Club Tapiz

Rooms

It’s a real pleasure to throw open the door and find yourself in the airy, ochre-painted spaciousness of the rooms at Club Tapiz. Retaining the original proportions, each room is wide, uncluttered and high-ceilinged, with plenty of room for queensize or twin beds, a dressing area and gigantic wardrobes.

Beds are comfortable, with white linen, floral or quilted throws and simple night tables. Fabrics and towels are slightly fading now, but bathrooms are modern and neat, with a charming feature washbasin and exquisite mosaic-tiled mirror in some rooms. Dramatic floral displays add a touch more colour, and there are mod cons in the form of huge cable TVs, air conditioning, free WiFi, safe boxes, telephones, bathrobes and hairdryers. Room service is also on offer.

Most rooms sit off the gallery in the main house, and many of these have French doors which you can fling open for breezes and vine-filled views. Be aware that some are more private than others, however, so ask for one of the quieter rooms when booking. Another 4 rooms are located 300m away in the separate Casa Zolo, which has opened since our last visit but is similar (if a tad more floral) in style. It has its own lounge and pool, but guests get full access to the hotel facilities, too.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

The Terruño restaurant is one of the real delights of staying at Club Tapiz. Converted from the oldest part of the house, it has wonderfully high ceilings, bold paintings, and deep red walls creating a sense of intimacy; a dramatic setting for some really sophisticated food. The Mendoza region of Argentina produces excellent fruit and vegetables, as well as world-class wines, and the chefs have devised some stunning meals to combine local ingredients and set off those wines to perfection.

We enjoyed superb scallops from just over the border in Chile, and some amazing slow-cooked salmon. The steaks were excellent too, but the real surprise were the pork chops - a speciality of the house. Dark tables and simple linen runners complement the well presented dishes, giving a modern feel to the elegant space, but there’s nothing formal or stuffy about it. Attentive staff and the thoughtful and well-informed sommelier make you feel nothing is too much trouble.

Dinner is served from 8 'till 11pm, so don’t spend too long over the nibbles at the daily 8pm wine tasting! Breakfast is generally from 7.30 to 10.30am, but it can be served earlier if you have an early start. It's a buffet of the usual cereals, pastries, cold hams and cheeses, as well as a good selection of fruit.

If you're staying for several nights, it’s worth having an evening out at the superb French-inspired La Bourgogne restaurant at Carlos Pulenta’s bodega, where the chef creates extraordinary concoctions in a magnificent setting. Staff can make reservations and arrange a car for you.

Features include:

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Room service
• Vegetarian options

Activities

• Winery tours are the obvious highlight, but they vary from winery to winery, so start with one which will explain the whole process in detail - and in English. Bodega Tapiz (same owners as the hotel, but 15km away) is the best, and it's included in your room tariff. Carolina Fuller is a charming Anglo-Argentine with great passion, expertise and infectious enthusiasm for wine making. She’ll show you the vineyards and winery, explaining planting, pruning and harvesting techniques and encouraging tastings at every stage. Unmissable!
  
  
• Once you’ve done this tour, you can move on to other bodegas in the Maipú region, ranging from large (Trapiche and Familia Zuccardi) to small (notably Tempus Alba, with its stunning architecture and superb wines). Carlos Pulenta’s inspiring Bodega Vistalba, also with magnificent architecture, is very nearby in Luján de Cuyo. Arrange a driver to take you, or - if you’re feeling energetic - borrow Club Tapiz’s bikes and set off by yourselves. Book ahead to reserve lunch at one of the stops en route
  
  
• Mendoza isn’t just about wine, though, and it’s definitely worth getting out into the mountains. Hire a car and guide and head off on the road to Chile, with marvellous trekking in the foothills of Aconcagua
  
  
• Mendoza's superb landscape is also ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities, including rafting and horse riding. Los Potrerillos, just an hour away, is a good base for these and is very picturesque. Ask reception to arrange a trip for you
  
  
• Skiing is possible at 2 places in Mendoza, from late June to September. The world-famous Las Leñas is in the south of the province, but the humbler family resort of Los Penitentes is just 2 hours away
  
  
• The city of Mendoza, just 20 minutes away, is one of Argentina’s loveliest: wide tree-lined avenues, pretty plazas and some great boutiques, galleries and restaurants. We recommend The Vines of Mendoza tasting room and information centre, plus the excellent restaurant and wine bar Azafrán
  
  
• Tango classes are offered in the old pulpería back at the hotel, but book ahead

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Hiking
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Museums / galleries
• Private guided tours
• Rafting
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Trekking
• Well being
• Wine tasting

Kids

Children are welcome here, though few actually come, as the atmosphere is very much for grown-ups. Baby cots and extra beds can be added to all rooms.

Best for:

Teens (over 12)

Family friendly accommodation:

Cots Available, Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Club Tapiz is in the Maipú region of Mendoza, western Argentina. It’s 20 minutes south of Mendoza city by car.

By Air:
Mendoza El Plumerillo (22km away) is the closest airport. It's served by several direct flights per day from Buenos Aires, as well as some flights from other Argentine cities and Santiago de Chile - click on the links below for a list of airlines.

From the Airport
The drive from the airport takes around 40 minutes, and Club Tapiz can arrange a transfer; see Rates. A taxi will cost from US$15.

By Car:
It’s a good idea to hire a car to explore the area, as the wineries are pretty spread out and the scenery is stunning. See our car rental recommendations - do get a map and make sure you know where you’re going before you set out, as the roads are badly signposted.

By Bus:
Mendoza can be reached by a long 16-hour bus journey from Buenos Aires. This might sound like torture, but with fully reclining coche cama seats, it’s actually pretty comfortable. Once in Mendoza, travelling by bus to the bodegas is not practical, since they’re spread out and buses are infrequent.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.

More on getting to Argentina and getting around