Lares De Chacras

This rustic little gem brims with character; think -- plenty of natural materials like thick Andean stone walls and exposed beams, and cozy open fires. On arrival, the tree-lined drive and gates give the impression of approaching someone’s home -- if that someone owned a small ranch-like castle. Inside, the guesthouse is peaceful and cozy, with a real sense of place. A viewing window in the floor showcases an underground cellar. Outdoors, the garden pool is the ideal spot to relax. Lares de Chacras is geared towards couples thirtysomething and up who fall for the quiet setting and warm welcome, and it attracts guests from all over the world. However, there’s little here for business travelers.

Lares de Chacras is located in Chacras de Coria, a picturesque village about a 20-minute drive outside of Mendoza. It’s just off the main street and guests can walk to the center of the village in around five minutes. There are some great restaurants and shops in town, and a weekly market in the village sells antiques and crafts. The surrounding landscape is beautiful and peaceful, and many wineries are close by. Allow around 40 minutes to reach El Plumerillo International Airport by car. Many guests choose to drive here, so the free on-site parking and nearby gas station are a bonus.

Rooms have wooden floors, whitewashed walls, and details like wooden trunks and exposed beams. It's a homey look that perfectly complements the mountain-adjacent region in which the hotel sits. Amenities include air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs, as well as free Wi-Fi -- though it occasionally struggles to provide a strong signal through the thick stone walls. Kettles are provided and minibars are stocked with soft drinks. Bathrooms are fully tiled and include shower/tub combos plus wall-mounted hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Classic Rooms are 247 square feet (23 square meters), while Special Rooms are 300 square feet (28 square meters) and have a balcony or terrace. We recommend the Superior Rooms; one has an impressive feature fireplace; while the other has a large balcony. Both feature whirlpool tubs. There’s no street noise in any of the rooms; just the sounds of the birds and the wind in the trees -- and the occasional barking from local dogs.

The cozy lobby is the heart of the hotel. It offers a peep down to the hotel's wine cellar -- which includes vintages that the hotel sells (and go great with afternoon empanadas, according to previous guests). Breakfast is served buffet style and though not extensive is plentiful for such a small property -- especially as it’s included in the rates. There are some great healthy choices alongside local favorites like pancakes with dulce de leche. For other meals, there’s the option of lazy weekend lunches, three-course dinners, or simple a plate of cold cuts, and the covered outdoor barbecue area plays host to a weekly barbecue. Outside in the lovely gardens, guests will find a good-size pool and hot tub, plenty of comfy loungers, and a gazebo where massages can be arranged. Wi-Fi is free, but unreliable. There’s secure parking on-site.