GENERAL INFO:
Punta del Este, known by many as the Ibiza or Saint Tropez of South America, offers lavish Nature, Glamour and the best that any Beach resort can show. Located in the east of Uruguay, only (2hs. 30min.) from Montevideo and (5hs.) from Colonia del Sacramento.
WHERE TO SLEEP
(from my last Review Trip to Punta del Este / NOV 2008)
You can also check my facebook page by Gay and Gay Friendly Worldwide Hotel's Reviews.
I also work with other hotels, but this are my favourite in Punta del Este, targeting all type of budgets. Other reviews to come Baie des Anges. I also work with the Conrad Hotel & Casino, AWA Hotel, Hotel Las Cumbres, Casa Pueblo, MANTRA Punta del Este... among others, but the ones listed below are the ones that have shown personal interest to cater to our community.
>> SERENA Hotel
(my TOP choice) review on facebook / review on Friendly Hotels
>> AQUA Hotel
(best Budget choice) review on facebook / review on Friendly Hotels
>> DAYS INN Brava or Mansa
(Budget choices Downtown) review on facebook / review on Friendly Hotels
>> Hotel Castilla
(Budget choice Downtown) review on facebook / review on Friendly Hotels
HOW TO GET THERE:
(from Buenos Aires, Argentina)
There are multiple options. By Ferry to/from Montevideo (3hs.) or Colonia del Sacramento (50min.) and then connection by bus. By Plane to/from Punta del Este (35min.). By Car or Bus.
Also American Airlines counts with multiple flights from North America to Montevideo.
THE GAY FACTOR:
Punta del Este is not a Gay destination at all, but it is indeed a Gay Friendly Destination. There is not a gay scene, since both the day and night scene is mixed. There is a beach area located passing Punta Ballena and Portezuelo called CHIHUAHUA, which is a Gay and Clothing Optional beach. Other than that... there is nothing to be recommended.
RESTAURANTS:
During my last trip I tried several options... from the most expensive to the lowest budgets. Here is the list of my recommendation: Il Mondo della Pizza (low budget, huge portions, friendly staff. Located in the downtown area at Gorlero and 29th St.), Lo de Tere (one of my favourites. This one is a bit more expensive. Rambla del Puerto and 21st St.), ASIANA (at the Serena Hotel. A fusion of Latin and Asian flavors). For those looking for an upscale and formal diner I would suggest Floreal (either for a diner or at tea time - www.floreal.com.uy) or the famous La Bourgogne.
WHEN TO GO:
The best time of the year to go is from mid December to mid January, this is the time of the year when all takes place... parties, events and the crowdest moment. February is great weather and less crowded. For those that like Whales Watching, August to October is the time to visit. Personally I enjoy Punta del Este all year round. During the winter, although is a very quite destination and most of the atractions remain closed, it is a great place to relax and isolate yourself from the world.
TOURS:
This are some of the tours I would suggest for Punta del Este. For bookings, more info or other enquiries do not hesitate to contact me.
+ City Tour Punta del Este (4hs.)
+ Las Cumbres and Chacras
+ Cabo Polonio (Full Day)
+ Piriapolis (5hs.)
+ La Barra and Jose Ignacio (4hs.)
+ Montevideo City of Uruguay (Full Day)
+ Wineries of Punta del Este
+ Bike Tours of Punta del Este
+ Tango Night
+ Shark Fishing Tours (min. 4hs.)
+ Tour to Seal's Island
+ Tour to Gorriti's Island
+ Diving Tour
+ Transfers IN/OUT
ARTICLE AND REVIEW BY:
This article and review was published by me, Carlos Melia from my last trip to Punta del Este on NOV 2008. Special Thanks to: Belen (Serena Hotel), Maria Crivelli (Baie des Anges) and Laura and Mirella Boladian (AQUA Hotel).
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