My dear travelers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the new series of travelogues on the Mr.M blog. April, as well as the following months, will be dedicated to one unusual continent – South America, I will show you the countries that I had the opportunity to visit and I am sure that you will enjoy it and want to spend your vacation in one of the destinations. At the very beginning of today’s travelogue, where I will do my best to show you the beauty of the luxury of the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel, I would like to thank The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), local ministries of tourism, national tourism organizations, as well as other partners who selflessly supported my adventure in South America. With their help, travelogues from several countries were created, as well as numerous fashion stories that you will have the opportunity to read during this series of posts, and I sincerely hope that you will enjoy the new adventure.
Posts from Uruguay were created with the selfless help of the The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), The Ministry of Tourism of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco Hotel and Spa.
Hotel Casino Carrasco, also known as Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa is a hotel and historic building in Montevideo, located on Rambla de Montevideo in the Carrasco neighborhood.
What is the historical background of this imposing hotel? The construction of the Hotel Casino Carrasco began in 1921, with the formation of a corporation called “Balneario Carrasco”, which was conceived by Alfredo Arocena with the aim of building a hotel in the former Spa Carrasco. This corporation was responsible for recruiting the French-Argentinean landscape designer Carlos Theis to design and transform the entire area into a magnificent garden complex. Then the construction of the Carrasco Hotel, named in honor of the first owner of the land, Sebastián Carrasco, began.
The construction of the hotel began in 1912, under the leadership and design of the architects Gaston Malet and the Swiss Jacques Dinan, who also collaborated with the Uruguayan architect Felix Elena. The outbreak of World War I interrupted and halted construction, leaving it abandoned for nine years. The municipality of Montevideo subsequently received the land and the unfinished monumental building to continue construction and finally opened it on January 29, 1921.
This building enjoyed its golden age until the middle of the 20th century. Many celebrities have stayed in its rooms, such as the physicist Albert Einstein during his visit in 1925 and the Spanish poet Federico García Lorca in 1934.
The building closed its doors in 2009 to begin renovation work by Carrasco Nobile Sociedad Anonima, which was completed in 2013. The hotel is currently managed by the Sofitel hotel chain (a luxury hotel brand from the Accor Group) and the Codere casino company. The hotel was officially reopened on March 7, 2013. The opening of the building and the activities carried out there brought economic and social changes in the Carrasco neighborhood, especially with real estate and business investments.
Just a few minutes from the international airport, the historic Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel enjoys a privileged location facing the beach. It is located near the La Plata River, one of the most prestigious locations in the city.
The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel has 116 rooms, a lobby bar, a 450-seat conference center, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a fitness center. It is also the first Sofitel brand hotel in the region to have a casino. This hotel also offers a French gastro restaurant called 1921, which refers to the year the hotel was founded.
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel also has in its offer the new exclusive Sofitel So SPA concept, a modern large space for the well-being of the mind and beauty. According to the management of the Sofitel hotel brand, Montevideo is an important destination in Latin America because of its potential for growth, its tourist attraction and its stable economy. What I noticed is that Montevideo is a city with quite a lot of potential and that the Sofitel has managed to position itself as one of the most luxurious hotels of its class in the region, including a luxury casino with a space for holding special events.
During my visit to Montevideo, I had the honour and pleasure to feel the charms of luxury and convince myself once again of the superior Sofitel service by staying in the IMPERIAL SUIT with one King size bed with a beautiful view of the Río de la Plata. Exclusive access to sophisticated luxury, where you can enjoy the exclusive comfort of the Imperial Suite, where the furnished terrace offers a beautiful view of Carrasco and Rio de la Plata.
The interior of the apartment is decorated with wooden paneling, rich textures and plush furniture, evoking the endless elegance and lightness of refined architecture. Moments of indulgence at the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel include long soaks in the Roman bath and restful mornings with use of the in-room yoga equipment. It’s the kind of rest we all always need.
This suit of 180 square meters can accommodate a maximum of 3 people and for comfort there is the possibility of adding one extra bed for an adult or for a child upon notification to the Sofitel reservation team. You always have access to high-speed Wi-Fi internet and you always have fresh still bottled water and a mini bar. All Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa rooms are elegantly and refinedly designed so that you can fully indulge in enjoyment and relaxation during your visit to Montevideo.
For true hedonists who know how to enjoy rich flavors, the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel has the best entrant on the lists of the best restaurants in Montevideo, Restaurant 1921 revives the elegant and sophisticated regional culinary tradition with the ardor of a modern sensibility. Experience classic food based on local flavors and sustainable practices. While our sommelier helps you choose the perfect wine, immerse yourself in the feeling of retro luxury created by the rich decor and historic architecture. Restaurant 1921 is dedicated to local and organic products and carbon-free production methods.
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa is where indulgence is the new wellness. Soothing music and fragrances set the scene for transformative experiences at the Sofitel Spa. Enter a world of rejuvenation and a touch of luxury where you will renew your mind and body, where you can strengthen your immune system in the hammam before enjoying a restorative massage or facial. After a workout in the fitness center, find your balance in the dry sauna or in the peaceful secret garden. Indoor and outdoor heated pools also offer serene relaxation. Planning a special occasion? Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure before choosing the perfect outfit.
In the next post I will share with you a fashion story from Montevideo, I am sure you will enjoy it. My dear travellers, we have come to the end of this second special travelogue from Uruguay where we enjoyed the review of the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel in the series of travelogues about Uruguay where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this unusual country in South America. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), The Ministry of Tourism of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco Hotel and Spa in collaboration with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of local culture and the beauty of everyday life in Montevideo. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Uruguay.
A person is rich in soul if he has managed to explore the world and I am glad that I always manage to find partners of my projects who help me to discover new and unusual destinations in a completely different way.
I am honoured to have the opportunity to collaborate with many companies and businessmen in the tourism sector and I would like to thank The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), The Ministry of Tourism of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco Hotel and Spa for this incredible adventure and for allowing me to feel the beauty of this unusual Uruguayan culture in a completely different way and to feel the beauty of everyday life in Montevideo.
How did you like my story about the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel and the presentation of this Uruguayan Tango inspired opulence that adorns the heart of this unusual capital of a country in South America? Have you had the chance to visit Montevideo and beautiful Uruguay so far?
If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!
With Love from Montevideo,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), The Ministry of Tourism of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay and The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco Hotel and Spa and other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.
This is really called life with style! I really admire your adventures and how you travel with style. Sofitel hotels are luxury, but this one looks really special and interesting is this story about this hotel
Sofitel hotels are very luxurious and elegant hotels, I love their hotels and was in Jordan and Morocco in their hotels because Accor Group of hotels are really special and they take care of their guests in a very special way.
I love Sofitel hotels are special for me Sofitel hotels in Paris and Berlin, I just love their aesthetics and eccentric as well as exceptional quality of service. I am convinced that I will visit the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa Hotel in recent future
A beautiful story dear Marko and even more beautiful pictures, I enjoyed reading your review of Sofitel hotel in Montevideo.
Hello Marko, what a fascinating review of the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa. The history of this hotel is truly captivating, the fact that construction began in 1912, was interrupted by World War I, and the building was left abandoned for nine years before finally opening in 1921 gives it an almost cinematic backstory. The detail that Albert Einstein stayed here in 1925 and Federico García Lorca in 1934 speaks volumes about the cultural significance of this property. Your photographs of the Imperial Suite are stunning.
Hallo Marko, vielen Dank für diesen hervorragenden Reisebericht über das Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Die Geschichte dieses Hotels ist wirklich außergewöhnlich von den drei Architekten Gaston Malet, Jacques Dinan und Félix Elena über die Unterbrechung durch den Ersten Weltkrieg bis hin zur Wiedereröffnung als Sofitel im Jahr 2013. Die Imperial Suite mit 180 Quadratmetern und römischem Bad klingt absolut fantastisch. Ich war vor einigen Jahren in Buenos Aires und habe dort im Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta übernachtet, das ebenfalls wunderschön ist, aber dieses Hotel in Montevideo scheint eine ganz andere historische Dimension zu haben.
Hi Marko, I have been following your South America series with great interest and this Montevideo instalment is wonderful. Uruguay is a destination that often gets overlooked in favour of its larger neighbours Brazil and Argentina, so it is lovely to see it getting the attention it deserves. The Sofitel Carrasco looks absolutely magnificent. I am curious about the Restaurant 1921 does it offer a tasting menu, or is it strictly à la carte? The focus on local and organic products with carbon-free production methods sounds very progressive for a hotel restaurant.
Ciao Marko, che bell’articolo sul Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Come amante dell’architettura, sono rimasto affascinato dal fatto che questo edificio sia stato progettato da tre architetti di diverse nazionalità il francese Gaston Malet, lo svizzero Jacques Dinan e l’uruguaiano Félix Elena. Questa collaborazione internazionale si riflette chiaramente nell’eleganza eclettica dell’edificio. Ho visitato Montevideo due anni fa e ho trovato la città sorprendentemente affascinante, con la sua Rambla lungo il Río de la Plata e il quartiere storico di Ciudad Vieja.
Marko, excellent review. The transformation of this building from a neglected historic structure that closed in 2009 to a fully restored Sofitel luxury hotel reopened in 2013 is a remarkable achievement. The Carrasco neighbourhood seems like a wonderful location, close to the airport yet still maintaining a residential, upscale character. I have stayed at several Sofitel properties around the world, including the Sofitel Legend The Grand in Amsterdam, and the brand consistently delivers a sophisticated French-inspired luxury experience. Did you have the opportunity to try the casino during your stay?
Bonjour Marko, merci pour ce magnifique article sur le Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. En tant que Française, je suis toujours ravie de voir la marque Sofitel porter l’art de vivre à la française dans des destinations aussi lointaines que Montevideo. Le paysagiste franco-argentin Carlos Theis qui a conçu les jardins ajoute une touche française supplémentaire à cette propriété. Le restaurant 1921 avec son approche durable et ses produits locaux semble parfaitement incarner la philosophie culinaire moderne. J’aimerais savoir si le sommelier propose principalement des vins uruguayens, comme le Tannat, qui est le cépage emblématique du pays.
Hello Marko, superb article about the Sofitel Montevideo. What I find most impressive is the scale of the restoration, taking a building that had been closed since 2009 and transforming it into a world-class luxury hotel with 116 rooms, a casino, conference centre, spa, and multiple pools is no small feat. The Imperial Suite at 180 square metres with its Roman bath and in-room yoga equipment represents a truly thoughtful approach to luxury wellness. How far is the hotel from the centro of Montevideo and the Ciudad Vieja historic quarter?
Dag Marko, wat een prachtig artikel over het Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Het verhaal van dit hotel is werkelijk bijzonder van de bouw die begon in 1912, de onderbreking door de Eerste Wereldoorlog, tot de heropening als Sofitel in 2013. Het feit dat Albert Einstein hier in 1925 verbleef geeft het hotel een extra dimensie van historisch prestige. De Imperial Suite met uitzicht op de Río de la Plata klingt absoluut dromerig. Ik heb een vraag: is de strandlocatie voor het hotel geschikt om te zwemmen, of is het meer een wandelpromenade?
Marko, this is a wonderfully detailed review. I visited Montevideo a couple of years ago and was struck by how underrated the city is as a travel destination. The Rambla de Montevideo is one of the finest waterfront promenades in South America, and having a hotel like the Sofitel Carrasco right on it sounds ideal. I stayed at the Hyatt Centric Montevideo in the Pocitos district during my visit, which was modern and comfortable but lacked the historical grandeur that this Sofitel clearly offers. Your mention of the secret garden within the spa area is very intriguing.
Hallo Marko, ein wirklich beeindruckender Beitrag über das Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Was mich besonders anspricht, ist die Sofitel So SPA mit Hammam, Trockensauna und dem geheimen Garten. Nach einem langen Flug nach Südamerika ist ein solches Wellnessangebot genau das Richtige. Die Tatsache, dass das Hotel nur wenige Minuten vom internationalen Flughafen entfernt liegt, ist ein großer Vorteil für Reisende, die nach einem langen Flug sofort entspannen möchten. Hast du auch die Außenpools des Hotels genutzt, und wie ist die Wassertemperatur?
Hola Marko, muchas gracias por esta maravillosa reseña del Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Como amante de la historia, me ha fascinado saber que este edificio fue concebido por Alfredo Arocena y construido originalmente como parte del proyecto “Balneario Carrasco”. La interrupción de la construcción por la Primera Guerra Mundial y los nueve años de abandono hacen que la historia de este hotel sea verdaderamente dramática. Me encanta que el restaurante 1921 lleve el nombre del año de apertura del hotel y que se enfoque en productos locales y orgánicos. ¿Probaste algún vino Tannat uruguayo durante tu cena?
Hi Marko, really enjoyed this review. The fact that the Sofitel Montevideo is the first Sofitel brand hotel in the region to have a casino adds a unique dimension to the property. The partnership between Sofitel and the Codere casino company seems to work well based on your description. I appreciate that you highlighted the hotel’s location on the Rambla de Montevideo facing the beach, that combination of historic architecture, beach proximity, and luxury amenities is hard to beat. The wooden panelling and plush furniture in the Imperial Suite look extremely inviting.
Salut Marko, ton article sur le Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco est vraiment captivant. Le fait que cet hôtel ait connu son âge d’or jusqu’au milieu du XXe siècle avant de fermer ses portes en 2009 pour une rénovation complète est une histoire de renaissance remarquable. J’ai séjourné au Sofitel Legend Santa Clara à Carthagène en Colombie, un autre hôtel historique de la marque Sofitel en Amérique latine, et j’ai été impressionné par la qualité de la restauration. Le concept So SPA avec hammam et jardin secret semble être un véritable havre de paix. Est-ce que le spa est accessible aux… Read more »
Marko, what a beautiful property. The collaboration between three architects from different countries like France, Switzerland and Uruguay to create this building is a wonderful metaphor for the multicultural spirit of Montevideo itself. The fact that the building was eventually saved through renovation rather than demolished is a testament to its architectural and cultural value. I particularly like the idea of the in-room yoga equipment in the Imperial Suite that is a thoughtful wellness touch that you do not often see even in luxury hotels. Looking forward to your next South America post.
Caro Marko, grazie per questo bellissimo articolo sul Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Mi ha particolarmente colpito il fatto che Albert Einstein abbia soggiornato qui nel 1925 immaginare il grande fisico passeggiare per questi corridoi è davvero affascinante. L’Uruguay è un paese che mi ha sempre incuriosito, soprattutto per la sua cultura del vino e la tradizione dell’asado. La descrizione del ristorante 1921 con i suoi prodotti locali e biologici mi ha fatto venire molta curiosità. Vorrei sapere se il ristorante propone anche piatti a base di carne uruguaiana, che è considerata tra le migliori al mondo.
Hallo Marko, wat een indrukwekkend hotel heb je ons hier laten zien. De geschiedenis van het Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco, met de bouw die werd onderbroken door de Eerste Wereldoorlog en het gebouw dat negen jaar verlaten stond, leest als een roman. Het is bewonderenswaardig dat de renovatie door Carrasco Nobile Sociedad Anónima het historische karakter van het gebouw heeft behouden terwijl het werd getransformeerd tot een modern luxehotel. De ligging aan de Rambla met uitzicht op de Río de la Plata is werkelijk spectaculair. Ik overweeg nu serieus om Uruguay aan mijn reislijst voor Zuid-Amerika toe te voegen.
Hello Marko, this is one of the most interesting hotel reviews I have read recently. The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco has a narrative that rivals any of the great European grand hotels. The detail about the French-Argentinian landscape designer Carlos Theis transforming the surrounding area into a magnificent garden complex shows the level of ambition behind this project from the very beginning. I am particularly interested in the conference facilities a 450-seat conference centre in such a historically significant building must be quite something. Would you recommend this hotel for a corporate event or retreat?
Hallo Marko, herzlichen Dank für diesen wunderbaren Beitrag. Das Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco vereint auf einzigartige Weise Geschichte, Luxus und Unterhaltung. Die Tatsache, dass das Hotel jetzt zum Accor-Konzern gehört und als Sofitel betrieben wird, garantiert einen internationalen Servicestandard auf höchstem Niveau. Die Imperial Suite mit ihrem römischen Bad und der möblierten Terrasse mit Blick auf Carrasco und den Río de la Plata klingt nach dem perfekten Rückzugsort. Ich finde es auch sehr lobenswert, dass du die Unterstützung der UN-Welttourismusorganisation für diese Reise erwähnt hast das unterstreicht die Bedeutung deiner Arbeit als Reiseblogger.
Ciao Marko, complimenti per questo splendido reportage dal Sofitel Montevideo. L’idea del tango come ispirazione per l’opulenza di questo hotel è davvero poetica e perfettamente in linea con la cultura rioplatense. Mi ha colpito la descrizione dello spa con hammam, sauna secca e il giardino segreto sembra un luogo dove il tempo si ferma. Ho viaggiato in Argentina l’anno scorso e ho visitato brevemente Montevideo con il traghetto da Buenos Aires attraverso il Río de la Plata, ma purtroppo non ho avuto tempo di soggiornare. Il tuo articolo mi ha convinto a tornare e dedicare più tempo a questa affascinante… Read more »
Marko, outstanding article. I had no idea that the Hotel Casino Carrasco had such a rich and tumultuous history. The fact that it was originally named after Sebastián Carrasco, the first owner of the land, and that the building endured wartime abandonment, a golden age, and eventual decline before being reborn as a Sofitel is a remarkable tale of resilience. The Accor group clearly saw the potential in this historic property and invested wisely. Your description of waking up with a view of the Río de la Plata from the Imperial Suite terrace sounds absolutely magnificent.
Querido Marko, enhorabuena por esta fantástica reseña del Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Uruguay es un país que a menudo queda en la sombra de sus vecinos más grandes, pero tu artículo demuestra que tiene mucho que ofrecer en términos de historia, cultura y lujo. Me ha impresionado especialmente la descripción del spa con sus piscinas climatizadas interiores y exteriores, el hammam y el jardín secreto. Visité Punta del Este hace unos años y me alojé en el Hotel Fasano Punta del Este, que también es espectacular, pero el Sofitel Carrasco parece ofrecer una experiencia más ligada a la historia y… Read more »
Bonjour Marko, quel article magnifique sur le Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. La Suite Impériale de 180 mètres carrés avec son bain romain et son équipement de yoga en chambre représente parfaitement la philosophie de luxe holistique que Sofitel cherche à offrir. J’apprécie particulièrement le fait que le restaurant 1921 soit engagé dans une démarche de production sans carbone et utilise des produits locaux et biologiques. C’est exactement le type d’engagement que les voyageurs conscients recherchent aujourd’hui. Montevideo est maintenant en haut de ma liste de destinations pour l’année prochaine.
Hi Marko, great article about the Sofitel Montevideo. I have always been intrigued by Uruguay as a destination, particularly because of its reputation as one of the most progressive and stable countries in South America. The Sofitel Carrasco seems like the perfect gateway to discovering Montevideo, combining beach proximity, historic architecture, and world-class facilities. The indoor and outdoor heated pools are a major plus for travellers visiting outside the summer months. What was the weather like during your visit, and would you recommend any particular season for travelling to Montevideo?
Hallo Marko, ein wirklich faszinierender Bericht über das Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Die Anekdote, dass Albert Einstein 1925 und Federico García Lorca 1934 in diesem Hotel zu Gast waren, verleiht dem Ort eine ganz besondere kulturelle Aura. Es ist bemerkenswert, dass das Gebäude nach seiner Schließung im Jahr 2009 so aufwendig restauriert und 2013 als Luxushotel wiedereröffnet wurde. Die Kombination aus historischer Architektur, Casino und modernem Spa-Bereich macht dieses Hotel wirklich einzigartig in der Region.
Hello Marko, I found your article about the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco absolutely delightful. The title “Tango inspired Opulence” perfectly captures the spirit of this hotel and its cultural context. Uruguay and Argentina share the tango tradition, and it is wonderful to see a hotel that draws inspiration from this passionate art form. The So SPA concept with its hammam, dry sauna, and secret garden sounds like exactly the kind of rejuvenating experience one needs after exploring Montevideo. Did the hotel arrange any cultural activities or city tours during your stay?
Dag Marko, bedankt voor dit uitgebreide en informatieve artikel over het Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Wat mij het meest aanspreekt, is de combinatie van het historische gebouw met moderne luxevoorzieningen zoals het So SPA concept en de verwarmde binnenzwembaden. Het feit dat Einstein hier heeft geslapen, geeft het hotel een bijzondere intellectuele charme. Ik reis regelmatig naar Zuid-Amerika voor zaken en heb tot nu toe vooral Argentinië en Brazilië bezocht, maar jouw artikelenreeks over Uruguay heeft mij ervan overtuigd dat Montevideo een bezoek meer dan waard is.
Hola Marko, muchas gracias por este hermoso artículo sobre el Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco. Como latinoamericana, me llena de orgullo ver que un hotel tan histórico y elegante como este haya sido restaurado y revitalizado con tanto cuidado. La historia de la construcción que comenzó en 1912, fue interrumpida por la guerra y finalmente completada en 1921, es verdaderamente conmovedora. Me encanta que hayas mencionado el jardín secreto del spa esos pequeños detalles son los que hacen que una experiencia hotelera sea verdaderamente inolvidable.
Ciao Marko, grazie per questo meraviglioso articolo sul Sofitel Montevideo. Il fatto che questo hotel sia il primo della marca Sofitel nella regione ad avere un casino integrato lo rende davvero unico. La partnership con la società Codere per la gestione del casino è un dettaglio interessante che mostra come un hotel storico possa reinventarsi con successo. La Suite Imperiale con terrazza arredata e vista sul Río de la Plata deve offrire un’esperienza indimenticabile, soprattutto al tramonto. Mi piacerebbe sapere se il casino è aperto anche ai non ospiti dell’hotel.
Marko, what a splendid conclusion to your Uruguay hotel review. The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco is clearly a property that has been lovingly restored to honour its extraordinary past while embracing the expectations of modern luxury travellers. The partnership with the UN World Tourism Organization adds real prestige to your entire South America series. I was particularly taken with your description of the Carrasco neighbourhood and how the hotel’s reopening in 2013 brought economic revitalization to the area. That kind of positive impact through heritage tourism is something the hospitality industry should be very proud of.