Hotel Review: Hyatt Centric Montevideo
Until recently, I hadn't had the chance to experience Hyatt's Centric brand, and to be honest, it never really stood out to me. The properties I'd browsed for domestic travel often seemed bland, especially when compared to competitors with more distinctive offerings. Yet, despite my lack of enthusiasm, my curiosity got the better of me—especially with so many new Hyatt Centric hotels on the horizon. So, on a recent trip to Montevideo, Uruguay, I decided to give the brand a try, lured in by its fantastic location. Here is my review of Hyatt Centric Montevideo:
Hyatt Centric Montevideo is located at Rbla. República del Perú 1479, 11300 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay.
Location
The Hyatt Centric Montevideo is ideally situated in the vibrant Pocitos neighborhood of Montevideo, Uruguay, overlooking the picturesque Rambla of Montevideo and the Rio de la Plata. Its prime location offers tourists a perfect blend of urban sophistication and coastal beauty, as Playa de los Pocitos is situated right in front of the hotel. Guests can enjoy easy access to the city's cultural attractions, trendy shops at the Punta Carretas Shopping Mall, and diverse dining options at Mercado del Puerto, while also relishing the calming presence of the nearby beach.
Lobby & Check-In Review
As I stepped into the lobby of Hyatt Centric Montevideo, I was immediately struck by the hotel’s artistic vibe. A wooden sphere sculpture on a playful checkerboard floor welcomed me, setting the tone for a space deeply connected to art.
As I stepped into the hotel, a captivating wooden sphere sculpture greeted me, resting playfully on a whimsical checkerboard floor.
The tall ceilings gave an instant sense of openness, and the general waiting area, which doubled as a library, was a visual feast.
The tall industrial bookshelves in the lobby infused the space with a distinct, eclectic ambiance.
Towering industrial bookshelves and cozy lounge chairs filled the space, with private pods tucked away in corners, each thoughtfully adorned with abstract art. The blend of colors and materials throughout the lobby created a vibrant and creative atmosphere for guests.
The fusion of colors and materials throughout the lobby crafted a lively and inspiring atmosphere.
At the heart of the lobby, a long wooden communal table, illuminated by a cascade of lightbulbs, presented a natural coworking space.
The walls surrounding the wooden communal table came alive with vibrant, imaginative artwork, transforming the space into a dynamic gallery.
On the table, I found an information plaque about a local artist whose work adorned the walls, including visually striking portraits of the Beatles.
The hotel frequently features local artists, proudly displaying their innovative works for guests to admire.
As I admired the art, the front desk manager approached me, sharing the hotel’s commitment to showcasing local artists, with many interior design elements inspired by them. I’m always thrilled when establishments highlight local talent; the hotel’s connection to the local creative community made Hyatt Centric Montevideo even more appealing. After a brief introduction to the hotel’s history, the manager guided me to the front desk for check-in.
The check-in experience offered me a glimpse into the city's highlights and intriguing history, setting the stage for my stay.
Thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, I was upgraded to a junior suite. He then provided me with a map of Montevideo, pointing out some of the city’s highlights and fascinating history. For example, I learned that Estadio Centenario, the stadium that hosted the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, is in Montevideo. He also mentioned a local mall that was originally a jail, which piqued my interest, is a popular local attraction, and I appreciated his effort to connect me with the city’s history. With my card keys in hand, I headed up to the 10th floor, where my junior suite was located.
Bedroom Review
As a first-time guest at a Hyatt Centric, I was curious about what awaited me in my room. Stepping into my suite, I was immediately struck by the modern yet cozy vibe—like staying in a chic boutique apartment. The living area invited relaxation with its plush couch and sleek wooden coffee table.
The living room exuded a warm and inviting atmosphere, reminiscent of a cozy apartment.
Nonetheless, I found myself wishing for an extra chair, perfect for sharing an intimate meal or savoring a bottle of rich Uruguayan Tannet wine with a companion. A delightful welcome amenity awaited on the table: a plate of delicate macarons and chocolate desserts, alongside a thoughtful note greeting me and my wife to Montevideo.
These delectable sweet treats made for the perfect afternoon indulgence.
These sweet treats paired wonderfully with the coffee we brewed using the in-room Nescafe machine, neatly stationed on a white cabinet.
The living space had the ambiance of a well-appointed apartment.
While the mini-fridge tucked inside was empty, the nearby drawer was stocked with coffee pods and additional cups, ensuring we could enjoy a warm beverage anytime. Mounted on the wall was a standard flat-screen TV, but I was slightly disappointed by the lack of smart features.
I wish there were an additional chair to make the dining set more complete.
Beyond a sliding door, a king-sized bed beckoned, its gray fabric headboard delivering a touch of warmth in addition to the carpeted floor.
The gray fabric infused the bedroom with a warm and cozy ambiance.
The mattress was very comfortable, and it made leaving the bed a challenge. However, the light switches on the nightstands were unlabeled although they were conveniently placed. It led to a few trials and errors as I figured out which switch controlled which light. A second TV was mounted across from the bed, and a small work desk occupied the corner.
The bedroom included an extra TV, but unfortunately, it lacked smart TV functionalities.
Tall windows delivered a view of downtown Montevideo—a nice sight, though I couldn’t help but wish for a room overlooking Pocito Beach.
To make the most of the hotel's location, request a room with a view of Pocito Beach.
The suite’s spacious walk-in closet was connected to the bathroom, with bright red accents adding a splash of color to the otherwise gray palette.
The walk-in closet was spacious, and I loved the vibrant pop of red accents against the backdrop of gray and neutral tones.
One minor inconvenience was the outlets—most were nonfunctional, leaving just one by the nightstand as a makeshift charging station. Lastly, while the suite was comfortable, I couldn’t help but feel that it lacked the unique flair of local art and decor that made the lobby so captivating and engaging. A few more touches reflecting the vibrant local culture would have made the living room and bedroom truly stand out.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom was conveniently accessible from both the living room and bedroom, showcasing a sizable mirror framed by light bars and a sleek double sink vanity with a gray marble countertop.
The bathroom featured a sleek, elongated sink with a central drain, which was hidden by the removable countertop.
The sink itself was a clever design—a single long piece with a removable board in the center that doubled as a countertop, discreetly hiding the drain below. However, when water didn’t drain quickly enough, it left unwelcome residues, especially after brushing teeth.
I had concerns about the hotel's cleanliness after discovering a sticky brown residue on the bathroom amenities.
While the toiletries, like dental and shaving kits, were individually wrapped, the board was marred by watermarks, and one dental kit wrapper had sticky brown residue, which made me hesitant to use them. Across from the vanity, a spacious bathtub with jet functions provided a perfect way to unwind after exploring Montevideo. Although the jet streams were gentle, the tub’s ergonomic design and depth offered a soothing experience.
The hydrojets in the bathtub were the perfect remedy after a long day of exploring Montevideo.
At the far end of the bathroom, a water closet with a traditional bidet provided privacy, ideal for sharing the space with a partner.
A bidet might seem intimidating if you're from the US, but it's widely accepted in Uruguay.
The walk-in shower, enclosed by a glass door, featured both a rainfall showerhead and a handheld option.
The large rainfall showerhead provided a consistently refreshing shower experience.
Communal toiletry bottles on the wall contained generic Hyatt Centric products. While the products were decent, I would have appreciated if the hotel provided some information about the fragrance.
I would have appreciated it if the hotel had provided some details about the fragrance.
While I wasn’t entirely confident in the bathroom’s cleanliness, I appreciated its more interesting design compared to the bedroom, with the use of white marble on the tub and vanity adding a touch of contrast.
Gym & Pool Review
The gym was located on the -1 level and was open 24/7. The gym offered a standard hotel fitness experience in a spacious room lined with typical cardio machines like treadmills and stationary bikes.
The fitness center offered a standard selection of workout options, including several cardio machines.
Dumbbells and adjustable benches occupied a corner, and the cushioned flooring was a thoughtful touch, allowing for lightweight drops without damage.
The dumbbells had limited weight options, but fortunately, there were additional strength training machines to meet your needs.
Strength training machines filled the rest of the space, delivering a complete workout routine for guests. However, the gym lacked the vibrant energy one might expect.
The gym felt a bit lifeless without any background music to inject some dynamic energy.
With no music playing in the background, it felt quiet and lifeless unless you brought your own earbuds. Additionally, despite being separate from the pool, the gym had noticeably high humidity. Speaking of the pool, the indoor swimming area shared the same level as the gym and was open from 6 AM to 10 PM. Upon entering, the intense humidity hit me, reminiscent of a steam room—likely due to the pool water being heated.
The indoor pool area was enveloped in a warm, humid atmosphere, due to the heated pool water.
The infinity pool was long enough for proper laps, and its underwater and ambient ceiling lighting evoked the vibe of a W Hotel pool, despite the absence of clubby music.
The infinity pool was long enough for proper laps, but like the gym, it lacked any background music to enhance the atmosphere.
Wide lounge beds lined the walls, and two daybeds beneath a skylight with reflective pendant decor added a touch of elegance.
The swimming pool had great potential to be a more engaging spot, and I'd still recommend giving it a visit.
Even with the ambient glow, the dim lighting of the pool gave it a cenote-like atmosphere. Overall, both the gym and pool were functional, but there was a clear lack of energy; a bit of soothing music in the pool area and upbeat tunes in the gym would have made a world of difference.
Breakfast Review—Plantado
My breakfast was included with my Hyatt Globalist status, so I headed to the hotel’s restaurant, Plantado, early in the morning.
Plantado is conveniently located on the ground floor and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It served breakfast from 7 AM to 11 AM on weekends, and despite visiting the restaurant at 7:36 AM, I only found it already buzzing with guests. The scent of delicious food filled the air, thanks to the open kitchen, and the restaurant could accommodate groups of different sizes, with a large group table in the back adding to the lively atmosphere.
The restaurant got busy quickly during breakfast service, so I recommend arriving early to beat the crowd.
The hot dishes were arranged around an artificial tree, providing breakfast staples like sausage, scrambled eggs, potatoes, and grilled veggies.
The open kitchen allowed the mouthwatering aroma of Uruguayan breakfast food to fill the air.
The sausage was the standout for me—crispy-skinned with a subtle smoky flavor, reminiscent of the excellent meat I’d enjoyed at a local parrilla.
The breakfast sausage was exceptionally good, with a subtle smoky flavor that made it stand out.
Next to the hot items were sliced bread and Uruguayan cheese bread, while sweet pastries like muffins and cinnamon rolls had their own section.
While there was a section for savory breads, the pastry area proved to be more popular among guests.
Though there were pre-cut fruits and charcuterie available, the cold cuts of cheese and meat lacked flavor.
The charcuterie section didn’t quite measure up to the quality of the grilled meats cooked in the kitchen.
The buffet had only one espresso machine, which led to a constant queue. Halfway through my meal, I noticed other guests ordering fresh-made omelets from the kitchen, so I placed an order as well.
The food was decent, but the service felt disorganized and often lacked attention.
Unfortunately, the omelet never arrived, despite others who came after me receiving theirs. I ended up settling for granola with yogurt and fruit, but it was disappointing overall.
My à la carte omelet never arrived, so I had to settle for something else instead.
The breakfast fell short of expectations; the waitstaff seemed overwhelmed, and apart from the sausage, the other items lacked flavor. Unless you have a complimentary breakfast as part of your stay or through your Hyatt Globalist status, I’d suggest skipping breakfast at Plantado.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
Playa de los Pocitos is one of Uruguay's most beloved beaches and is just steps from the hotel. Its gentle waves and expansive stretch of fine golden sand create the perfect setting for swimming and sunbathing.
The hotel staff's hospitality, apart from my experience at Plantado, was truly outstanding. I especially appreciated the check-in, where the front desk manager provided a personalized tour of Montevideo using a map, highlighting local attractions and his favorite restaurants.
The indoor infinity pool was a pleasant departure from the usual; with its softly heated water and unique ambiance, it felt like swimming in a secluded, underground oasis.
Negatives
Despite having complimentary breakfast at Plantado thanks to my Hyatt Globalist status, the service left much to be desired. The wait staff were inattentive, resulting in a missed à la carte order. The breakfast itself was unremarkable, and I wouldn't recommend paying for it unless it's included with an elevated Hyatt status.
Summary
Hyatt Centric Montevideo was my first experience with the Hyatt Centric brand, and from the moment I arrived, I felt warmly welcomed. While my room’s decor was a bit generic compared to the vibrant lobby adorned with local art, the hospitality from the staff more than made up for it. The breakfast services left room for improvement, but the hotel’s prime location directly across from Pocitos Beach was a major highlight. On rainy days, the heated indoor infinity pool offered a cozy retreat. If you're set on staying at a Hyatt property, Hyatt Centric Montevideo would be a solid choice, though I wouldn’t be opposed to exploring other options next time.
