Stayed here for 3 nights leading up to Christmas. This hotel is in the La Barra section of Punta Del Este and just about 100 metres up a very gradual hill from a very large beach. Very surprised to see how quiet the beaches were all over Punta Del Este in the days leading up to Christmas. The hotel beach was downright deserted! Surf was fairly rough all 3 days and water rather chilly. I'm guessing surf temp wasn't more than 20-21C (70F).
Though the hotel beach bar was not open while we were there, they did have someone at the beach setting up umbrella and chairs. When we asked for beach towels at the hotel front desk, they immediately phoned down to the beach staff to set up an umbrella and chairs for us, also offering to take us down in their little golf cart... though we walked as it's not more than a 5 min walk.
The rooms are all suites with a separate living room and small kitchen from the bedroom. All units have a large balcony with patio furniture. Our balcony looked over the pool and have a view of the beach and ocean. There are 2 large pools, both clean and again virtually deserted. The bedroom had windows on 2 sides so was really nice and bright. Bed was comfortable/firm. However the living room and kitchen area did not get much natural light. All flooring throughout is white tiles. Bathroom is spacious and modern. There is a TV in both the bedroom and living room.
As there is not much within walking distance of the hotel, I would recommend having a car if you stay here, though you could technically walk into the 'downtown' of La Barra which has many nice restaurants, cafes and shops. The drive to the centre of Punta Del Este is an easy 10 minute drive on a beautiful road lined with new modern condos.
The hotel provides a computer for internet access which comes in handy for sending emails back home.
All-in-all, if you are looking for a great quiet place to lay on the beach or by the pool and then drive to dinner and fun, I highly recommend Las Olas Resort Hotel. If you want to be able to walk to restaurants and shopping or be right in the middle of the action, this is not the place for you.
- Las Olas Punta Del Este
