Montevideo visit

Stephen O. Addison, Jr., wrote about the Radisson Montevideo Victoria Plaza in Montevideo, Uruguay (Feb. ’11, pg. 74). My wife, Dorothy, and I, on a tour with Vantage Deluxe World Travel, had occasion to stay at this hotel March 5-6, 2011, and we can confirm all that he said.

We were a group of 14, but there was only one clerk checking in and the process took 45 minutes! During this time, all our bags sat in the lobby and were not delivered for over 90 minutes. Only one elevator was working.

The most annoying thing, however, is one Mr. Addison mentioned: the windows continually gave out loud cracks and pops as they heated or cooled. These were of sufficient volume as to wake us in the middle of the night.

I would agree with Mr. Addison that the hotel is very convenient for visiting the most interesting part of Montevideo, but it could use a little work.

• One recommendation in Montevideo — if possible, get on a tour of the Teatro Solis [website in Spanish] (Montevideo; phone [0598 2] 1950 3323). There is a good tour given in English once a day (usually about 4 p.m.). The cost is 15 pesos (under $1), and the theater has been wonderfully restored.

The theater often does two shows a day. While we were there, they were offering Molière’s “The Imaginary Invalid,” in Spanish, of course. Our guide informed us that on Sundays the performances are free, but this turned out to be for residents only.

CHRISTOPHER HARTLEY
Ormond Beach, FL