H I Montevideo was my first stop in a mini whirlwind tour of a few cities in South America. I saw neither scruffy nor grubby. I felt I got value for my money.

I paid for a diplomatic suite online, in advance, but when I arrived in mid-August, they did not have my reservation. Problems with central reservation, they explained. I had anticipated this because of a previous review and had taken a copy of the reservation information with me. They honoured the online rate, which was VASTLY different from the walk in rate, as it seems to be throughout all South America! I had to pay at the hotel, but in the end my credit card had not been charged by central reservations. Since I was a non-Uruguayan resident holding a foreign travel document I was exempt from paying hotel taxes.

The lobby seemed small, so I asked to see the rooms before registering ( to decide whether or not to upgrade). They were quite accommodating and I was able to view the room. It was very cozy but in my estimation only reasonable for the online rate. Please bear in mind that this was the diplomatic suite. I think the regular rooms would be much smaller! There was a tiny sitting area with a pull-out sofa bed, table, TV, fridge etc. which led to a bedroom ...quite comfy for two. The third person would use the pullout sofa. In my estimation, the Diplomatic suite may be tight for three depending on the length of stay. An upgrade then would be better as the Presidential Suite is much more spacious and has a jacuzzi as well. Breakfast was good and was included in the room rate. I had dinner at a restaurant near to the hotel. I enjoyed myself just imbibing the local ambience.

The hotel was able to book me on a tour of Montevideo, which was great, as I did not have much time in the city. The tour bus picked me up at the hotel and dropped me off there at the end of the tour. I would have no objections to staying at H. I. again as I did not have any major problems and the staff also spoke English so communicating was easy, but I probably would want to experience another hotel. There are restaurants, shops and cambios within walking distance or a short cab ride away from the hotel. Change just enough money at the airport to pay the SHUTTLE BUS to get you to your hotel as well as to tip the driver. The rate at the cambio is MUCH better. Enjoy your stay!