Fasano Las Piedras Punta Del Este

Fasano Las Piedras Punta Del Este, a distinguished One-Key property in the Michelin Guide, offers a luxurious and secluded retreat in the Uruguayan countryside, consistently drawing praise for its sophisticated design, impeccable service, and exceptional amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Fasano Las Piedras is overwhelmingly positive, often described as a "Really 5 Stars Overall" experience. It holds a "Wonderful" rating of 9.3 based on over 260 reviews on some platforms. The Michelin Guide designates it as "One MICHELIN Key · A very special stay," reflecting its high quality and unique offering. Guests frequently laud its ability to provide an environment where one can "leave the world behind and relax."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several standout features:

• Design & Architecture: The hotel's modernist design by Issay Weinfeld is a major draw, with low stone villas and bungalows seamlessly blending into the natural landscape. The look is described as clean, contemporary, and effortlessly glamorous.
• Amenities: Fasano Las Piedras boasts an impressive array of facilities, including multiple swimming pools (one notably carved directly into a rock face), a comprehensive spa with an indoor pool, a fitness complex, an 18-hole Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, polo fields, an equestrian center, and tennis courts. The property also features a private riverside beach on the Maldonado river, a library, an organic garden, and a Kids Club.
• Service: The staff is frequently commended for being "super attentive and caring" and providing "personalized service."
• Seclusion & Concept: The hotel's concept of a pastoral, tranquil escape, combining easy beach access with a sense of privacy, resonates deeply with visitors.

3. Room Quality

The accommodation at Fasano Las Piedras is split between rooms in the main "Locanda" building and standalone bungalows and villas spread across the expansive property.

• Comfort & Design: Rooms are described as spacious, finely decorated with vintage furniture, and featuring large, plush beds. Bungalows are particularly praised for their "exceptional" decoration and for offering "utmost privacy, comfort." Standard amenities include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, TVs, and free toiletries. Many rooms come with ample bathtubs, private patios, and gas fireplaces, with some suites offering a living room and even a crystal wall for scenic views from the bathtub.
• Potential Wear: One guest noted some bungalows showing minor "wear and tear," such as a door not closing properly or dinged floors and furniture, suggesting some elements might be showing their age since the hotel's opening in 2010. However, recently added 3,000 square foot three-bedroom villas are noted to be in excellent, updated condition.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Fasano Las Piedras is a significant highlight, reflecting the Fasano Group's century-old culinary tradition.

• Restaurants: The hotel features two main restaurants: "Fasano Restaurant" and "Las Piedras." The Fasano Restaurant offers regional Italian cuisine and local dishes, with an indoor dining room uniquely sculpted into rocks, providing a rustic charm. "Las Piedras" presents a more informal Italian trattoria ambiance.
• Breakfast: Often cited as a standout, described by one guest as "best ever in a hotel worldwide" and "epic." The buffet includes an impressive selection of fresh baked goods (including gluten-free options), a hot dish menu with eggs to order, waffles, pancakes, avocado toast, fresh juice, champagne, and smoked salmon.
• Lunch & Dinner: Meals typically feature international favorites. While one reviewer found some dishes "uneven," with both excellent (e.g., steak tartare) and disappointing options, overall, the food is frequently described as "excellent."

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Fasano Las Piedras generally receives high marks, with staff being a consistent point of praise. Guests commend the "great service" and describe the staff as "super attentive and caring" and "well-trained." Many visitors have repeatedly praised the fantastic team from reception to the restaurant.

• Service Nuances: Some guests, particularly those visiting during the shoulder season, reported "small but annoying service and management issues," including a protracted check-in process and some housekeeping missteps. Additionally, communication with front desk staff was noted to be challenging due to "very poor English" by one reviewer. However, experiences during high season typically reported a "much more elevated service."

6. Location & Accessibility

Fasano Las Piedras is situated in a rural area inland along the Maldonado River, about a 30-minute drive from the main city of Punta del Este. The property spans 490 hectares (1,210 acres), offering a sense of seclusion and vast panoramic views.

• Proximity: While enjoying a tranquil, countryside setting, it is still "a few minutes from the beach and the bustle of the tourist zones," with La Barra just 10 minutes away.
• Transport: The hotel is approximately a two-hour drive from Carrasco International Airport in Montevideo, with private airport transfers available. Guests are provided with golf carts to navigate the extensive property.
• Perspective: The secluded location is appreciated by those seeking relaxation and a getaway experience, but some visitors find it "far from all the tourist attractions" and less ideal for those primarily looking to explore the bustling areas of Punta del Este.

7. Value & Pricing

Fasano Las Piedras is positioned as a luxury property, and its pricing reflects this. Guests often describe it as "a little bit overpriced but it delivers the value," while others simply note it as "very expensive." Room rates can range from approximately $390 to $15,777 for double occupancy, including breakfast. Despite the high cost, the consensus is that the exceptional facilities, unique architecture, high level of service, and comprehensive amenities generally justify the investment for those seeking a premium luxury experience.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, recurring criticisms include:

• High Cost: The price point is consistently mentioned, sometimes as a minor deterrent.
• Distance from Tourist Hubs: For guests who wish to extensively explore Punta del Este's main attractions, the hotel's inland and rural location can be a drawback.
• Seasonal Limitations: During the shoulder and low seasons, some outdoor activities, pools, and restaurants may be closed, and rainy weather can make navigating the large property by golf cart less pleasant.
• Inconsistent Service (Off-Season): A few reports indicate that service and management issues, such as slow check-in or minor housekeeping problems, can occur during the shoulder season, and some staff may have limited English proficiency.
• Maintenance Issues: Occasional mentions of minor wear and tear in older bungalows, like chipped shower areas or doors not closing perfectly, have been noted.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. michelin.com
3. booking.com
4. thehotelguru.com
5. forbestravelguide.com
6. expedia.com
7. laspiedrasfasano.com
8. virtuoso.com
9. luxurylatinamerica.com
10. fasano.com.br
11. booking.com