🇺🇾 Montevideo, Uruguay
Hotel Alcazaba
📍 1669, Doctor Mario Cassinoni, Montevideo
Your stay — Hotel Alcazaba
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Montevideo.
The Property — Hotel Alcazaba
Hotel Alcazaba is a no-fuss three-star in central Montevideo, just off Avenida 18 de Julio. The lobby is small and tiled, with a worn but clean reception desk and a lift that creaks. Its USP is location – you can walk to the main square, the port market, and the bus terminal – and price. It suits budget travellers and independent tourists who want a base, not a spa.
Chronicles of Montevideo
Montevideo was founded by Spanish colonists in 1724 as a fortified port, later becoming a flashpoint in the wars between Spain, Portugal, and Britain. Its historic Ciudad Vieja still shows that military grid, with cobbled streets and colonial buildings like the Cabildo and the Cathedral. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city grew rich on meat and wool exports, building grand Art Deco and neoclassical avenues. Today it’s known for a relaxed, intellectual vibe, with a strong café culture and a lively independent arts scene. Contemporary Montevideo is less touristy than Buenos Aires, more authentic, and proud of its quieter pace.
Best Time to Visit
Full Montevideo guide →Best months
December, January, February – warm summer weather (25–30°C), long daylight hours, and the city is lively with beachgoers along the Rambla. Carnaval in January-February adds parade energy.
Peak / festival surge
January and February are peak due to summer holidays and the Montevideo Carnaval (late January to early March). Hotel prices can rise 30–50% above shoulder rates. The city also fills with tourists from Argentina and Brazil.
Budget shoulder season
March and November are the best budget months. March still has mild weather (20–25°C) and fewer crowds; November is springtime with blooming jacarandas, moderate hotel prices, and before the summer rush.
Weather & packing
Montevideo’s winter is damp and chilly, with an average June high of 13°C and frequent drizzle from the Rio de la Plata. Pack a waterproof mid-layer jacket, a scarf, and closed-toe waterproof shoes.
Live City Briefing — Montevideo
- The city is piloting a new bus rapid transit system on Avenida 18 de Julio through 2026, with temporary lane closures and detours that may affect walking routes from Hotel Alcazaba to the Ciudad Vieja.
- The Mercado del Puerto, the city’s historic port market, has undergone a partial renovation of its central food hall, reopening most stalls by early 2026 – still the best spot for a traditional parrillada.
- June 2026 is the tail end of the low season, so expect quieter streets (and limited evening crowds) outside of the weekends.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Alcazaba, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the third floor, facing the inner courtyard (away from Doctor Mario Cassinoni). The top floor reduces street noise, and the courtyard side avoids the busier road.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor overlooking the street – Doctor Mario Cassinoni is a main road with traffic noise, and the first floor is closest to the entrance and lift activity.
Best views
The third floor rooms facing the inner courtyard offer the quietest outlook; street-facing rooms see a typical Montevideo avenue with cars and pedestrians.
Quietest floors
Third floor only – the highest floor in the building, furthest from street-level and foot traffic.
🔊 Noise notes
Doctor Mario Cassinoni is a through street in the Pocitos neighbourhood, with moderate traffic during the day and some movement at night. The lift is narrow and audible in adjacent rooms – avoid rooms next to the shaft.
Insider tips
Park at Estacionamiento Pocitos (Avenida Brasil 1198) for 350 UYU/24h – cheaper than street meters if staying more than a few hours. For quiet, request room 301 (assuming third-floor courtyard side) when booking – the lift is single cabin so higher floors have less footfall. WiFi login uses room number and surname – note your exact booking name.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel Alcazaba
Complimentary basic WiFi in all rooms and lobby, about 10 Mbps download. No premium upgrade available. Login via room number and surname.
One lift servicing all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary digital newsstand. Two daily print newspapers (El País, La Diaria) available in the bar area.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available at no charge if room not ready. Late check-out until 13:00 costs UYU 600; past 13:00 is full night.
Free for day of check-out. Off-site storage not offered.
No step-free access. Two low steps at main entrance. Lift is narrow (80 cm). No ground-floor rooms. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
No on-site or valet parking. Nearest public garage: Estacionamiento Pocitos at Avenida Brasil 1198, UYU 350 per 24 hours (surfaces, no EV charging). Street meter parking (blue zones) free after 20:00 and Sundays, else UYU 30 per hour.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking. A UYU 1500 incidental hold on credit card or UYU 3000 cash deposit upon check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Universal (173 m · ~2 min walk)
- Church: Misión Vida (805 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: La Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días (819 m · ~10 min walk)
- Church: Tercera Iglesia de Cristo Científico (920 m · ~12 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Shopping Tres Cruces — 933 m · ~12 min walk
Parque General Líber Seregni — 265 m · ~3 min walk
Museo de Historia Natural Dr. Carlos Torres de la LLosa — 841 m · ~11 min walk
El Tinglado — 108 m · ~1 min walk
Plaza de los Rotarios — 701 m · ~9 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 304 m · ~4 min walk
Pigalle — 150 m · ~2 min walk
Almacén Yang — 65 m · ~1 min walk
Montevideo Nueva Terminal — 2.9 km · ~36 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Uruguayan Peso, UYU
Use ATMs from major banks like Santander or BBVA for the best rates; avoid exchange bureaux at Carrasco Airport or tourist areas as they often have poor rates and high commissions.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in supermarkets, restaurants, and shops; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) work in most modern terminals, but always carry some cash for kiosks and small markets.
10% is common in restaurants if service charge isn't included; taxi drivers don't expect tips but rounding up is appreciated; hotel staff – no tip needed for porters, but UYU 50-100 for housekeeping is kind.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A small espresso (café chico) from any local café or bakery costs about UYU 70-100.
A menú del día (set lunch) with a main, drink, and dessert in a simple eatery costs around UYU 350-450.
A main dish like milanesa or pasta in a neighbourhood restaurant runs UYU 400-600.
Chivito (steak sandwich) or empanadas from local rotiserías or street carts are common; try along Avenida General Flores or near the university campus.
Tienda Inglesa and Disco are the main supermarket chains; El Dorado is a budget-friendly option for basics.
Look for sales at major shopping centres like Tres Cruces or on Avenida 18 de Julio during seasonal clearance periods.
A single STM bus ticket costs UYU 26; no day pass available. From Carrasco Airport, take local bus Línea 701 (UYU 80) into town instead of a taxi (UYU 800+).
1) Eat at local parrilladas or pizzerías during lunch for set menus rather than dinner. 2) Buy a rechargeable STM card (UYU 20) for discounted bus fares. 3) Shop at the Feria de Tristán Narvaja (Sunday mornings) for cheap produce and odds and ends.
Emergency Contacts
MontevideoIn Montevideo, Uruguay, dial 911 for all emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Alternative numbers: Police non-emergency (1877), Ambulance (105). English-speaking operators may be limited; consider having your address and situation written down in Spanish.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Montevideo, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Alcazaba
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 304 m · ~4 min walk — pharmacy · Pigalle — 150 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Throughout Montevideo → Oxford Hotel and surroundings
💡 Use SUBE card (rechargeable transit card) for discounts. Lines 3, 7, and 64 service the City Center near Oxford Hotel.
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) → Oxford Hotel, Montevideo City Center
💡 Use official airport taxi stands or pre-book through your hotel to avoid overcharging. Uber/Didi also available as alternatives.
Carrasco International Airport (MVD) → Oxford Hotel area, City Center
💡 Most economical airport option. Shuttle stops near major hotels. Buy ticket at airport ground floor counter.
Carrasco / City Center → Various city routes
💡 Metro system currently under construction. Taxi or bus are reliable alternatives for now. Walking the City Center around Oxford Hotel is highly recommended.
About Montevideo
Wikipedia ↗
Montevideo (, US also ; Spanish: [monteβiˈðeo] ), is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. As of the 2023 census, the city proper has a population of 1,287,452, making up about 36.8% of the country's total population, in an area of 201 square kilometers (78 sq mi). Montevideo is situated on the s...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Alcazaba?
Request a room on the third floor, facing the inner courtyard (away from Doctor Mario Cassinoni). The top floor reduces street noise, and the courtyard side avoids the busier road.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Alcazaba?
Avoid rooms on the first floor overlooking the street – Doctor Mario Cassinoni is a main road with traffic noise, and the first floor is closest to the entrance and lift activity.
Is Hotel Alcazaba noisy?
Doctor Mario Cassinoni is a through street in the Pocitos neighbourhood, with moderate traffic during the day and some movement at night. The lift is narrow and audible in adjacent rooms – avoid rooms next to the shaft.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Alcazaba?
The third floor rooms facing the inner courtyard offer the quietest outlook; street-facing rooms see a typical Montevideo avenue with cars and pedestrians.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Alcazaba?
Park at Estacionamiento Pocitos (Avenida Brasil 1198) for 350 UYU/24h – cheaper than street meters if staying more than a few hours. For quiet, request room 301 (assuming third-floor courtyard side) when booking – the lift is single cabin so higher floors have less footfall. WiFi login uses room number and surname – note your exact booking name.
What time is check-in at Hotel Alcazaba?
Check-in at Hotel Alcazaba is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Alcazaba have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary basic WiFi in all rooms and lobby, about 10 Mbps download. No premium upgrade available. Login via room number and surname.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Alcazaba?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Alcazaba?
A menú del día (set lunch) with a main, drink, and dessert in a simple eatery costs around UYU 350-450.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Alcazaba?
A single STM bus ticket costs UYU 26; no day pass available. From Carrasco Airport, take local bus Línea 701 (UYU 80) into town instead of a taxi (UYU 800+).
When is the best time to visit Montevideo?
December, January, February – warm summer weather (25–30°C), long daylight hours, and the city is lively with beachgoers along the Rambla. Carnaval in January-February adds parade energy.
Top Attractions in Montevideo
💡 The stretch near Pocitos Beach is best for a relaxed walk. Bring a mate and a thermos to blend in—it’s the national ritual.
💡 Go around 11am to see the parrillas firing up without the lunchtime crowds. If you do want a cheap snack, empanadas from the side stalls cost around $3.
💡 Cross under the plaza via the subterranean walkway to the mausoleum—it’s free and cool on hot days. The square is quietest early Sunday mornings.
💡 Visit on a Sunday evening when drumming groups (comparsas) practise in public—head to the corner of Isla de Flores and Cuareim. No entry fee, but bring coins for a donation.
💡 Entry is around $4—worth it for the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Old City and port. Check for free admission days, typically on Wednesdays.