El Encuentro Posada Review, Chacras de Coria, Mendoza
El Encuentro is a beautiful boutique hotel located in Chacras de Coria, a little town in the Lujan de Cuyo area of Mendoza. We had the opportunity to visit in early October and had an amazing time, not only because of the facilities and location, but also because of the warm and friendly owners and the interaction we had with them.
The Berlin Family and the story behind El Encuentro
“El Encuentro” was originally the retirement project of Carlos Alberto Berlin, an architect who put all of his energy into creating something he could leave for his four children: Deborah, Lisandro, Mauricio and Fernando. Sadly, Carlos passed away soon after finishing the construction of the hotel and before the building of the posada was finished, all four brothers and sister had been scattered in different places around Argentina.
“El Encuentro” means “The Gathering” in Spanish and represents the reunion of all the brothers and sisters in Mendoza after they came back to work together and manage the hotel their father built and left for them.
Carlos Alberto Berlin had a fascination with Incan architecture, a style that greatly influenced the design of “El Encuentro”.
The brick walls are inlaid with stone, the ceilings are made of wood and cane, and the garden is full of xeric plants and stream pebbles.
The Inca influence together with the classical Mendosinian building style give El Encuentro its unique rustic and elegant feel, and its very special charm.
Our Room & Breakfast
Our room had the same special, authentic and warm design that characterizes the posada. Most notably, it had a cosy seating area with two chairs and a table where we could relax and drink wine.
The room also had a second door with a small private porch that overlooked the garden and pool area.
One of the things we especially loved about this hotel was their “no television policy”. There is no television in the rooms and this really helps you to disconnect and enjoy the hotel and its surroundings. Even after some criticism from some guests, the owners have stuck to this policy as it was really important to their father. This is justone example that sets El Encuentro apart from other hotels in the area.
The posada also serves a great, fresh breakfast in a homely and cosy room, including fresh bread, jams, cornflakes, cheeses and ham, and fruits. We especially liked the pastries and coffee!
All guests can also make use of the barbecue area, which includes a mud oven and grill, as well as a gym, a wine cellar and a garden and swimming pool. Check here for more services available.
Location and Things to Do
Staying at “El Encuentro” was a great way to experience the region through the eyes of a real local.
This little gem is located in the middle of the small vibrant town of Chacras de Coria in Lujan, so we really got a chance to explore the neighborhood, and visit local restaurants and shops.
Deborah and her brothers were very helpful in recommending and planning activities in the area during our stay.
We went for lunch and a wine tour at “Clos de Chacras” winery, which is located just a few blocks from the posada.
Another perk was the family’s recommendation to visit the unusual, small and rustic winery Carmelo Patti, a passionate and charming winemaker who makes wine in a small and quirky bodega.
This is a place most tourists don’t get to experience, as it’s not a well-known touristic winery. Patti gave us a lively and entertaining tour around his historic bodega and shared his life story with us.
He was also extremely informative about wine, and told us inside secrets of the trade and how to taste wine properly. It was a very interesting and entertaining off-the-beaten-path tour.
Allinall El Encuentro offers a unique off the beaten path experience for people who are looking to relax and enjoy Chacras de Coria. It’s a great place for couples, but is also perfect for big groups of friends looking to experience the town.
