Hotel Ávila

This popular, well-established hotel was built on the Rockefeller family's riches in the 1940s and still maintains illustrious pretentions, although some aspects of its service are admittedly not quite as prestigious these days.

It's a good choice for its location if you don't want to stay in the traffic-choked centre of Caracas. The attractive, well-kept grounds are in a residential area next to Mount Ávila National Park overlooking the capital, and there’s little noise apart from the chattering birds and frogs in the garden, making for a very peaceful stay. The sights and restaurants of central Caracas are a taxi ride away.

Guestrooms have simple, neutral décor. There’s a good range of facilities: a beauty salon, business centre, souvenir shop and a pleasant, partially outdoor restaurant serving a good selection of dishes beside the circular pool fringed by bamboo plants.