Lares de Chacras, Alberti

We LOVED this place. It was the perfect retreat during our visit to wine country in Mendoza, Argentina in 4/2007. We've never been to a place quite like it before: part B&B, part boutique hotel, and part rustic retreat. Arriving at the entrance (off the road quite a bit), you are immediately surprised by how residencial the neighborhood feels (the neighbors Saint Bernard and Black Lab greeted us as we pulled up the driveway.)There is a large yard, and you can leisurely wander into the casona without the feeling that the staff are watching your every move. The Casona's architecture is made of stone, and you feel this as you enter. The lobby and rooms are tastefully decorated to be cozy, yet remind you that you are in wine country. The rooms have rustic furniture and large clean (nearly new on our trip) bathrooms. The neatest thing was the wine cellar (literally a "wine cellar" Part cave/part bar, you can come downstairs to relax and kick back with a bottle of wine from the region. The staff is casual, helpful but hands-off (i.e., there if you need them, invisible if you don't) Don't expect someone to open doors for you, this place is very laid back and casual. Breakfast was good, we don't remember anymore food. Highly recommended!