Casa de Uco

Casa de Uco: A Michelin One-Key Oasis in Argentina's Uco Valley

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Argentina's Uco Valley, Casa de Uco, a Michelin One-Key property, consistently receives high praise for its stunning design, exceptional service, and immersive wine country experience. Guests are drawn to its unique blend of modern luxury and natural beauty, making it a standout destination for those seeking a tranquil and sophisticated retreat.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Casa de Uco is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "exceptional" and one of the nicest resorts they have ever stayed at. It's lauded as a "dreamy getaway to wine country" and a "first-class wine resort" that offers a complete Mendoza experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Casa de Uco:

• Location & Views: The resort boasts "breathtaking views of the Andes right out of our window," expansive vineyards, and a serene lake. The hotel's design is specifically engineered to complement the majestic mountains.
• Design & Architecture: Described as "exceptionally beautiful design and setting," the property features a stylish, state-of-the-art, and sustainably built concrete and glass structure that harmonizes with the surrounding geography. Minimalist decor and natural materials pay respect to the landscape.
• Service: The service is frequently highlighted as "phenomenal," "top-notch," "attentive," and "cordial." Staff are praised for their genuine warmth, professionalism, and ability to anticipate needs and arrange personalized experiences.
• Amenities & Activities: Guests love the winery, spa (offering vinotherapy and hydrotherapy), sauna, steam room, outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis court, and various activities such as complimentary horse riding, bike use, archery, and wine tastings. A unique feature is an amazing dog named Sol who lives at the property and sometimes accompanies guests on walks. The underground wine cellar with an impressive selection of regional wines is also a highlight.

3. Room Quality

Casa de Uco offers 7 rooms, 9 suites, and 3 vineyard villas, all designed with a modern, bright, and cutting-edge aesthetic.

• Standard Rooms (Cordón del Plata): Feature blonde wood, crisp white and charcoal tones, Egyptian cotton linens on king-sized beds, ultra-modern glass-encased showers, large smart TVs, and daybeds set in picture windows facing the mountains.
• Suites: Offer a "wow factor" with private terraces that appear to float over the lake. Some include large living rooms and luxurious extras like deep soaking tubs.
• Villas: Freestanding villas are the pinnacle of luxury, some featuring rooftop terraces with hot tubs, modern fireplaces, and sliding wood screens. One-bedroom villas are larger than master suites, and the two-bedroom villas can include private heated plunge pools.
• General Features: All rooms offer panoramic mountain views, private bathrooms with free organic olive and mate herb toiletries, flat-screen TVs, minibars (often complimentary and refreshed daily), iPod docks, heating, desks, and safety deposit boxes. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and private balconies. A complimentary bottle of the vineyard's wine and local sweet treats are typically provided.

4. Dining Experience

The dining at Casa de Uco is a significant draw, often receiving high marks from guests, with some rating the gastronomy as "10 points."

• Restaurant Bistreaux: Serves international and regional food, with a strong emphasis on a farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing seasonal ingredients grown in the resort's organic garden.
• Breakfast: A buffet and à la carte breakfast is included, featuring a variety of breads, nuts, pastries, fresh fruit (especially phenomenal cherries), natural yogurt, and made-to-order items like avocado toast.
• Special Experiences: Traditional Argentinian Asados (BBQs) cooked over open flames in the vineyard are highly recommended and considered a fantastic experience.
• Wine: The resort's own high-caliber Malbec and other wines are plentiful, and guests can enjoy them at the Wine Bar & Lounge or from their in-room complimentary bottles.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Casa de Uco is consistently described as "phenomenal" and a major highlight of the stay. Guests praise the staff for being "very welcoming," "attentive and cordial," and "extremely helpful" with everything from arranging activities and transportation to anticipating needs. Reviewers have noted staff going "above and beyond" for guest satisfaction, even arranging private events like an asado on a day it wouldn't normally be offered.

6. Location & Accessibility

Casa de Uco is situated in the Uco Valley, approximately an hour's drive southwest of Mendoza city. This far-flung wine region, on the eastern side of the Andes, is considered "the next Napa Valley" due to its world-class vineyards and stunning natural beauty.

• Surroundings: The estate spans over 790 acres (320 hectares) and is bordered by the majestic Andes Mountains, extensive vineyards, and a lake, offering an incomparable setting.
• Transportation: It's about 72 miles from Gobernador Francisco Gabrielli International Airport (MDZ), which receives direct flights from Buenos Aires and Santiago. While the area is remote, private transfers can be arranged through the hotel, though guests advise confirming costs as they can be high. The property also has its own heliport for those seeking a grander arrival. Driving is often recommended for exploring nearby wineries like The Vines of Mendoza (20-minute drive) and Bodegas Salentein (40-minute drive).

7. Value & Pricing

Casa de Uco is considered a luxury property, with rooms described as being on the "expensive side." However, many guests feel it is "well worth the splurge" for the unique and comprehensive experience it offers.

• Price Range: Recent best prices found for a room start around $439 per night, with average deals often around $791 per night.
• Seasonal Variation: July is typically the cheapest month to stay, with an average 34% drop in price, while October is the most expensive, seeing an average 29% rise.
• Inclusions: Rates usually include an à la carte breakfast and some non-alcoholic drinks.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some minor criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Dining Menu Variety: The lunch and dinner menu, while featuring excellent farm-to-table ingredients, can be "fairly limited" for guests staying longer than two nights, encouraging them to venture out to other vineyards for dining options.
• Food Consistency: Specific feedback mentioned country-raised grilled chicken being "a bit on the dry side," and avocado toast lacking flavor.
• Portion Sizes: Some guests found the Argentinian portion sizes "huge," potentially leading to overeating or needing to skip subsequent meals.
• Dining Area Air Conditioning: The main dining area does not have air conditioning, though a large industrial fan helps keep the room cool.
• Poolside Seating: A limited number of sun loungers (only four noted in one review) by the infinity pool might be an issue during peak times.
• Airport Transfers: The cost of private airport transfers arranged through the hotel was found to be on the higher side by some.
• Centralized AC Issues: A few guests advised confirming the functionality of individual room air conditioning units, suggesting potential issues with a centralized system.

Sources

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