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Summary of reviewsHotel California, situated in the heart of Montevideo, consistently receives positive feedback for its prime location. Guests appreciate its proximity to key attractions, such as the iconic 18 de Julio Avenue, cultural landmarks, shops and dining options. The central location also makes it convenient for exploring the city on foot, while taxis and public transportation are readily available for further travels. The availability of nearby parking facilities adds another layer of convenience, especially for those traveling by car. Overall, the strategic location combined with friendly staff and good value for money makes for a pleasant stay.
The hotel's breakfast garners generally favorable reviews. Guests often describe the breakfast offerings as diverse, abundant and a good representation of Uruguayan culture, including items like fresh orange juice and various breads and cakes. Positive mentions highlight the inclusion of breakfast in the stay as a great value, complemented by the warm and attentive service from the staff. Although some guests note occasional limitations in variety and some logistical issues, the breakfast experience remains a well-appreciated feature.
Dinner options at Hotel California are well-received as well with food described as tasty and representative of local cuisine. Despite a limited menu, the quality of the dishes and the reasonable prices make dining at the hotel a cost-effective and enjoyable experience. The service during dinner times, much like at breakfast, is commendable, enhancing the overall dining experience.
The staff at Hotel California receive high praise across various reviews. Highlighted for their warmth, professionalism and helpfulness, the staff significantly contribute to a positive guest experience. Specific employees are often mentioned for their exceptional service, reinforcing the hotel's reputation for excellent hospitality.
However, mixed feedback is noted regarding the rooms. While some guests appreciate the remodeled rooms with modern showers and beautiful bathrooms, many others find the rooms small, cramped and suffering from maintenance and cleanliness issues. Complaints often include old interiors, broken fixtures, poor lighting and musty smells. Furthermore, noise disturbances due to thin walls and proximity to elevators detract from the overall comfort.
Cleanliness shows significant inconsistency with some guests praising the tidy conditions and attentive cleaning staff while others report dirty floors, stale odors and inadequate maintenance.
The hotel's Wi-Fi service also receives mixed reviews, working well for some guests but posing connectivity issues for others, especially in certain areas of the hotel.
Parking facilities at the hotel are generally appreciated for being free and secure, although access to the parking garage can be cumbersome for larger vehicles due to tight spaces and challenging ramps.
For families, the hotel offers a somewhat mixed experience. While the friendly staff create a welcoming environment, room sizes and maintenance issues often fall short of ideal family accommodations. The central location does, however, provide good access to family-friendly attractions.
The hotel's central spot makes it a good choice for nightlife enthusiasts. Its proximity to numerous bars, restaurants and clubs appeals especially to younger guests looking to experience Montevideo's vibrant nightlife, although this advantage sometimes results in night-time noise disturbances.
In summary, Hotel California benefits greatly from its prime location and excellent staff service, though it would benefit from improvements in room maintenance and overall cleanliness to fully meet guest expectations consistently. Show more
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Categories
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Situated on San Jose, this hotel is centrally located, providing access to various attractions and nightlife venues. The area includes a mix of historical sites and modern entertainment options.
Hotel with Parking
Hotel California offers free on-site parking for guests. Availability is subject to demand, but the complimentary on-site option is a key benefit.
Cheap Hotel
Hotel California offers affordable accommodation in a convenient location. It is a practical choice for travelers seeking to explore Montevideo on a budget.
Accessible Hotel
Hotel California offers rooms and facilities for disabled guests with wheelchair access. The entire unit is wheelchair accessible and accessible by lift, including upper floors. Additional features include raised toilet seats and grab bars near the toilet.
3-Star Hotel
The Hotel California is a budget-friendly option in Montevideo, providing essential amenities and a convenient location for exploring the city.
Hotel Taking Steps Towards Sustainability
Family Friendly Hotel
Business Hotel
Room Types
Standard Double RoomA comfortable room featuring air conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom.
Superior Double RoomFeatures heating, air conditioning and cable TV.
Superior Single RoomThis room features a single bed, heating, air conditioning and cable TV.
Standard Single RoomA comfortable room featuring air conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom.
Superior Twin RoomThis room features 2 single beds, heating, air conditioning and cable TV.
Standard Twin RoomA comfortable room featuring air conditioning, cable TV and a private bathroom.
Guest Reviews
7.2
Good
Location
Nestled in the heart of Montevideo, Hotel California boasts an enviable location that guests consistently rave about. Positioned close to the city's main attractions and just a block away from the iconic 18 de Julio Avenue, the hotel offers unparalleled convenience for travelers. With its central placement, visitors can easily explore historical sites, tourist spots, shops and a variety of dining options on foot. Accessibility is another strong suit with taxis and public transportation within easy reach, making it a strategic base for both leisure and business trips.
Several reviews highlight the proximity to cultural landmarks, supermarkets and bustling local markets, reflecting the vibrant life of Uruguayan culture. The presence of nearby parking facilities adds a layer of convenience for those traveling by car. Guests appreciate the combination of good location, value for money and friendly staff, making the overall experience at Hotel California notably pleasant.
Though the hotel is described as basic, its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities receive commendation. The staff's attention and helpfulness further enhance the stay, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and attended to. The breakfast, often mentioned alongside the location, is noted to be abundant and varied, providing a good start to the day.
In summary, Hotel California’s central and strategic location, coupled with excellent staff service and practical amenities, makes it a top choice for visitors aiming to explore Montevideo's downtown and beyond.
Breakfast
Hotel California provides a diverse breakfast experience for its guests with a generally positive reception. Guests frequently highlight the variety and completeness of the offerings, which include fresh and well-prepared dishes that cater to a range of dietary preferences, including options suitable for celiacs.
The breakfast spread is often described as good, very good or even excellent, featuring a range of breads, cakes, fresh orange juice and other items that showcase Uruguayan culture. Many reviewers appreciate the inclusion of breakfast with their stay, citing it as a great value for the price. The friendly and attentive staff, particularly noted for their warmth and hospitality, contribute significantly to the pleasant breakfast experience.
The location of the hotel, combined with the quality of the breakfast, is frequently praised, making it a convenient and satisfying start to the day for guests exploring Montevideo.
However, some guests have noted areas for improvement. There are mentions of limited variety and repetitive options, including a lack of fresh fruits and vegetarian choices. A few reviewers experienced more basic or simple breakfasts, which they felt were not as advertised or fell short of expectations. Additionally, some critiques mention logistical issues such as crowded dining areas, use of plastic foam trays and inconsistent replenishment of items.
Overall, Hotel California seems to offer a breakfast experience that is largely appreciated for its quality and variety with occasional feedback on areas that could enhance the guest experience even further.
Dinner
Hotel California's dinner options have garnered favorable feedback from guests. The cuisine is noted as good and highly representative of Uruguayan culture, providing a complete and delicious dining experience. Guests appreciated the wonderful and great restaurant choices available. The food, while characterized by limited variety, is consistently described as tasty.
Dining at the hotel is also highlighted as a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive options in Montevideo. Though some guests wished for additional savory options, the overall response to the hotel’s food remains positive. The service at dinner is repeatedly commended for being very good, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.
Rooms
'Hotel California', located in the heart of Montevideo, presents a mixed experience when it comes to its rooms. On the positive side, some guests appreciated the comfortable and remodeled rooms with particular praise for the beautiful bathrooms and modern showers. The cleanliness of some rooms was also highlighted, along with the pleasant surprise of a spacious room with a balcony. The convenient central location of the hotel is another advantage, making it ideal for exploring the city.
However, many reviews point out significant drawbacks. The majority of the rooms are described as small, cramped and lacking proper ventilation. These size constraints often lead to discomfort, especially for those needing space for activities like opening suitcases or relaxing comfortably. Maintenance issues are a recurring theme with reports of old, deteriorated interiors, broken fixtures and poor lighting. Cleanliness is another concern with mentions of dirty walls, carpets, bedding and bathrooms, accompanied by musty smells throughout the premises.
Furthermore, the misleading representation of rooms, as compared to online photos, disappointed many guests. Noise from thin walls and nearby elevators often disturbed the stay and issues with amenities like weak air conditioning, malfunctioning showers, inadequate maintenance and lack of heating compounded the dissatisfaction.
Overall, while some aspects of 'Hotel California' offer comfort and a central location, the widespread issues regarding room size, cleanliness and maintenance suggest that improvements are needed to meet guest expectations consistently.
Beds
At Hotel California, the feedback on beds and mattresses is quite varied. Many guests have praised the comfort of the beds, describing them as very comfortable and exceptionally large with some even calling the mattresses super comfortable. The hygiene of the beds is commonly highlighted positively, noting that they are generally clean with tidy rooms and clean bedding.
However, there are also significant criticisms. Several guests have noted that the quality of the beds varies with some finding the beds too hard or uncomfortable due to old, sagging or poorly maintained mattresses. Issues such as beds being made up of two single mattresses pushed together, resulting in uneven and uncomfortable surfaces, were frequently mentioned. There were comments about noisy beds, stained bed linens, faded covers and poor maintenance.
While the positive remarks about comfortable and spacious beds do exist, the recurring theme of discomfort and cleanliness issues indicates that the hotel could benefit from upgrading their bed materials and improving overall room maintenance to enhance guest satisfaction.
Cleanliness
Hotel California experiences significant inconsistency in terms of cleanliness, as highlighted by guest reviews. Many visitors praised the hotel for its clean rooms that are maintained well with some noting that the cleaning staff provided excellent service and that the overall cleanliness met their expectations. Guests found rooms to be clean, spacious and tidy with basic yet sufficient cleaning standards upheld in some areas.
However, numerous reviews also point to areas needing improvement. Common issues include dirty floors, dust under beds, stained towels and sheets and a musty smell in rooms. Mold in bathrooms, dirty walls and carpets that require replacing were frequent complaints. Moreover, the lack of daily room cleaning, unclean common areas such as elevators and reception and issues with old and worn-out linens and towels were noted. Several guests found the hotel's overall hygiene to be poor with some rooms being described as very dirty, unhygienic and in need of significant maintenance and upgrades.
Staff
At Hotel California, the staff consistently receive high praise for their exceptional service and warm demeanor. Guests frequently highlight the reception staff as being especially cordial, friendly and very helpful. They often go above and beyond to answer inquiries and provide tips for navigating the local area.
The hotel staff, from the front desk team to the cleaning personnel and kitchen workers, are noted for their politeness, professional behavior and attentiveness. Several reviews mention specific employees like Mr. Diego and Mrs. Vera for their outstanding service and positive attitudes. Although most staff members primarily speak Spanish, the language barrier seems to be mitigated by their friendly and accommodating nature.
Management at the hotel also receives accolades for their competent and kind approach, contributing to a well-run establishment. A special nod goes to individuals like Santiago at the front desk, who has been singled out for remarkable service.
While not all staff interactions are flawless, the overwhelming majority of reviews reflect a genuine appreciation for the staff's kindness, responsiveness and the excellent overall service they provide. The attentive nature and enthusiasm of the staff at Hotel California evidently contribute significantly to a pleasant and comfortable stay for guests.
Wi-Fi
Hotel California's Wi-Fi service received mixed reviews from guests. On a positive note, some guests found the Wi-Fi very good, functional and with an excellent signal, especially in specific rooms like room 807, which was highlighted for its zero noise and excellent Wi-Fi. The hotel also meets free Wi-Fi standards with some guests noting that the internet worked well overall without major drops or speed issues.
However, several reviews pointed out less favorable experiences. Weak signals were reported, particularly during the morning and some guests mentioned that the Wi-Fi would drop frequently. A few guests found the internet to be very slow, unstable and sometimes entirely unconnectable, notably when near the elevator. For some, the Wi-Fi was only reliable in the lobby and the connection was described as intermittent and poor in other areas.
While some guests appreciated the internet services, others encountered significant inconveniences, pointing to variability in the quality and consistency of the hotel's Wi-Fi.
Parking
Hotel California offers a mixed experience when it comes to parking facilities. On the positive side, the hotel provides free and secure parking options, which many guests appreciated. The inclusion of parking in the room rate adds to the overall value, making it a budget-friendly choice for travelers with vehicles. Guests highlighted that parking is available around the corner and even on-site with secure and private options making the stay more convenient.
However, there are downsides to the parking amenities. Multiple reviews noted that the parking garage can be challenging to access, especially spots on the higher floors with tight, cumbersome spaces. It appears the garage is best suited for smaller vehicles due to limited space and difficult ramps. Occasionally, guests found the parking area poorly maintained and even dark, which might not be ideal for everyone.
Despite some drawbacks regarding accessibility and maintenance, the availability of free parking and the convenience it offers largely benefit guests, making their stay more comfortable and hassle-free.
Family
Hotel California offers a mixed experience for families looking for a suitable vacation spot. The hotel is frequently described as family-friendly, providing an environment that is generally welcoming to those traveling with children. Guests often highlight the friendly staff, which contributes to the family-friendly atmosphere.
However, there are some areas where the hotel falls short. The accommodations have been reported as not always suitable for families with some rooms being too small to comfortably accommodate a family unit. Additionally, there have been instances of rooms with doors that do not lock properly, leading to adjoining rooms that may be occupied or used internally, raising security concerns.
Furthermore, the lack of free baby cots and occasional issues with hot water and maintenance—such as plaster cracks, peeling paint and dampness—have also been pointed out. Despite these drawbacks, the cleanliness of the rooms and the adequacy of the bedding in family rooms are positive aspects noted by guests.
Overall, while Hotel California has the potential to be a reasonable stay for families, some improvements in the facilities and room conditions would greatly enhance the family experience.
Nightlife
Hotel California enjoys a central location that places guests in the heart of a vibrant nightlife scene. It's a great spot for those looking to immerse themselves in night events, lively parties and various night groups. The hotel is conveniently close to numerous bars, restaurants and tourist spots, making it particularly suitable for young people and tourists eager to explore the nightlife.
Guests appreciate the easy access to nightlife, describing it as pleasant and vibrant. However, it's worth noting that the lively atmosphere can lead to noise disturbances at night. Several reviews mention noise from nearby nightlife, as well as from guests walking around and slamming doors. This can be particularly bothersome for those staying in rooms close to the elevator.
Despite the noise, the hotel’s location remains a major draw for many, offering a great balance of entertainment and convenience. For those who prioritize being close to the action and don’t mind a bit of nocturnal commotion, Hotel California stands out as a prime choice for enjoying the local nightlife.
3 Star
Hotel California is a hotel that consistently holds a three-star rating, which is fitting when considering various aspects of its services and facilities. Some guests highlighted that it matches the typical characteristics of a three-star hotel, providing acceptable amenities and reasonable budgets without any luxuries. This makes it a good option for travelers looking for a budget-friendly stay while maintaining a decent quality of service.
Many reviews noted that the hotel offers a good relationship between price and quality, making it a good budget-friendly choice for a short stay. The room service was often praised for meeting three-star expectations, contributing to positive guest experiences. Additionally, some guests appreciated the cleanliness standards maintained at the hotel, aligning well with a three-star rating.
However, opinions were divided regarding the overall facilities. Some guests felt that the hotel meets the minimum requirements for a three-star establishment but falls short in areas such as amenities and staff availability. For example, the absence of items like a hairdryer and personal care products was mentioned as a downside and issues with the elevator's functionality were noted. There were also mentions of the lack of staff presence during certain hours, contributing to a less favorable impression for some.
Despite these mixed reviews, guests generally found the hotel to be acceptable for short, budget-conscious stays, providing just enough to meet basic needs without any added luxuries. The reception service received specific praise, which helped elevate some guests' experiences.
In conclusion, Hotel California is considered reasonable for a three-star rating, providing a balance between affordability and basic hospitality services. While it may not exceed expectations, it remains a viable option for travelers seeking a simple, budget-friendly stay.
Business
Hotel California is highly regarded by business travelers for its central location, making it a convenient choice for work-related visits. The hotel offers accommodations that cater to business needs, providing good meeting facilities and basic conference rooms to accommodate professional gatherings. The lobby can serve as a functional space for small business meetings, despite its limited area.
Guests appreciate the responsive service, as demonstrated by the prompt room change to meet specific work requirements, such as providing a table and offering a room with a terrace and a stunning view. Business services at Hotel California are well-reviewed with practical amenities including an iron and ironing board in the rooms. The price-quality ratio is deemed favorable, reinforcing its suitability for business stays. Overall, Hotel California consistently meets the expectations of business travelers, combining convenience with essential services.
Accessible
Hotel California offers a mix of accessible features, making it a suitable choice for travelers with disabilities. The hotel's central location ensures that everything is conveniently close with accessible public transportation options nearby. Guests appreciated that the facilities, rooms and general areas were easily navigable, providing good accessibility for wheelchair users. Accessible parking and accessible bathrooms are also available to enhance comfort.
However, some guests encountered challenges, such as old elevators and difficult-to-navigate entrances, which could pose issues for wheelchair users. While there are accessible rooms, availability can be limited and the absence of ramps was noted. Despite these drawbacks, the accessibility of the staff and overall facilities generally contributed to a comfortable stay.
No, Hotel California doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Hotel California.
No, Hotel California doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Hotel California.