Hotel Avila

Description:

• The aged grande dame of Caracas hotels, this place is worth considering. Built by Nelson Rockefeller in 1942, the hotel is a quiet oasis located about 15 minutes from downtown on the flanks of Mount Avila. The lush grounds and flowering gardens are a welcome change from the cold concrete and glass that characterize most of Caracas. The hotel definitely shows its age, and perennially feels as if it could use some major maintenance and upkeep. Yet, it still retains a certain dignity and charm, if not glamour. Most of the rooms are comfortable and spacious, with high ceilings, new carpeting, and rattan furnishings, although most do not have air-conditioning. The suites are a mixed bag: Some are quite nice, while others are less appealing than the standard rooms. The Tower and Executive suites are the best rooms in the house. Meals are served in the poolside dining area and adjacent open-air dining room. A taxi from the hotel to downtown will cost you BsF15 to BsF20 ($7-$9.30/£3.40-£4.55).

• © Frommer's 2013