Club Tapiz

A charming little hotel with an excellent restaurant and its own bodega in the wine growing region, Mendoza

What a joy to find Club Tapiz amidst Mendoza’s bodegas: a charming Italianate 1890's house dwarfed by mighty pines and palms, surrounded by neat vineyards. Just 7 airy rooms come off the long gallery, with its original slender columns and terracotta tiles. Tall doors, wide windows and elegant proportions bring 19th century elegance. But bold design abounds: a minimalist water feature, chic decking and vast picture windows in the relaxing lounge. There’s a glazed panel onto tasting rooms below; specially commissioned contemporary paintings sit well on exposed brick and aubergine walls.

Open the French doors in your spacious, ochre-coloured bedroom to find grand views of vines and a lovely pool. You can borrow a bicycle to explore the bodegas of Maipú and Luján de Cuyo; then relax after all that strenuous wine tasting with a massage in the spa, before moving on to superb picadas in the lounge, then a sophisticated dinner in the restaurant.

Highs

• Chic but relaxed mood: nothing pretentious, just chilled out elegance
• Superb restaurant using local produce, with an excellent wine list – naturally
• Good little spa, with a small swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and superb massages from the resident masseur
• Just 15km away, the Bodega Tapiz tour (included in your tariff) is the best one in the region
• Friendly atmosphere: meet other guests at the wine tasting, and swap travel notes

Lows

• Service, although very pleasant and charming, is a little on the slow side (often there’s only one receptionist for 7 rooms)
• Guests are generally thoughtful, but sometimes sit out late on the delightful veranda beside the bedrooms - ask for one of the quieter rooms
• The additional US$5 for breakfast seems a bit steep, and it’s not that special