Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza Hotel

The noise kept waking me throughout all three nights. I could hear everything through the very thin walls, and street noise came through the uninsulated windows even though I was on the 16th floor, with street parties outside. The windows made loud cracking sounds all night. I can’t say whether it was the building moving naturally or something else, but the noise woke me repeatedly. The room door made similar sounds, and the toilet compressor in neighboring rooms was so loud that each time it ran I thought an alarm was going off. The old town location is excellent for first-time visitors, but that was the only real positive for me. Check-in service fell short from the start. No one offered to help with my luggage, and there’s no proper ramp at the entrance, only a small luggage lift that I was asked to use myself. The room looked very dated and worn. The sink had visibly missing enamel, and the towels were old. For a hotel presented as five-star, that was disappointing. I expected that level of experience, but it didn’t come close. Given the room, service, and comfort, I’d put it at no more than three stars. It was significantly overpriced.

Our room was very spacious and had a perfect view of the docks and the South Pacific Ocean. The staff weren’t as friendly as at other places we stayed, especially at checkout. The man there was rude and dismissive, but we’d already paid in full, so we could simply leave without dealing with him any longer than necessary.

I’ve cancelled my reservation and booked somewhere else. I’m arriving on Christmas Day and asked about an airport transfer a month beforehand, since I’d been told taxis might be hard to find. They said it wouldn’t be a problem and that they’d contact me closer to the date with the price. I heard nothing, so five days before the trip I emailed both the concierge and general addresses. Now I arrive in five hours and still haven’t had a reply. The communication is disappointing for a hotel that’s meant to be five-star.

The spa was a lovely extra, and the location is PERFECT. Breakfast was amazing and the rooms were great, though the bathroom felt a bit dated. We’ll come back!