Sofitel Casino Carrasco
A historic, luxurious hotel on Montevideo's coast, featuring a casino, spa, and elegant dining, offering a glimpse into old-world glamour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for spa
Sofitel Casino Carrasco
Best Time
Fewer crowds for spa
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic, luxurious hotel on Montevideo's coast, featuring a casino, spa, and elegant dining, offering a glimpse into old-world glamour.
"Stunning building and location, but service and maintenance don't always match the 5-star price tag."
Check Spa Availability
Book spa treatments in advance, as services can be limited or unavailable after certain hours. :massage_tree:
Room Maintenance Check
Inspect your room upon arrival for any maintenance issues like leaks or mold. Report immediately. :housewithgarden:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Grandeur
Lobby and exterior
Step into a bygone era with the hotel's magnificent architecture and opulent interiors. A true Montevideo landmark.
Casino Excitement
Casino floor
Try your luck at the tables or slot machines in this elegant and lively casino, a central feature of the hotel.
Oceanfront Views
Select rooms and common areas
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the Rio de la Plata from many of the hotel's rooms and public spaces.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations for Luxury
Spa & Dining Reservations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Spa Availability
Book spa treatments in advance, as services can be limited or unavailable after certain hours. :massage_tree:
Room Maintenance Check
Inspect your room upon arrival for any maintenance issues like leaks or mold. Report immediately. :housewithgarden:
Clarify Breakfast Inclusions
Confirm breakfast is included in your reservation, as discrepancies have been reported. :croissant:
Embrace the Architecture
Take time to admire the hotel's stunning historic design and luxurious lobby. :gem:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Spa Availability
Book spa treatments in advance, as services can be limited or unavailable after certain hours. :massage_tree:
Room Maintenance Check
Inspect your room upon arrival for any maintenance issues like leaks or mold. Report immediately. :housewithgarden:
Clarify Breakfast Inclusions
Confirm breakfast is included in your reservation, as discrepancies have been reported. :croissant:
Embrace the Architecture
Take time to admire the hotel's stunning historic design and luxurious lobby. :gem:
WiFi Access
Use the provided QR code for easy and reliable WiFi login. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Sofitel Casino Carrasco offers a visually stunning and historically rich experience with a prime beachfront location and an exciting casino. However, guests frequently report significant inconsistencies in service quality, spa amenities, and room maintenance that detract from the expected 5-star luxury, leading to a feeling of being overpriced for the actual experience.
"The building looks amazing and feels luxurious at first glance, but the experience is far from 5-star.
The spa is a joke — no water, no tea, no staff who speak English, and no clue about spa service. I asked for a massage (as advertised), but after 9 p.m., it was “not possible.” Sauna was freezing cold, no staff helped, and I had to figure out how to turn it on myself. The indoor pool is cold too. Despite the high price and beautiful lobby, the service is careless and unprofessional.
The room is OK — more like a standard 4-star room. If you’re staying here for a proper spa experience, don’t. Totally not worth the price."
Sergey Vasylchuk
"During my stay, the room was not clean. The bathroom faucet was faulty, and the shower leaked significantly, which caused water to get all over the floor. The staff was unhelpful, which made my stay unpleasant. This was surprising to me, as I have had excellent experiences at other Sofitel locations in Chicago, New York, London, and Nusa Dua. Additionally, the food was of poor quality; a US$60 sandwich, which was supposed to be hot, was served cold with stale, tearing bread.
When I raised the issues, the staff pretty much said “you can look for a different hotel”"
Ignacio Rodriguez
"Diamond member who has stayed at numerous other Sofitels in numerous countries, This hotel's building and location are great. However, room maintenance and cleaniness are sub-par. Bathroom had clear signs of mould. Rooms had no slippers provided, and when after calling front desk with a request, the reply provided was that that the hotel did not have slippers. However, another room in the same party made the same request and did receive request. In one room, housekeeping was done by 3 different individuals on 3 different days and the level of service varied significantly. One the final day, not all towels were replaced as requested, empty tissue box was left in bathroom and not replenished. Depleted toilet paper was not replaced. Reservation clearly had breakfast included, but hotel reservation records erroneously did not record this. After escalating, this was eventually resolved but I was not notified of resolution until I went to front desk to ask for an update. Post-check out, received an email that one of the rooms had been damaged and that a penalty charge to be applied. After objecting to the claim, hotel eventually replied clarifying that after further investigation, the damage was related to a different reservation. While the matter was resolved, this is not what would be expected of a hotel at this price point. All of these incidents within the same 3-day stay are things that I have not experienced at other Sofitels before, and certainly not so many incidents within the same stay."
Emmanuel Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sofitel Casino Carrasco is located in the Carrasco neighborhood, east of the city center. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available and offer a convenient way to reach the hotel, typically taking around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses also serve the area, offering a more budget-friendly option, though the journey may be longer.
Yes, the hotel offers parking facilities for guests. It's advisable to check with the hotel directly regarding availability and any associated fees for parking during your stay.
The hotel is conveniently located near Carrasco International Airport (MVD). Taxis and hotel shuttles are the most efficient options for reaching the airport, with a short travel time of about 10-15 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the hotel itself is generally free for guests and visitors. However, if you plan to use the casino, there might be age restrictions and identification requirements. Specific events or access to certain facilities like the spa may require separate bookings or tickets.
The hotel operates 24/7, but specific facilities like the spa and restaurants have their own operating hours. The casino is typically open late into the night. It's best to check the hotel's official website or contact them directly for the most current hours of operation for all amenities.
Sofitel often offers various packages that may include accommodation, dining, or spa access. It's recommended to check their official website or contact their reservations department for any ongoing promotions or special offers.
Yes, you can easily book a room at the Sofitel Casino Carrasco through their official website or various online travel agencies. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hotel features elegant rooms and suites, a casino, a spa with a pool and sauna, and an upscale French restaurant. Guests can also expect good WiFi, and helpful staff, with some rooms offering sea views.
Reviews on the spa experience are mixed. While some guests find the pool and sauna nice, others report issues with lack of amenities like water or tea, limited English-speaking staff, and unavailability of services outside of standard hours.
The hotel is known for its luxurious and historic ambiance, particularly in the lobby. The casino adds a lively element in the evenings.
Many rooms offer pleasant sea views of the Rio de la Plata, contributing to a luxurious feel.
While the hotel offers a luxurious experience, it may be more suited for adults due to the casino and upscale dining. However, families can still enjoy the pool and the grand architecture.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hotel features an upscale French restaurant, offering a gourmet dining experience. Some guests have reported issues with the quality and price of food, with one instance of a cold sandwich served on stale bread.
Breakfast inclusion can vary by reservation. Some guests have experienced discrepancies where breakfast was not recorded in their booking, requiring escalation to resolve. It's crucial to confirm this detail when booking.
Room service is typically available at luxury hotels like Sofitel. However, the quality and availability of certain items, like hot sandwiches, have been noted as inconsistent by some guests.
While specific menu details aren't widely available, upscale French restaurants often accommodate dietary requests. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant when making a reservation or upon arrival.
📸 📸 Photography
The grand lobby with its opulent decor is a prime spot for photography. The exterior architecture, especially during the day or illuminated at night, also makes for stunning shots. Rooms with sea views offer beautiful backdrops.
Photography rules within casinos can vary. It's generally best to avoid taking photos of gaming tables or other patrons without permission. The general ambiance of the casino might be photographable, but always be discreet and respectful of others' privacy.
While the hotel encourages guests to capture their experiences, it's always wise to be mindful of other guests' privacy. Avoid intrusive photography in private areas or of staff without their consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hotel offers a luxurious setting, the casino and upscale dining might be more geared towards adults. It's advisable to check for any specific family-friendly activities or amenities the hotel might offer, or to plan excursions outside the hotel for more child-centric entertainment. Confirming room configurations and any potential extra bed charges is also recommended for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
To make a stay more affordable, consider looking for package deals that might include breakfast or other amenities. Traveling during the shoulder seasons or weekdays might also yield lower room rates. Utilizing public transport for getting around the city instead of taxis can also help save on costs.
couples
Consider booking a room with a sea view for added romance. While the spa has received mixed reviews, a couples' massage or simply enjoying the pool area together could be a relaxing experience. The casino also offers a bit of evening entertainment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Spa Experience
Furthermore, the availability of treatments, such as massages, has been noted as inconsistent, with some guests finding them unavailable after certain hours. The sauna has also been described as cold, requiring guests to figure out its operation themselves. For those prioritizing a seamless and well-serviced spa experience, it's advisable to manage expectations and perhaps confirm service availability and hours directly with the spa upon booking or arrival.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the spa area itself is often described as nice, and when services are available and functioning as expected, it can be a relaxing part of your stay. The key seems to be thorough pre-trip research and direct communication with the hotel's spa department to ensure your visit aligns with your expectations.
Room Quality and Maintenance
Maintenance and housekeeping consistency also appear to be areas for improvement. Some guests noted that essential items like slippers were not provided, and requests for them were initially met with a denial, only to be fulfilled for another guest in the same party. Housekeeping services have varied significantly day-to-day, with instances of towels not being replaced, empty tissue boxes left, and depleted toilet paper not replenished.
For travelers expecting impeccable room standards, it's recommended to inspect your room thoroughly upon check-in and promptly report any issues to the front desk. While the hotel's building and location are praised, these in-room details can significantly impact the overall guest experience.
Dining and Service Standards
Service consistency is another area that has drawn criticism. Some reviewers have described staff as unhelpful or careless, leading to unpleasant stays. There have been instances where guests felt dismissed when raising concerns, with one account of being told they could 'look for a different hotel.'
Breakfast inclusion has also been a point of contention, with some reservations not accurately reflecting that the meal was part of the booking. This required guests to escalate the issue to have it resolved. While some staff members are noted as helpful and friendly, the overall service standard appears to be a recurring theme in negative reviews, contrasting with the luxury expected from the Sofitel brand.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit