Cipriani evaluates opening a casino in the former Hotel Mantra
Following the postponement of the opening of the San Rafael hotel casino in Punta del Este until the 2027-2028 season due to accumulated construction delays, the Cipriani Group is considering opening another establishment in the former Hotel Mantra facilities for the upcoming season, with an investment estimated at between 10 and 12 million dollars. According to the newspaper El Observador, representatives of the group held several meetings with members of the Ministry of Economy, where they presented an action plan for the casino, clarifying that this is a circumstantial alternative and that the duration for which the venue would operate still needs to be defined with the Government.
Giuseppe Cipriani indicated that the company is evaluating different options, including the Locanda complex, and stated that the decision depends not only on the group but also on the Government, with the expectation that definitions can be made. Currently, the company has authorization to install the casino in the former San Rafael, but due to delays in the original project, it hopes that authorities will allow a change of location, at least temporarily.
The conflict with the construction company Criba, which led to the delay of the San Rafael project, prompted the group to consider several possibilities for the 2027 season. Among the most solid and quickly achievable projects was the utilization of the former Hotel Mantra, also owned by the company, where an international academy of hospitality and luxury gaming has been operating since June, providing training in tourism activities to over 300 young people. These training programs would supply the workforce for a casino smaller than the one planned for the mega-project at the former San Rafael, which would ensure employment for some of the trainees and other workers who also do not have guaranteed tasks for the coming months.
Tags: Cipriani Group, former Mantra Hotel, Giuseppe Cipriani, San Rafael casino hotel