House of Jasmines

House of Jasmines, a distinguished Relais & Châteaux property nestled in Salta, Argentina, consistently earns high praise as a Michelin Key One-Keys destination, offering an upscale retreat in the tranquil Andean foothills.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for House of Jasmines is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as an exceptional and enchanting property. Review platforms reflect this sentiment, with an outstanding overall rating of 9.1 on Agoda, 9.5 on Booking.com, and 4.6/5 on Relais & Châteaux's own site. Guests are often captivated by its charm, elegance, and the calm, inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect escape.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud House of Jasmines for several standout features:

• Exceptional Service: The attentive and accommodating staff are frequently mentioned as a major highlight.
• Beautiful Location & Views: The setting at the foot of the Andes, surrounded by 100 hectares of grounds with stunning mountain views, is a recurring theme in positive reviews.
• Excellent Food: The high-quality, homemade Argentine cuisine receives consistent acclaim.
• Peaceful Ambiance: The tranquil countryside setting provides a serene and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for unwinding.
• Amenities: The property boasts a full-service spa with treatments, a steam bath, sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool, all contributing to a luxurious stay. Beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces are also highly appreciated.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at House of Jasmines are designed to be comfortable and display a homey, ranch-style elegance. The seven original rooms feature a cozy chic decor with a palette of white, cream, beige, and chocolate, maintaining architectural details typical of the original period. These rooms often include local rugs over stone tile, canopy beds, fine linens, and custom toiletries, some with furnished terraces or shared balconies. Newer stand-alone buildings offer more spacious and plush accommodations, including junior suites with sitting rooms and terraces, and chalets for families with multiple bedrooms and living areas, often boasting unique views of the Salta mountain range. While many rooms offer a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, some guests have noted that older rooms can be on the smaller side and might benefit from renovation. Fast wireless internet access is available throughout the property, though some original rooms may not have TVs.

4. Dining Experience

"La Table de House of Jasmines," the hotel's restaurant, is celebrated for its high-quality Argentine cuisine, emphasizing quality over quantity. The kitchen proudly uses fresh produce and herbs from the House of Jasmines' own garden to create traditional dishes like lamb, baby goat, and classic Argentine barbecue. Guests enjoy a daily complimentary buffet breakfast featuring home-baked goods, fruit, cereal, and eggs made to order. In cooler months, a large central fireplace creates a cozy ambiance in the dining room, while ample windows offer stunning Andes views. Occasional outdoor "asados" (barbecues) are arranged when the hotel is busy, providing a memorable culinary experience. A common comment, however, is that the menu for lunch and dinner can be limited and does not change frequently, which might be a consideration for longer stays.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at House of Jasmines consistently receive exceptional ratings, with a staff performance score of 9.8 on Booking.com. Guests frequently use words like "amazing," "attentive," "smiley," and "very helpful" to describe their interactions. Many feel genuinely welcomed and well taken care of, highlighting a strong sense of hospitality that contributes to a "feeling of being at home." There have been minor remarks, however, suggesting that reception staff, on occasion, might not be as service-oriented as the restaurant team.

6. Location & Accessibility

House of Jasmines is situated in a quiet, rural setting at the foot of the Andes, about 10 miles (16 km) from Salta's center. It's considered an upscale refuge in the countryside, offering a tranquil retreat away from the city's hustle and bustle. Its proximity to Martin Miguel de Güemes International Airport (approximately 7 km or 4.3 miles, a 10-15 minute drive) is convenient for travelers, and airport shuttles can be arranged for a surcharge. While not central for city attractions, its location is ideal for exploring the region's natural beauty and serves as a good base for excursions to places like Cafayate.

7. Value & Pricing

Guests frequently rate the value for money at House of Jasmines as exceptional, with Agoda giving it a perfect 10.0 rating in this category. Many reviewers express astonishment at the incredible experience they receive for the price, noting that a comparable luxury hotel in other regions might be significantly more expensive. Average weeknight prices over recent periods have been around $304, with rates starting from $188. Prices can fluctuate seasonally, with February often being the most expensive month and May the cheapest.

8. Common Complaints

While overall reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues have been noted by some guests:

• Room Size/Renovation: Some of the original rooms have been described as being on the smaller side and occasionally needing renovation.
• Noise Insulation: A few guests have mentioned minor issues with noise insulation in rooms.
• Limited Dining Menu: The lunch and dinner menu, while high-quality, can be limited and does not change often, which some guests staying for extended periods have noticed.
• Insects in Outdoor Spaces: Due to its rural location, there have been mentions of insects in the outdoor areas.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. relaischateaux.com
4. kayak.com
5. booking.com
6. luxurylatinamerica.com
7. michelin.com
8. cleartrip.com
9. classictravel.com
10. booking.com