Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa: A Belle Époque Icon on the Shores of the Río de la Plata

Gracefully positioned along the shimmering coastline of the Río de la Plata, Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa is far more than a luxury hotel. It is a living monument — a place where Montevideo’s cultural memory, European elegance, and modern refinement converge. With its grand Belle Époque architecture and storied past, the hotel stands as one of Uruguay’s most significant heritage landmarks, offering travelers a rare opportunity to stay within a piece of the city’s history.

Facing the broad sweep of the Rambla República de México, the hotel has long been a symbol of sophistication, social life, and architectural ambition — a destination in its own right since the early 20th century.

A Storied Past Woven into Montevideo’s Identity

Originally known as Hotel Carrasco, the building was envisioned in the early 1900s by Alfredo Arocena, a key figure in shaping the Carrasco neighborhood as an elegant seaside district inspired by European resort towns. Construction began in 1912 under French architects Gastón Mallet and Jacques Dunant, whose vision reflected the grandeur of Parisian palaces and grand hotels of the Belle Époque era.

The outbreak of World War I interrupted construction, delaying completion for nearly a decade. When the hotel finally opened its doors on January 29, 1921, it immediately became the epicenter of Montevideo’s high society. Aristocrats, artists, intellectuals, and international visitors gathered within its salons, transforming the hotel into a cultural and social nucleus.

Among the notable figures who once walked its halls were Albert Einstein, Federico García Lorca, and other luminaries whose presence further cemented the hotel’s reputation as a place where ideas, art, and elegance intersected.

In recognition of its architectural and cultural importance, the building was declared a National Historical Heritage site in 1975. After decades of glory, the hotel fell into decline and ultimately closed in 1997, leaving behind an icon awaiting revival.

That revival came in 2013, when Sofitel undertook an ambitious restoration, returning the palace to its former splendor while reimagining it for contemporary luxury travelers.

Architectural Grandeur Restored with Care and Precision

The restoration of Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa was a monumental undertaking. More than 100 specialists collaborated to revive original architectural elements and craftsmanship that had been lost or obscured over time. Stained glass windows, grand chandeliers, hand-carved woodwork, murals, and Carrara marble were meticulously restored, preserving the building’s soul while integrating modern comfort.

Architecturally, the hotel is a tribute to French neoclassical and Baroque styles, with symmetrical façades, ornate detailing, and a commanding presence that echoes European palace hotels. Inside, the dialogue between past and present is seamless. Vintage furniture, classical proportions, and historic finishes coexist with contemporary lighting, refined textiles, and discreet modern amenities.

Walking through the hotel feels like moving through layers of time — where history is not frozen, but elegantly alive.

Rooms & Suites: French Elegance with River Light

The hotel features 93 rooms and 23 suites, each designed to reflect the building’s heritage while offering modern comfort. High ceilings, warm wooden tones, and French-inspired décor create an atmosphere of quiet sophistication. Many rooms enjoy views of the Río de la Plata, allowing natural light and the rhythm of the water to shape the experience.

The spaces feel generous and calm, offering a refined retreat that balances classic luxury with understated contemporary touches. Every detail is considered, from textures and lighting to the sense of proportion that honors the building’s original design.

Dining & Social Life: A Celebration of Flavor and Atmosphere

Culinary experiences play a central role at Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa, continuing the hotel’s legacy as a social gathering place.

The 1921 Restaurant, named after the hotel’s original opening year, is a standout destination in Montevideo’s dining scene. The menu blends Uruguayan flavors with sustainable practices, focusing on regional ingredients and refined technique. The result is cuisine that feels both rooted and elevated — an elegant reflection of place.

For lighter moments, the 1921 Bar offers an inviting setting for afternoon tea with river views or evening cocktails in a chic, vintage-inspired atmosphere. The space recalls the glamour of early 20th-century salons while maintaining a relaxed, contemporary energy.

Wellness & Leisure: The So Spa Experience

The So Spa provides a serene counterbalance to the hotel’s grand public spaces. Designed as a sanctuary of calm, the spa offers a pool, sauna, and a curated menu of treatments that incorporate local ingredients and thoughtful rituals. It is a place to slow down, restore, and reconnect — whether after a day exploring Montevideo or an evening spent in the casino.

Speaking of entertainment, the hotel’s casino adds another layer to the experience, continuing the tradition of social life, excitement, and elegance that has long defined Carrasco. It transforms the hotel into a complete destination where luxury, leisure, and nightlife coexist under one historic roof.

Events & Cultural Gatherings in Historic Salons

True to its heritage, Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa remains a venue for gatherings and celebrations. Elegant meeting rooms and salons — including the Tea Gallery, Thays Salon, and Sala Federico García Lorca — provide atmospheric spaces for events, weddings, and cultural occasions.

Each room carries historical resonance while offering modern functionality, making events here feel both meaningful and memorable.

Why Choose Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa

This hotel is a treasure for travelers who value heritage, architecture, and timeless luxury. It appeals equally to history enthusiasts, design lovers, and those who simply appreciate the rare beauty of a place shaped by time and care.

Staying here is not merely about comfort — it is about immersion. Every corridor, salon, and view tells a story, allowing guests to become part of Montevideo’s living narrative.

Final Impression

Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa is not just one of Uruguay’s most beautiful hotels — it is one of its most meaningful. With its Belle Époque architecture, storied past, meticulous restoration, and refined contemporary experience, it stands as a bridge between eras.

It is a place where history is honored, luxury is thoughtful, and every stay feels like participation in something enduring. More than a hotel, it is a piece of Montevideo’s soul — preserved, polished, and warmly shared.

Official website: https://sofitel.accor.com/en/hotels/7969.html

Photos and text by Heritage Traveler: Ana | @shevisitsplaces