Cipriani, the firm developing the Cipriani Ocean Resort Residences & Casino on the grounds of the former San Rafael hotel, in Punta del Este, shared rendered images of what the place will look like once its construction is complete.
The project includes the reconstruction of the historic Hotel San Rafael building, which will be complemented by three towers of residential units, with a height of 320 m and between 30 to 60 floors, depending on the tower, which would make one of these the second tallest building in Latin America.
The Cipriani Casino will also be located there, which, according to the company, will be key to the viability of the project and will evoke “the appeal of the golden age of entertainment venues.”
Cipriani reported that the casino will have an elegant design inspired by the classic Italian nautical style, but with a timeless Art Deco touch. “Inside, a private club evokes the spirit of Punta del Este’s historic nightlife, offering an intimate and seductive atmosphere for the most discerning guests, completed by a private restaurant,” they detailed.
In addition, the complex will include a conference center, three restaurants, a spa, a beach club, a luxury boutique, indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art gym with meditation and yoga rooms, a golf simulator, among other attractions.
The acquisition of the old building by Cipriani caused controversy for years, as well as the reconstruction of the Hotel San Rafael, since in 2018 it was learned that the architectural style is very different from the traditional brick and concrete trusses of the original roof, which the hotel will respect.
However, that point has already been overcome, as confirmed to the media outlet En Perspectiva by the director of urban planning of the Municipality of Maldonado, the architect Soledad Laguarda, in September 2024: “That was a point of discussion prior to approval and prior to the debate in the Departmental Board. Now it is an assumed fact.”
The works are estimated to be completed by December 2025.
