Uruguay - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 850

Ì El Diablo Tranquilo Hostel & Suites Hostel
on Av Central, Suites opposite on beach T 44772647,
W eldiablotranquilo.com. Bright red hostel with open-
plan common areas and a fun terrace kitchen with sea
views, which compensate for the rather cramped dorms.
There are boutique en-suite rooms and dorms in both
locations; the newer building i s on the b each with a fun ky
bar for guests. Dorms UR$700 , doubles UR$900-1700

the hostels off to the right when you look back at town.
There are o ces for all the bus companies which serve the
town, but again, these are in the process of moving.
Destinations Chuy (5 daily; 2hr); Montevideo (3 daily;
5hr); Rocha (4 daily; 2hr); San Carlos (for Punta del Este;
1 daily; 3hr).

ACCOMMODATION
Hostels have sprung up like mushrooms in the last few
years; check online before you go for hostels which
open seasonally. Locals throughout the town also rent
out their cabañas for tourists - look out for the signs
saying se alquila , but these are generally only a better-
value alternative to the hostels if you're in a large group. As
elsewhere, prices stated are for the cheapest bed in high
season, but expect the prices to be more than halved
outside of Dec-April.
Botella al Mar E [e-mail], W marosierras
.blogspot.com. Two sweet white cabins just 150m from
the Playa Pescadores right in the centre of town; one sleeps
2 and the other 4. They come fully equipped (apart from
sheets and towels), and have sea views. Cabin for two per
day, min stay 7 days UR$1900
Ì La Casa de las Boyas C 5 s/n, also access from Av
Central T 44772624, W lacasadelasboyas.com. This really
well-equipped hostel - the oldest in town - sprawls over
several buildings all connected with wooden walkways.
Kitchenettes in the dorms furthest away from the house,
lots of bathrooms and reading lights, as well as a swi mming
pool, elevate this from the re st. Dorms UR$600 , room
(sleeps up to 4) with kitchenette UR$3600

10

EATING AND DRINKING
The best place to start for food or drink is the Av los
Pescadores, leading down to Playa Pescadores. In high
season bars and clubs open down by Playa de la Viuda
and at the top of Av Central (there are huge parties held
near the old bus). Everywhere runs on less than reliable
opening hours out of season, but they are more or less the
same as elsewhere in Uruguay. In summer everything
opens late and closes late to cater for the nocturnal
lifestyle.
Desigual Opposite the police station, Av los Pescadores.
A funky restaurant and bar with torn-up magazines
plastering the walls. It serves decent, cheap pizza, pastas
and other fast foods. Pizza and a beer UR$200.
Lo de Olga Av los Pescadores. Olga has over 30 years'
experience serving up the freshest fish in town with an
excellent range of seafood, fish, pastas and Uruguayan
staples like chivitos , all under UR$350. Ask for the menú
túristico , which will be much cheaper than à la carte .
Mirjo Av los Pescadores. A classy joint serving fine food
and Italian coffee right by the beach. Grilled fish with side
dish UR$300.