Gay Montevideo Montevideo City Guide City Guides > Uruguay > Gay Montevideo Montevideo Suzi SiegelThere are two big reasons Montevideo gets overlooked as one of the world’s best gay travel destinations–namely Brazil and Argentina, the two behemoth countries that wedge in tiny Uruguay. Hiding in plain sight, Montevideo is a chill, earthy, cosmopolitan city with one of the world’s only “homomonuments.” Yes, this country the size of North Carolina is actually one of the planet’s most liberal nations and by far the most open-minded in Latin America when it comes to homosexuality. With a staunch division between church and state, same-sex sex has been legal since 1934 and gay marriage since 2013. The nation has been called ‘a model for social inclusion in Latin America’ and ranks fifth in the world on the Gay Happiness Index. All that and it’s a great city to boot. Fifteen miles of coastal promenade for running, swimming, sunning, or ambling aimlessly holding your partner’s hand. Posh shopping districts and quaint colonial architecture. Leafy plazas and serious grilled meats. But what really sets the city apart is how authentically laid back the culture is, while at the same time being worldly. Montevideo is hippie and hip at the same time. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design Where to stay in MontevideoPerched majestically on the shores of the Rio de la Plata, the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa reigns as a crown jewel of luxury accommodation in Uruguay‘s capital. This splendid French-inspired palace, originally opened in 1921, masterfully blends Belle Époque grandeur with contemporary sophistication. Occupying pride of place in the upscale Carrasco neighbourhood, the hotel showcases spectacular views across the endless expanse of the river from its privileged beachfront position. Inside, the sumptuous interiors feature soaring ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers, whilst the 116 rooms and suites harmoniously merge classic elegance with modern amenities. The property’s piece de resistance is its indulgent 3,000-square-metre spa, complete with an indoor pool, hammam, and signature treatments that draw inspiration from French beauty traditions.Meanwhile, the Hyatt Centric Montevideo presents a thoroughly modern interpretation of luxury hospitality along the capital’s waterfront Rambla. Situated in the prestigious Pocitos district, this sleek urban retreat offers uninterrupted views of the river and beach from many of its 178 design-forward rooms and suites. The property’s understated sophistication is evident in its clean lines, contemporary artwork, and thoughtful details like The Corner – an intimate library space perfect for catching up on correspondence or losing oneself in a good book. The hotel’s Plantado restaurant has emerged as a culinary destination in its own right, where talented chefs reimagine Uruguayan classics with modern flair.For those seeking a more intimate stay, Hotel Montevideo delivers a boutique experience in the heart of the historic Ciudad Vieja. This carefully restored heritage building houses just 40 rooms, each individually styled with a compelling mix of original architectural features and custom-designed furniture. The rooftop terrace, with its infinity pool and cocktail bar, provides a sublime setting for sundowners with views across the city’s terracotta rooftops. What sets this property apart is its dedication to supporting local artists – the hotel doubles as a gallery space, with rotating exhibitions of Uruguayan art adorning its public spaces. Its location puts guests within walking distance of the city’s main cultural attractions, including the renowned Teatro Solís. Thank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the BookExplore more Sydney City GuideSydney has come a long way from the mass arrests at the first annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade a generation ago, which has since become a world-famous event attracting hundreds of thousands of participants, To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription. Explore > The Naked French Villa: Blissful Clothing-optional Travel Experiences for MenEmbrace the epitome of upscale comfort with Everything To Sea, a revered organizer of blissful clothing-optional travel experiences for men. Everything To Sea’s trips take small groups of like-minded men to some of the best retreats in the world, both on land and on the sea. 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