Art Deco masterpiece from 1948 restored to its former glory, offering 80 elegant rooms on Playa Mansa. The resort features direct beach access, lush gardens, spa, and gourmet dining. Classic glamour meets modern luxury in Punta del Este's most historic property.
The Grand Hotel stands on Playa Mansa at Parada 13 in Punta del Este, occupying a 1948 Art Deco building that predates most of the resort town's contemporary development and remains one of the oldest continuously operating luxury properties in Uruguay's premier beach destination. The Playa Mansa position — on the calmer, bay-facing side of the Punta del Este peninsula rather than the Atlantic-facing Playa Brava — means the beach is sheltered and swimming conditions are gentle, making it a practical choice for families and guests who prefer calm water over surf.
The 80 rooms and suites retain deliberate references to the property's mid-century origins: stepped Art Deco architectural detailing, period-appropriate color palettes in public spaces, and custom furniture that echoes the glamour of Punta del Este's postwar golden age when the resort attracted South American elites and international artists. Superior rooms and suites overlook the beach and the hotel's subtropical gardens; standard rooms face the interior grounds. All accommodations include air-conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and private bathrooms.
Lush gardens surrounding the outdoor pool and sun terrace create a sense of seclusion uncommon in Punta del Este's busiest season. The gardens buffer the hotel from street noise and provide shaded walkways between the main building and the beachfront. A spa operates in the grounds with massage and body treatment cabins. The hotel's restaurant serves Uruguayan cuisine with an emphasis on beef cuts and river fish, and a piano bar runs on weekend evenings during the December–February high season.
Two lit tennis courts allow evening play. The hotel concierge arranges day trips to Cabo Polonio — a remote coastal reserve accessible by 4×4 overland from Valizas — and whale-watching excursions off the Atlantic coast typically active from July through October. The property draws families and leisure travelers seeking a quieter Punta del Este experience removed from the peninsula's nightclub-oriented hotels.
Amenities
- beach access
- pool
- spa
- restaurant
- bar
- tennis courts
- gardens
- casino nearby
Location
Playa Mansa, Parada 13, Punta del Este, Uruguay
-34.9600, -54.9450 View on map
Highlights
- Historic 1948 Art Deco building, one of Punta del Este's oldest luxury properties
- Direct beach access on Playa Mansa, the calmer bay-facing beach
- Lush tropical gardens surrounding the outdoor pool and sun terrace
- Spa, restaurant, and lit tennis courts on the property
- Piano bar operating on weekend evenings during the high season
Tips for visiting
- Superior rooms facing the beach and garden justify the rate premium over interior-facing standard rooms
- The Playa Mansa beach directly in front of the hotel is considerably calmer than Playa Brava — better for children and less confident swimmers
- July and August offer the lowest rates and are a good time for whale-watching tours off the Atlantic coast, though the beach season has ended
When to visit
December to March for the full resort season; November and April offer pleasant weather with lower rates.
Accessibility
The property is spread across garden-level buildings; contact the hotel to confirm accessible room availability and grounds navigation.