Iraola Hotel Boutique

We stayed for 3-nights in a superior double room at the Iraola Hotel Boutique in Cafayate ($171 US). The colonial-style hotel is beautiful, all white arches, red tiles and dark-wood windows and doors in a series of 1-2 floor buildings that flow from the front reception-breakfast area into a small, tranquil fountain-centred courtyard, then into a large courtyard with the pool, a grassy area and the bar/lunch restaurant. The pool was perfectly maintained, with comfortable loungers on two sides, each supplied with a fresh towel. Our room was large and spacious, whitewashed walls with a course, rustic tile floor, high wood-beamed ceilings, and suffused with light from the shuttered door and tall, shuttered windows. The king bed was very comfortable (with a 2nd twin bed alongside that was useful for clothes storage). There was also a small table with 2-chairs, a double wardrobe with a safe, and a wall-mounted TV; no mini-refrigerator though. And a nice touch, all of the electrical outlets accepted North American and European plugs as well as the Argentine ones. The bathroom was large, with double sinks, a large vanity and a large walk-in shower with a rainwater shower head. Breakfast was excellent, a selection of fruit, a variety of fresh juices and baked items, and eggs cooked to order. The staff were great – friendly, helpful and, although none spoke English, it was not a problem. Secure parking was available in a lot beside the hotel. And the hotel's location was perfect, in a quiet residential area only three short blocks to the central plaza with its restaurants and bars. Cafayate, as Argentina's second wine area, is a relatively expensive place to stay. Although the Iraola's room rate was high, the value they delivered was superb. We had a great, relaxing stay, enjoying the dry heat of the desert sun while sipping the tasty local wines. It is difficult to imagine staying anywhere better.

Excelente lugar, con esmerada atención. Muy cuidada al detalle la estética desde el desayunador hasta las habitaciones. Muy linda zona de pileta con un bar que funciona hasta las 23 hs. Hay un dispenser de agua fría y caliente comunitario, que me parece excelente idea, ya que las habitaciones no cuentan con pava eléctrica ni frigobar. A dos cuadras de la plaza principal. Volvería otra vez!