Hotel Mediterraneo

The small lobby at Hotel Mediterraneo is a multi-purpose room, and in many ways sets the mood for the straightforward, no-frills experience at this hotel. The lobby is where guests eat breakfast, use the internet at the computer station, and make international calls in the phone booth. The decor is eclectic, but dated: there are big green plants, handsome marble floors, wood paneling, overstuffed striped love seats, and clusters of unattractively upholstered chairs next to dining tables. The hotel has a low profile and is a perfectly fine place for guests to rest at night, but doesn't fit the bill for those looking for a destination in its own right. However, its cheap rates and proximity to Ciudad Vieja attract budget travelers and international guests who sometimes stay for months. 

Hotel Mediterraneo is located on Avenida Paraguay, in the center of Montevideo, just two blocks from the bustling Avenida 18 de Julio, where there are numerous shops and restaurants. There are some lovely parks and squares nearby, like the Plaza Juan Pedro Fabini, which is only a five-minute walk away. Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo's charming historic district, is a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and it takes about the same amount of time to reach the Rambla, a promenade that snakes along Montevideo’s waterfront. The Tres Cruces Bus Station is a ten-minute drive from the hotel, and Carrasco International Airport takes 35 minutes to reach by car or cab. The Mercado del Puerto, a vibrant waterfront market near the ferries to Buenos Aires, is a bit far for walking, but takes only seven minutes to reach by car. At night, the area surrounding the hotel can be a bit sketchy -- there’s very little open and it’s not quite safe to walk around, but during the day the area bustles with activity. 

The 28 rooms here are tiny and basic, with beds that aren't the best we've ever slept on and small bathrooms. The decor is dated, but passable, for those looking only for a place to rest at night. Walls come in a variety of colors -- from white to pink or cerulean -- and rooms are set with mid-tone wood of dorm-like quality. Some rooms have flat-screen TVs, while others have tube-style TVs bolted to the wall, and all rooms feature phones, mini-fridges, and air-conditioning. Many rooms get decent natural light, and all have ample windows, though views aren't anything spectacular. Bathrooms have outdated tiling, shower stalls with fabric curtains, and freestanding sinks with little counter space. Overall, for guests on a budget who aren't concerned with high style, these are very neat and clean rooms, and some have the capacity to fit up to three or four persons as needed. Street noise can be an issue in some rooms.

The hotel serves a generous buffet in its lobby dining area, but it's not included in room rates. There is also a phone booth and a computer station where guests can print, fax, and make photocopies as needed. While the hotel doesn’t offer much else in the way of amenities, comprehensive city tour packages are available at reasonable prices. Wi-Fi is free and functional throughout the hotel and the hotel is pet-friendly with advance notice. Airport transfers, laundry, and currency exchange can all be arranged, and the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day.