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Some cities in Latin America just seem to take forever to get any momentum on the luxury hotel front and Montevideo has been one of those for as long as we can remember. Lately there’s been some action to get excited about though, the latest being the new Hyatt Centric Montevideo.

It was a rather moribund scene until the Sofitel Carrasco opened up is a historic building on the sandy Rio de Plato beach and now it’s got some high-end company. While that one is elegant and stately, however, this Hyatt Centric is more casual and cool, clearly aimed at a younger crowd.

Here the emphasis is on art and design, with just a few nods to the past and a clear embrace of the contemporary. It’s still a chain hotel of course—Hyatt’s second in the country after taking over the former Four Seasons in Carmelo—but it’s more W or Kimpton than what you’d normally expect from that traditional business travel chain.

“Throughout the property, Hyatt Centric Montevideo incorporates elements of Uruguay’s art and culture to avoid a typical “chain” feel, beginning in the Spanish Colonial-style entry, with black and white Art Deco tiles and accents in leather and iron.

To the right as you enter is a library, its floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books by local authors and titles about regional culture, from tango to chivitos (Uruguay’s ubiquitous overflowing meat sandwich). It’s a workspace for guests, too, with two common computers and a quiet corner to hole up with your own devices. On the walls are contemporary works by local artists.”

Rooms are functional more than fabulous, but are stocked with all the technology you would expect from a new chain hotel, plus the ergonomic chairs, safes, comfy mattresses, and good toiletries most business travelers expect. Those who have status at Hyatt (or pay a bit extra) can get onto the club floor, with a lounge that has breakfast and evening cocktails. The sweatshirt style bathrobes are a nice touch that sets this hotel apart.

There are only 14 suites among the 178 rooms, so you’d better book well ahead if you want to snag one of those.

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There’s a narrow indoor pool where you can swim some laps and then lounge in stylish sitting areas like the one here to the right under a skylight. The fitness center is open 24 hours.

A full breakfast buffet is usually included in the rates and the main restaurant also serves lunch and dinner. There’s also a cafe to keep people up until those late-night dinners and an attractive bar that’s a popular gathering space for locals as well as guests.

Sоurсе: luxurylatinamerica.com