Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco and Spa

We had been driving past the Sofitel Carrasco for 15 years. When the hotel was vacant and also through the substantial renovations. We were excited to see that this beautiful landmark was being restored to its original beauty. I have to laugh about the reviewers who said it needs to be renovated as they 'recently' completed a $65M renovation. The hotel is a landmark in the area and built in 1921. The exterior facade is exquisite and the interior 'public' spaces beautiful. We decided that we would stay a night at the hotel and secured a reservation for a Junior Suite. After travelling for years and staying in hotels all over the world, I had always been under the impression that a suite is characterized by a separate sitting area from the bedroom and bath. At the Sofitel, our 'suite' was one big room with a small sitting area, bed and bath. It was comfortable but not what we expected for $425 per night. It was more like a Comfort Inn. The first thing we noticed when entering the room was the stained carpet. Not in one spot but all over the room. One would think that they could clean the carpet from time to time. Not a good first impression! We decided to relax and then take a shower as we had dinner reservations. No bath towels in the room. So, I called the front desk and they said they would get them to us immediately. 15 minutes later I called back and they were going to check on them. 10 minutes later, they were brought to the room. We were making progress. So, my wife told me that the shower shampoo bottle did not work and right she was. We had to unscrew the pump and remove it from the wall in order to obtain shampoo. Fortunately, the bed was comfy and the room very quiet and the shower was great. In the morning, we went down for breakfast that was included in the room price. Wrong! We were notified at the entrance to the dining room that we did not have breakfast included. So, back up to the room to obtain the reservation that verified this. Breakfast was very good but not as good as your typical Marriott. So, overall, the value is totally lacking at this property. The room was definitely not worth that added cost and with all the small but important details that went wrong, this will be our last time at this hotel. Sadly, we were hoping for a better experience. I don't have any other recommendations in Carrasco. There used to be a fabulous hotel called the Belmont House, but it was closed down a few years back and converted into a medical facility. Other than the historic value of this property, stay somewhere else in Montevideo.

Very nice hotel, room was super spacious and circular. The location of the hotel is perfect with a nice street with restaurants, crêpas and shops at the back and the sea front for running. Perfect hotel for a stay in Carrasco ! Never disappointed by Sofitel, the French touch with a great service ! And the bed and pillows, always amazing at Sofitel.

This hotel could be much better if it was renovated. We had a room on the top floor with a terrace and sea view. Unfortunately, the windows and the terrace door are not very well insulated and you could hear the noise from the 6 lane highway in front of the hotel. The bathroom was a nightmare: only one person can enter, it's very small and the shower has no curtain or glass wall. The result: you cannot place anything anywhere that cannot become wet, the wooden wall covering is completely destroyed due to the excess of wate everywhere in the bathroom, and when you open the bathroom door, your partner will fall into the sink. Which sick architect is designing such bathrooms? On the positive side, the SPA is very nice and the relaxing gardens are beautiful. We had an unfriendly welcome (late on a Friday night), but the reception staff the next day was very helpful and kind. The restaurant is not the best choice in Montevideo, but the concierge helped us to find a good place nearby. After a solid renovation of the rooms, this hotel can become once again a good address. For the time being, I would rather go to the new "Hotel Montevideo" in the town centre. Better rooms, better service, much more charming.

It was a wonderful experience. Everyone there treated us with care and tried to be as helpful as possible. Especially helpful was Juan, the head of operations there. We suggest staying there and get the royal treatment. Warm regards, Nelson and Katharine

I can't say enough good things about this beautiful hotel and its amazing staff. We arrived late one evening after a very long day of traveling and a bad experience at a different hotel - at the time my card was not working and I could not reach the bank. Mauro was lovely with us, helped us find a solution and got us a beautiful room. Joaquin was also incredibly kind. The dining staff is wonderful - they always had my tea with lemon slices ready as soon as I came to breakfast. They are lovely, listened to my attempts at Spanish and helped both of us to get what we needed. The housekeeping staff is the best. Daniella took beautiful care of our room and always left us chocolates :) Facilities: gorgeous. The spa is amazing, pool is relaxing and they offer a full range of services we did not have time to access. The architecture is elegant and beautiful with amazing additions such as life sized horse statues with lamps on their heads. Rooms are luxurious with comfortable beds, beautiful showers and every window offers a view of beautiful Montevideo. Location: steps from the beach and within walking distance of wonderful shops and restaurants. We came here to visit sites associated with flight 571 and were able to walk to many of them. The neighborhood is full of beautiful historic homes and parks. We were thrilled to see wild parakeets, something we just don't have at home. Food: out of this world. The breakfast is included, with a range of food from fresh fruit to bacon, pastries, cereal, yogurt, greens and olives. A la carte is available for a very small extra fee. Lunch and dinner were fantastic. There is probably more I'm forgetting but I can only say, if you have an opportunity to stay at this historic hotel, please do so. You won't regret it.