Smart Hotel Montevideo is a compact, modern hotel in the heart of Centro, on José Germán Araújo street, a minute on foot from Plaza Independencia and the Salvo Palace. It has 65 rooms over ten floors and is well reviewed for its location. Room types include Superior Doubles with a king bed or twin beds, larger Deluxe rooms, a Deluxe Room with a terrace and a Loft. Facilities include a restaurant, a bar and lounge, a coffee shop, a gym, a terrace, laundry service, luggage storage, a concierge and a 24-hour front desk with multilingual staff. Rooms have air conditioning, a safe, a workspace and free Wi-Fi. For visitors who want to walk to the main squares, the Solis Theatre and the old town gate, it is one of the most convenient mid-range choices.
Location and getting around
Centro is the commercial and civic heart of Montevideo, and Plaza Independencia, with its statue of Artigas and the gateway to Ciudad Vieja, is practically next door. The Salvo Palace and the Radisson casino building are within a few minutes on foot, the Solis Theatre is about four minutes away and the Cathedral about seven.
Pedestrian Sarandi street runs toward the old town from the plaza, lined with bookshops, cafes and small museums. The central railway station is a short drive. Carrasco International Airport is a drive of roughly forty minutes depending on traffic, and the hotel can arrange a shuttle on request for a fee, so it is worth asking when you book.
Rooms and facilities
The style is clean and contemporary, with straightforward furnishings rather than grand luxury. Rooms are compact, so the Deluxe Room or Loft is a better pick for longer stays or for travellers with a lot of luggage. Air conditioning, a safe, a laptop workspace and a television are standard. Breakfast is available as a buffet for an extra charge, and the on-site restaurant and bar mean you can eat without going out.
There is a gym and a terrace. The hotel has no on-site parking, which matters if you are renting a car, and pets are not allowed. Check the lift and access details when you book if mobility is a concern, because the building is tall and layouts differ by room.
Who it suits
First-time visitors, couples and solo travellers who want to see the historic centre on foot, as well as business travellers who value a central, quiet-enough base without paying luxury rates. It is a good partner for a day trip to Colonia del Sacramento, because buses and ferry connections are straightforward from the centre. It is less suited to travellers who want a beach or a pool on site.
Good to know
A small city tax per person per night applies for the first few nights, non-resident visitors may be exempt from VAT on accommodation if they meet the conditions, so check when you book, and late check-out usually costs extra. Evenings in Centro are quieter than in Pocitos, so most visitors eat out in the old town or take a taxi to the waterfront.
Why stay here
- ✓Restaurant and bar
- ✓Coffee shop
- ✓Gym and terrace
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
- ✓Air conditioning and room safe
- ✓24-hour front desk and concierge
- ✓Laundry and luggage storage
- ✓Airport shuttle on request
Good questions
Is Smart Hotel close to Plaza Independencia?+
Yes, the plaza is about a minute on foot, and the Salvo Palace and Solis Theatre are close by.
Does it have parking?+
There is no on-site parking, so it is better for guests without a rental car.
Can the hotel arrange airport transfers?+
A shuttle can be arranged on request for a fee, so ask when you book.
