NH Montevideo Columbia

The imposing black and red lobby at NH Montevideo is a big and bold welcome to the hotel, one that aims for contemporary chic. Like many hotels in this international chain, though, the decor is a bit tired and falls short of sharp. Yes, there are high ceilings, tons of open space, and bright natural light flooding in off the Rio de la Plata -- but the overall impression is ascetic and all business, without much in the way of charm or style. It all feels minimalistic, without the thoughtful edge, and despite an abundance of polished marble and granite, it doesn't hit the high-end mark. Their modern bar and lounge certainly helps perk things up, though there isn't much of a social vibe, and guests seem to mostly use this as a home base for doing business in the Centro or exploring the Ciudad Vieja neighborhood. Expect to see an even mix of business travelers and vacationers, most of whom are couples.

NH Columbia is on the outskirts of the Ciudad Vieja, along the Rio de la Plata. For tourists, the hotel couldn’t be better situated -- for the most part. It’s close to the city’s most prominent museums, theaters, and parks. Teatro Solis is just a seven-minute walk, Museo Torres Garcia is eight minutes away, and Plaza Independencia is about 10 minutes away on foot. The Museo de Artes Decorativas is also 10 minutes from the hotel on foot. Even better, NH Montevideo is directly in front of the Rambla, Montevideo’s promenade that skirts the Rio de la Plata and is a popular local hangout. There are various bars and restaurants within walking distance as well, including Jacinto Cafe y Restaurant (five minutes), La Corte (seven minutes), and barra 7 (eight minutes). Alternatively, the restaurants and shops at the seaport will take about 10 minutes to reach on foot.

The hotel’s prime location in the historic district is both a pro and a con. While it's well-placed for visiting the city’s most popular sights during the day, the old town is also known to be somewhat dangerous at night. The hotel’s perch just at the outskirts of the historic district means it’s not the safest once the sun sets: What was earlier a bustling center of activity becomes a lonely ghost town as soon as it gets dark. Travelers may want to take extra precautions like catching a cab to dinner.

The international airport is a 40-minute drive from the hotel, and Tres Cruces bus terminal takes 15 minutes to reach via taxi. There are a handful of bus stops within a few minutes’ walk of the hotel for anyone wanting to navigate the city by public transit.

Of the hotel’s 136 rooms, suites, and apartments, 83 of them offer lovely views of the water across the street -- arguably the best part about staying here. All are slightly dated in terms of decor, done mostly in white with blue accents and hardwood laminate floors. Furniture looks worn, the tiny bathrooms have cracked floor tiles, and the paint job could use a refresh. Details like green marble surfaces on the light wood-veneer furniture also look held over from decades past. There's little in the way of wall art, save a few pictures of beach sand that do little to brighten things up. 

Rooms do feature modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, minibars, and plenty of outlets -- Wi-Fi is free, but can be spotty. Superior Rooms also include coffee-making amenities. All rooms are quiet, clean, and get plenty of natural light -- even the bathrooms. Here, a semi-enclosed glass-divider separates the shower from the rest of the bathroom, though again the look isn't exactly fresh. Walls and floors are done in tan tiling, and there's an unattractive tile border ringing them. Granite countertops provide a bit of storage space, and toiletries are included. 

The NH Montevideo has a bright and sunny wellness area on its top floor. There are a handful of up-to-date machines and free weights along with stunning panoramic views of the city. The small terrace outside also has some chairs and tables for relaxing. Adjacent to the fitness area is a small plunge pool -- it's about the size of a hot tub -- and there's a sauna just off of the other side.

The sunny restaurant offers a diverse continental selection for their free breakfast buffet -- like cereals, yogurt, pastries, bread, and fruit. It’s not fancy, but it’s bountiful when compared to other hotel breakfasts at this price point in Montevideo. The restaurant also serves lunch and dinner with an eclectic menu, including dishes from around the world, particularly France and Holland. They offer vegetarian and kids’ menus on request as well. The small bar is open nightly, with specialty cocktails and Uruguayan snacks.

The hotel features nine spaces available for meetings and events, with a maximum capacity of 250 people. Wi-Fi is also free here. Parking is free and the hotel can arrange airport shuttles for a fee. Laundry and dry cleaning services are also available.