The Museum Torres García is located in the Old Town , the most convenient hotel is the old Victoria Plaza Hotel, now the Radisson.We must have a similar taste because I also love Torres Garcia and prefer small quaint hoteles but on that area I would stay in this hotel. Old town has lost a lot of luster
So be alert, and I think during the day is going to be pleasant At night ask at the hotel what is safe and was is not. the Teatro Soliz is very close and highly recommended. Along nearby calle Bacacay there are small restaurants and bars which are good. Things have changed since I was young in Montevideo we loved to go for drinks at the downstairs bar of the Victoria Plaza Hotel and eat at the best restaurant in town called El Aguila next to the Soliz,I guess it is gone now but may be some other restaurant is there now.If you have more questions I shall be happy to help, I guess the Studio Torres Garcia might be possible to visit, his sons are painters too.
Buena suerte.

I stayed in Montevideo for a few days in late March/early April, 2012. Check out my report with a title something like "Chile, Argentina, Uruguay." I agree with previous poster about Old Town. On a Sunday night when my friends and I ate there, we were about the only visitors until the street walkers and their "suitors" began arriving. It became eerie. ZZ

So, if I could hijack this thread... If I'm not visiting for that museum, would I be better off NOT staying in the old town? And if so, what hotel would you recommend? Cheaper than the Radisson.

I won't speculate about whether or not you should stay in Old Town, but I do recommend the Balmoral Plaza Hotel in central Montevideo. (See my post mentioned above.) It doesn't really have any charm and my room was a little small (a single), but the room was pleasant, breakfast was pretty good, and I considered the location excellent. Check out prices with consolidators. ZZ

The Balmoral Plaza seems a good option if you wish to stay in Downtown, again I believe all of Downntown Montevideo has lost lots of lustre, as Zambesi has posted it might be a safer area at night than the Ciudad Vieja or Old Town , that is from the area near the Cathedrall going Towards the Port .
I guess the most in areas are now East like Pocitos and further East towards Carrasco.
I guess it all depends what you are looking for, Susan7 was looking for the Torres Garcia Museum and for being close to that location the Radisson , the old Victoria Plaza hotel is a good choice, however the Balmoral is not that far, a taxi drive, walking or a short bus ride will be convenient .
Personally I would avoid all together downtown as well as Ciudad vieja, when I go I stay in Carrascobut this is a personal choice, again depending of what you are interested in.
Unfortunatelly all Montevideo should be approached today as Buenos Aires in an alert mode at all times.

Thanks Graziella! I've been away but I booked somewhere in the interim, it's Cala Di Volpe on Rambla Gandhi 205. I am really looking forward to Montevideo.

Susan7, Hola.

My Dh and I spent a few nights in the Cala Di Volpe last February. We really liked it. It was located across from the Rambla for nice walks and near to restaurants and the Mall (ATMs, Shops, restaurants etc.). It was a short bus or taxi ride to the Center. The room with a view was quite lovely and breakfast was good.

I would suggest, if this is your first visit to Montevideo, that you consider the Tour provided by Liz. She was very knowledgeable,flexible and provided a wonderful tour, right from Calla de Volpe. http://www.realenglishtours.com/index.html

I know we're Casa Volpe is and being in Pocitos it will be a more lively area than emiptish Ciudad Vieja at night.
However an Evening at Teatro Soliz will proof interesting and even the best locations are inexpensive .
Hope
you can find your way to the Taller Torres Garcia if it still exist and that you enjoy the Torres Garcia 'Museum and one more time open your eyes and be cautious . Use taxis or remixes , the remise "lLa española" is the one locals favor, it is in the internet, and has the advange you can pay by the hour which makes it very convenient. . taxis are very gloomy in Montevideo because they are forced by the City Government to have an horrible screen between driver and pax.There is a good radio taxi I have used called . Radio..taxis Punta Gorda , I do not remember very well, you dial only 1771 but again not totally sure,
Buena suerte.

a short taxi rinde from your hotel can take you to a lovely lunch at the Golf Club of Punta .^Carreta.I am almost sure anyone can go to the dining room.

Hi Susan, did you go to Montevideo, did you visit Torres García Taller? How was your hotel?

Anyone going to MVD, I would highly suggest The Belmont, It's in Carrasco, but a pretty boutique property in a great area.

I agree I have stated there many times because Carrasco is convenient for me but Susan wished to stay
Either in Downtown or Pocitos ( little holes) .Montevideo is a City spread out on the coast, Carrasco is in the extreme East , Downtown on the other side and Pocitos in the Middle.

Hola Graziella, yes I did go to Montevideo and I visited the Museo Torres Garcia and other museums. I really enjoyed it. The hotel I stayed at (Cala di Volpi) was near to a big shopping centre and a major bus route into the city so it was convenient, if a bit bland. I think next time I would stay just outside the old city, Balmoral looked like a very good option for next time. Thanks for your help and advice.