SOFITEL MONTEVIDEO CASINO CARRASCO & SPA
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 9/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $220
Step into the charm of yesteryear at this iconic coastline property that is nicknamed un palacio en la arena (palace in the sand.). Opened in 1921 as an escape for the local elite, the Sofitel Montevideo has evolved into a one-of-a-kind hotel blending the elegance of Belle Époque with a splash of modern Parisian-inspired luxury. Our weekend stay was absolutely delightful and included a delicious meal at the hotel’s main restaurant, Restaurante 1921. Find out more below.
LOCATION
9/10
The Sofitel Montevideo is located in Montevideo’s upscale Carrasco neighborhood which stretches all the way to the ocean-like part of the Rio de la Plata. The area combines historical elegance with contemporary appeal, with well-preserved architecture, charming boutiques, and lots of cool restaurants and cafes. While the location is a bit far from the ciudad vieja (the old city) where many of the tourist attractions are, we appreciated what was available in walking distance: great restaurants, cute shops, the beach, and of course the casino located inside of the hotel itself. The Carrasco International Airport is a 15-minute ride away and the Old City is about a 25-minute drive.
AMENITIES
9/10
GYM 8/10
The gym facilities were solid, especially on the cardio side of things. There were a couple of treadmills and bikes which were newer and in good condition. The strength training options weren’t as nice, but there was a nice set of free weights, a not-so-great multi-exercise machine, and a much better, resistance based multi-exercise machine. Towels and water were available as well.
SPA 9/10
At Sofitel Montevideo's So Spa, we reveled in the luxurious amenities, immersing ourselves in the indoor pool with comfy lounge chairs for relaxation, hammam/steam room facilities and jacuzzi. The spa also offered dedicated massage rooms for a complete and indulgent full-body relaxation experience and facial. We didn’t partake in any of the treatments and they were on the pricey side, but it is a luxury spa after all.
POOL 9.5/10
The indoor pool seamlessly transitions to an outdoor setting, featuring a charming garden adorned with nice outdoor furniture, lounge chairs, and tables. The best part of the atmosphere though is being able to look at the stunning facade of the hotel while sipping on a drink and soaking up the sun. The pool itself is quite large and inviting, especially given that it is heated. When you combine the indoor and outdoor pool combo with the incredibly view of the hotel and the ability to order food and drinks to your chair, pool-time can easily be an all-day activity.
OTHER
It may not technically be an amenity but one of the best parts about this hotel is getting to see the beautiful features of the building as its interior is just as amazing as its exterior. Between the gorgeous stained glass ceiling in the lobby, the beautiful chandeliers, and the interior of the circular restaurant, there is something very magical about the hotel. We also really loved our meal at Restaurante 1921, which was a great fine dining experience with a blend of French classics and locally sourced Uruguayan produce in an elegant setting. There’s also a really nice bar and the hote'l’s casino in addition to concierge services and parking facilities. Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property.
ROOM
9/10
Upon our arrival, we were surprised with an upgrade to a Luxury King room, featuring a French balcony with a great view of the beach and the river. The room boasted a modern aesthetic with contemporary dark wood furnishings and classic decor in soothing neutral tones. The highlight was the sumptuous king bed, adorned with exceptionally soft linens that screamed luxury. The bathroom was also incredibly comfortable with the best part being a gigantic marble walk-in shower/bathtub that can best be described as a huge shower pit., The room also had a designated work area with a table and chair, a flat-screen TV, coffee maker, robes, slippers, signature bath amenities, a mini-fridge, and a hair dryer. Overall, it was a good size for a non-suite and was incredibly comfortable. I wish the door to the balcony opened fully but understand that it might damage the balconies to have guests on them.
BREAKFAST
9/10
The breakfast spread was relatively extensive and was presented in a beautiful setting beneath the impressive dome adorned with captivating chandeliers. The restaurant is filled with sunlight in the mornings and offers beautiful views of the Rio de la Plata and that was one of the best parts of our morning meals. The buffet offered an array of options from cold meats and cheeses to pastries and freshly baked bread, as well as a selection of fruits and fresh juices. Hot dishes were also available to order and included crêpes, omelets and eggs made to order.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Restaurant 1921 (inside the hotel) - Classic French Fine dining in a beautiful setting
Grot (3 minute walk) - Delicious homemade ice cream.
Cafe Misterio (10 minute walk) - Lovely restaurant serving international cuisine.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Savarin (20 minute drive) - Excellent upscale menu featuring top-notch seasonal produce.
Demorondonga (22 minute drive) - Cozy hangout bar with delicious small plates.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from around the world, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are some things to do:
Rambla of Montevideo (across the street from the hotel) - Take a leisurely stroll along the Rambla, a scenic promenade that stretches along the coastline, offering beautiful views of the Rio de la Plata.
Ciudad Vieja (28 minute drive) - Explore the historic Ciudad Vieja with its narrow streets, colonial architecture, art galleries, and vibrant street art.
Plaza Independencia (30 minute drive) - Visit the main square, home to the iconic Solis Theatre, the historic gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, and the Artigas Mausoleum.
Mercado del Puerto (32 minute drive) - Indulge in Uruguayan barbecue (asado) at the famous Mercado del Puerto, a lively market with numerous grills and restaurants.
Botanical Garden (35 minute drive) - Take a peaceful stroll through the Botanical Garden of Montevideo, featuring a diverse collection of plants.
VERDICT
The Sofitel Montevideo is really special. There aren’t many hotels, especially in South America, that offer the same character, charm, history, and magical feeling that this hotel bestows upon its guests. We wish we had more than a weekend to enjoy this beautiful property but know that we will back soon.
Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa
Rambla República de México 6451, 11500 Montevideo, Departamento de Montevideo, Uruguay
+59826046060