We stayed in the village of Chacras de Coria, about 12km south of Mendoza, on the edge of the vineyards. The town was at the centre of a crossroads. The approach roads from all directions were lined with plane trees providing a lovely green canopy of shade. The temperature, a pleasant 21degrees, made a welcome change from the stifling humidity of Easter Island, although this was exceptional. Temperatures often remain in the 40's from September to May. The town had a nice feel about it.
Our B&B, Casa Glebinias, is situated an easy 10minute walk from the town centre in a quiet residential street. We were shown pictures of the site in 1982 when it was a barren wasteland. Now the owners have created a park that provides a wonderful oasis of colour in which three or four cottages have been skilfully hidden. We have the first floor of one which you ascend to via a twisting stone staircase, giving the impression of a turreted castle. There is a tiny semi-circular balcony with room for 2 chairs and a table, where you feel you are sitting amongst the tree canopy. Inside the clever use of arches and vaulted, beamed ceilings reinforces the castle theme, and although only small, the whole place feels spacious. There is a microwave as well as a fridge, and the washbasin is artfully suspended over the top of the stairwell. The WC and shower room leads off to the side of the bedroom. The architectural design is extremely clever, and the furnishings show a lot of care and attention to detail.
The breakfast room, lounge and bar, are in the main building, and have also been tastefully furnished and cleverly designed. Breakfast was simple, fresh fruit salad, cereal, ham, several types of bread and croissants, a choice of jams, and a selection of teas and coffee.
The garden is beautiful. There are trees with foliage in many different colours from lime green to bottle green, from purple to blue. There are many different varieties of fruit trees, some of which I have never seen before. The paths gently curve as they lead you around the garden, and to the side of the main house there is a lovely 17metre pool with conveniently placed recliners and seating.
If you do not want to eat out in the evening the hotel will prepare you a snack with tasty empanadas. We took the short walk to the town centre where there are a range of shops and several restaurants. We chose an Italian restaurant, Placere, in Calle Mitre, just off the main square. We shared an unusual fish empanada starter, and then I tried the local speciality of river fish (which I think was trout) while Anni had pasta with salmon. The Crumble de Manzona (apple crumble!) was delicious. The food was good, the service was good, the restaurant was bright and cheerful and the menu reasonably priced.
We would certainly recommend staying at Casa Glebinias. It was one of the nicest places we had stayed in during our time in Argentina and Chile.
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