Awa Boutique and Design Hotel

Guests are greeted with a cozy fireplace and the subtle scent of flowers as they enter the chic, high-ceilinged lobby at Awa Boutique, a sophisticated property that stands on a quiet residential street in Punta del Este. It’s a serene and carefully maintained ambience, from the flowers in the entrance to the Buddhas smiling beatifically at guests throughout the hotel. Awa’s luxe amenities, like a spa, restaurant, and outdoor pool means that there’s plenty of places for casual mixing and mingling among guests, as well as plenty of chances to get close to a loved one. Expect to find a diverse group of travelers, though the romantic vibe means that couples are often most attracted to this hotel.  

Awa Boutique is on Avenida Pedragosa Serra, a residential street in Punta del Este. It’s within a five-minute walk of a shopping center. There is some solid dining in the area as well, plus a number of fast food options, but standouts include El Palenque, a five-minute walk from the hotel; Floreal, which is less than 10 minutes away on foot; and L’Incanto, a six-minute walk. The two most well-known beaches in Punta del Este, Playa Brava and Playa Mansa, are not close enough to walk, but can be reached by a five-minute taxi ride. The Monumento de Los Dedos, a popular tourist stop, and the restaurants and shops at the seaport both take approximately seven minutes to reach by car, while the the bus station is a four-minute drive from the hotel. Punta del Este's airport is a 25-minute car or cab ride, while Montevideo is a two-hour drive.

The 44 rooms here are aesthetically pleasing, with a soft blend of muted cream and white shades, black wooden desks, and red accents throughout, most notably in the bed runners. Each of the sunny rooms and suites features flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning, but no microwaves or coffeemakers. These rooms are unassuming in their simplicity, yet each detail is carefully executed to establish an upscale, sophisticated atmosphere; there are slippers under the bedside table, padded headboards, vibrant wall art, plush carpeting throughout, and massive windows looking out over the pool or quiet street below. Pillow menus with five different varieties to choose from are a nice touch as well. The bathrooms here -- with shower/tub combos and marble vanities -- have honestly seen better days, especially when compared to the rest of the property. We saw dirty grout in mosaic tile floors and old fixtures like showerheads that could be replaced. 

Breakfast is a free buffet featuring a number of pastries and breads at Life Bistro and Bar, the hotel’s on-site restaurant. Make sure to ask for eggs, as they only make them to order. Lunches and dinners here can be expensive, but they are impressively delicious -- the menu is a fusion of European and Uruguayan meat and fish dishes. There are a number of Uruguayan wines on offer as well. Guests can eat in the lounge, a romantic room draped in sheer white canopies, or take their food outside to the pool area. Expect to find comfy daybeds shaded by beach umbrellas surrounding the small pool, as well as a pool bar for cocktails and light snacks.

The fitness center is in a sunny room, with just a handful of machines, but they are all modern. The WAVE Spa is next door -- there’s a small hot tub in the center of the room, with water, fruit, and ample robes and towels, plus a sauna and steam room along the far wall. Guests can also schedule private massages with one of the on-staff therapists. Details are what make this property stand out, like a reading room and a micro-cinema for private screenings. There are bikes to rent at reasonable rates and the hotel provides free beach equipment including towels and chairs. The reading room has a surprisingly wide selection of books to borrow, and it also houses the business center, where guests can print and scan for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.