Virtuoso® Welcomes The Rebirth Of A Legend To Its Preview Program

NEW YORK, May 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Luxury travel network Virtuoso® welcomes a historic jewel into its illustrious collection of Preview properties: the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa. The French-style palace with 100 years of significance and one of Uruguay's most treasured buildings will open in June 2013 with an exclusive offer for guests booking with a Virtuoso travel advisor:

• Three-night stay for the price of two nights
• 30 percent food and beverage discount  
• VIP status
• Upgrade to next room category upon arrival (subject to availability)
• Welcome drink and French patisserie designed by Executive Chef William Porte
• 100USD spa voucher
• Daily buffet breakfast for two in Restaurant 1921

The restoration process and French design has recreated the glamour of the early 20th century at the Sofitel Montevideo. The color palette evokes everything from the red of the national flower ceibo to the silver of the nearby Rio de la Plata. The fusion between French art de vivre and local culture emanates throughout the building, whose meticulous reconstruction can be admired at every turn. Listed as a National Heritage site, the building's understated elegance turns the Sofitel Montevideo into an undisputed destination today just as in the past. Its location in Montevideo's most exclusive and charming neighborhood, Carrasco, will be a key draw, as will its lobby, which opens onto the beach and faces the city's favorite river promenade, the Rambla.

Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa joins an impressive roster of new hotels accepted into Virtuoso's Preview Program, including Bulgari Hotel & Residences London and the Shangri-La Toronto. With an exclusive partnership during its first year of operations, the Sofitel Montevideo will benefit from Virtuoso's networking opportunities, advisor education programs, marketing initiatives and sales support. As a result, clients of Virtuoso travel advisors receive benefits unavailable elsewhere. Preview is part of Virtuoso's renowned Hotels & Resorts Program, now in its 21^st year.  The program includes 975 of the world's best properties, vetted by the network's luxury travel advisors.

"The Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa brings exclusive luxury in a very desirable part of the world to the Virtuoso network," said Albert Herrera, Virtuoso's senior vice president, global product partnerships. "South America is sizzling more than ever and the opening of the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa will fill a critical need in that market. The iconic hotel's old world glamour combined with its modern features and services will give discerning clients a truly unforgettable experience."

The Sofitel Montevideo has 93 apartments and 23 suites, varying from 320 to 1,720 square feet.  Its dining venues offer varied authentic experiences. The 1921 Restaurant, named for the year the hotel opened, is a French brasserie featuring traditional dishes with local produce. The vibrant Thays Lounge Bar and the charming Tea Gallery are perfect for a drink or snack in a relaxed atmosphere.

The 5,400-square-foot So Spa features five treatment rooms including a couple's suite; sauna; hammam; and Vichy shower.  The hotel also offers an indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center and salon.  The 32,000-square-foot casino features an array of entertainment including blackjack, baccarat, roulette and 400 slot machines, as well as a VIP area.

To reserve a stay at the Sofitel Montevideo Casino Carrasco & Spa, contact Virtuoso at 866-401-7974 or by visiting www.virtuoso.com. 

About Virtuoso
Virtuoso^® is the industry's leading luxury travel network.  This by-invitation-only organization comprises over 340 agencies with more than 7,200 elite travel specialists in 20 countries in North and South America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, as well as over 1,700 of the world's best travel providers and premier destinations.  The network's member agencies generate over $9.6 billion annually in travel sales, making the group the most powerful in the luxury travel segment.  Their relationships with the finest travel companies provide the network's affluent clientele with exclusive amenities, rare experiences and privileged access. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com. To view Virtuoso's latest videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/VirtuosoTraveler.   

Media Contacts:                                                  
Betsy Goldberg                                                        
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications                                 
Virtuoso 
206.254.1053
[email protected]                                          

Charles G. Curkin
Senior Account Executive
Alice Marshall Public Relations
212.861.4031
[email protected]

SOURCE Virtuoso