests use this as a wallet-friendly base for exploring the tourist haunts, many of which are nearby. The hotel also lacks an elevator, so those with mobility issues or excessive luggage may want to request a first-floor room. The budget hotel often draws
those looking for a good, cheap alternative to hostels in the central district
of Montevideo.
Location
Near Montevideo's Centro, walk to Ciudad Vieja
Hotel Iberia is centrally located in the Barrio Sur district
of Montevideo. While the immediate area is not exactly unsafe at night,
it’s certainly not a pretty neighborhood and there’s not much nightlife overall. It's close to a handful of major sights, like Teatro Solis, which is a 15-minute-walk away. The historic district, Ciudad Vieja, is just a five-minute drive
away -- it takes just under 20 minutes to make the journey for guests who don't mind the stroll. Picturesque Plaza Independencia is a 15-minute walk from the hotel. There are plenty of authentic Uruguayan restaurants in the area as well, including El Fogon (a six-minute
walk), Parada Sur Parrilla (a three-minute walk), and Rara Avis (a 15-minute walk). There’s also a
supermarket about 12 minutes away on foot. It’s a ten-minute drive from the
Rambla, the city's lively coastal promenade. There are various bus stops close to
the hotel, and the Tres Cruces bus station is an 11-minute drive. The
international airport takes about 35 minutes to reach by taxi.
Rooms
Clean, basic rooms with lots of color and air-conditioning
Rooms here are generally clean and narrow, with mostly white walls and dark wood paneling giving them a modern appeal. The colorful bedding considerably brightens the dim
interiors -- a result of dark furniture and little outside light -- though the look can be a bit much, especially given the often vibrant bathroom color schemes. All rooms come with air-conditioning, mini-fridges, desks, a fair amount of outlets, and flat-screen TVs. Rooms on
the second floor have the double advantage of better views and a bit
more peace and quiet. Some of the simple dark wood veneer furniture shows a good deal of wear and tear, and there are no safes in guest rooms. Bathrooms
are colorful and simple, with little counter space but large walk-in showers, though one room has a jetted tub.
Features
Cafeteria with seating and a microwave plus computer station
There are few features at this budget hotel, though guests spend most of their time out exploring the city. A cafeteria with a full-size refrigerator and microwave is available for guests to heat up leftovers and
make tea. A simple breakfast buffet is offered in the mornings and is served in the same space, but it's not included with room rates. There’s plenty of seating and free coffee
for those who’d like a jolt before heading out to see the sights for the day. Expect free and functional Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, though there are computers in the lobby for guests traveling without their own. Airport transfers can be arranged for a fee and bikes rentals are also available.