It’s now official. The Uruguayan government has approved the tender conditions for the state-owned Carmelo Hotel and Casino. The winning bidder will reportedly be expected to bring the  property back into a luxurious condition, following years of inactivity that ruined the resort. As reported, the Carmelo Hotel and Casino will undergo extensive renovation and developments to be launched in November 2025.

Tender Terms and Conditions Approved:

According to a source, governmental approval of tender and the associated specifications followed respective submissions of the competent state authorities. These reportedly included the Commission composed of the Ministries of Tourism and Economy, the Office of Planning and Budget, the National Ports Administration, and the Departmental Government. This commission reportedly produced the terms and conditions for the state-owned hotel and casino facility. The current approval of these legal requirements triggers the tender process for the transformation of the landmark resort, according to the source, as well as a license to operate a privately-owned casino.

Development Scope Required:

The transformation will therefore have to follow the specifications set forth in the terms. As reported, the selected bidder shall submit a project for approval and follow the same during the works. The specifications reportedly require a hotel development with more than 100 rooms, a 500-seat convention hall, as well as an indoor event space and a restaurant with local and international food offerings. The source reports that the resort shall also feature a heated swimming pool and a 200-meter dock for yachts and small boats.

Commenting on the tender documentation approval, Mario Colman, deputy for Colonia, reportedly stated:  “We have just been informed by the Presidency of the Republic that the specifications and the call for tender for the Carmelo Hotel Casino have been approved.” The deputy reportedly added that this is “very good news for Carmelo.”

Carmelo Hotel and Casino resort is located in the Uruguayan city of Carmelo. The property operated under casino license until June 2020. After the casino license expired in July 2020, Vice Minister of Tourism Remo Monzeglio announced in August 2021  that the facility would re-launch after a tender, as reported. The tender is now approved and the new owners are expected to renovate the state-owned property and transform it into a five star hotel. In return, the state will reportedly approve the license to operate a casino inside the resort.

President of Uruguay Supports the Project:

The project is additionally supported by the President of Uruguay, Lois Lacalle Pou. As reported, the President explained the background of the tender process and the steps taken by the state to make the tender possible. The state has finalized this process and Lacalle Pou reportedly said that “now is the time for private players.” He also said that the response of the bidders depends on the interest of the market, according to the source. Following the approval of the specifications and the call for tender, Uruguayan officials are optimistic about the development of the Carmelo Hotel and Casino. According to the source, some of them have recently toured other resorts in the country and reaffirmed the Carmelo’s opening date set for November 2025.