My wife and I stayed for three nights at the end of March 2006. (Note: the beaches were empty yet the water was still warm enough for swimming.) La Bluette was a wonderful respite from Puntas del Estate which is approximately 10-15 miles away. The positive: a great place with friendly staff. The owner--very engaging-- invited us to view the wine cellar/ special occasions room he is building in the basement of the hotel--a real addition once it is officially opened. Our room which had a sort of Morrocan theme had a sunny terrace that looked out to the South Atlantic. Breakfast was sufficient (rolls, coffee, juice) but you must ask for specifics if you want more (eggs) than whatt usually served to the guests. Negatives: the hotel is just north of the town and a hike if you don't have a car. Also, the hotel is across the road from the beach, not directly on it. However, I would recommend the hotel as abvove average.

After a lovely 4 days of busy Buenos Aires we decided to finish our trip to South America with a few days relaxation in Punta del Este. We were greeted warmly by Hugo and Alicia and they made our stay at La Buette delightful. Hugo is a wonderful interior and landscape designer and has created a Saint Tropez inspired villa in Barra. It was a quiet time of year so Hugo upgraded us to the exclusive romantic suite at no charge. Breakfast was amazing with healthy fresh squeezed orange juice, lots of fresh fruit and delicious fresh croissants, breads, jams, ham and cheese. While in Punta del Este we enjoyed wonderful restaurants, lots with ocean views. Also, we enjoyed the drive up around the golf club to see the impressive estates that are holiday homes for the Argentine elite. Beaches, skies, and overall ambience of the Barro area are great, lots of local art galleries too. I understand January can be quite busy and hot but late March had lovely 70 degree weather and not a soul on the beaches. A little bit of Bluette heaven!

We just spent four days at La Bluette after a brief stint in Buenos Aires. Upon arriving we were surprised to find that the hotel is on the other side of the main coastal road, separating it from the beach. Looking at the picture online you can see why we were surprised--it is very deceptively taken from the beach across the road and looks like the road has actually been Photoshop'ed out. The thatched-roof structures on the beach actually belong to a restaurant of La Mantra resort which was closed during our visit in early March. On the beach, which has coarse sand and a strong breeze, you have to rent chairs and umbrellas from La Mantra unless you have your own equipment (or you can borrow umbrellas from La Bluette and bring them to the beach). There was no place to get a refreshment on the beach, although this may have been because it was late in the season.

We had our baby with us, and despite speaking to an Expedia representative to request a baby cot, they didn't get the message. They had no baby beds (despite the owners' having a 3 year old), so we had to improvise by dragging in one of the pool chaises for him to sleep on. This made it kind of stressful because we were worried about him rolling off onto the tile floor. In general the room could have been more comfortable--more pillows/blankets, better lighting.

That said, the owners were very sweet toward us and the baby and eager to give their advice. My advice would be to request the white and blue room upstairs which has a terrace with ocean view, beautiful marble bath, etc. Eat at O'Farrell's in Bikini, and Splendido in La Barra for the atmosphere. Beware the prices at Los Negros in Jose Ignacio! We had a $200 lunch there which was quite a shock after BA. CasaPueblo at Punta Ballena makes an interesting day trip--in the future I might prefer to stay there, and the beaches south of there look great and closer to the airport.

I have to admit that the website photos slightly exagerate the accommodations (like almost all of the hotels we visited this trip!). And, after staying at the Las Vegas style Conrad in Punta, La Bluette was a bit of a shock...e.g., no phone or TV in room (but who needs a TV in SA?). However, the rooms are air conditioned if you need it. The pool is small, but with the hotel's charming verandas and balconies (each room has one) -- and the great beach across the street -- it did not seem important. Unfortunately, there is a rather unsitely empty lot across the side road, but one can look beyond to the ocean, and it's not a big deal.
If you enjoy and are prepared for casual elegance, a uruguayan down-home relaxed atmosphere and personal attention (they will fix you coffee and food at any time of the day), then La Bluette is wonderful ...The owner has excellent suggestions on where to eat and site-see...and he will even draw you a map of anywhere you want to go.
I would definitely return.