Montevideo

Latin Trade, Feb, 2004

BEST BUSINESS HOTEL

Sheraton. Once again, LATIN TRADE business travelers opted for the predictability and comforts of the Sheraton in Montevideo. With 207 rooms and 10 suites, views of the Rio de la Plata and nearby shopping, convenience is key. Services include a 24 hour front desk, babysitters, a car rental agency and nine meeting rooms, the largest of which can accommodate 400. There's a heated pool and a restaurant as well. Calle Victor Solino 349. Phone: [598] (2) 710-2121. www.sheraton.com

BEST CAR RENTAL

Avis. At the Carrasco Airport (open 24 hours) or downtown. Rates range from US$72 for subcompact to $171 for a full-size car. Phone at airport [598] (2) 604-0334. Downtown office, Uruguay 1417-L88, open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, until 1 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sunday. [598] (2) 903-0303. www.avis.com

BEST AFTERNOON OFF

La Rambla. What could be more relaxing after some tense morning meetings than a walk on the beach? Montevideo offers nearly 20 kilometers of waterfront in which to see, be seen, drink, eat or otherwise relax. In summers, it's the start to every evening, the place where everyone meets up or takes the time to bike, jog or simply watch the sunset.

BEST SEASONAL EVENT

Semana Criolla. Essentially a big rodeo, the Semana Criolla del Prado takes place during Holy Week in mid-March and combines the best traditions of regional horsemanship with national and cultural pride. Now more than 75 years old, the event features cash prizes for cattle punching in a style quickly disappearing in an age of modern farming and ranching. Phone: [598] (2) 1950-1111. www.montevideo.gub.uy

BEST BUSINESS PLAN

Close the deal in Brazil or Argentina ... then party in Punta del Este. Uruguay's business scene is building its reputation, but its fame as a resort and relaxation spot right between much larger Brazil and Argentina is already well documented. Punta del Este juts into the blue waters of the Uruguayan coast and is home to hotels and beach apartments that fill up during the warm months between Christmas and March. Known for spectacular concerts and for playing host to international gatherings, Punta del Este also has some of the best luxury shopping in the region.

BEST ADVENTUROUS LUNCH

Mercado del Puerto. Montevideo's Port Market at Piedras 237 offers a step into the past. An old-fashioned wrought-iron railway station (originally built in England for Chile and misdelivered to Uruguay, as the legend goes) is now home to dozens of meat-serving parilladas and is populated with wandering musicians, comedians, artists, mimes, shoppers and, of course, hungry Montevideo locals. A quieter spot can be found at Dackel in the Carrasco neighborhood, featuring German specialties such as pork ribs with chukrut, or sauerkraut, chicken Kiev and apple strudel for dessert. Dr. Gabriel Otero 6438. Open for lunch and dinner. Phone: [598] (2) 600 6211/604 4906.