Retro Lounge
After a heart-stopping taxi ride from the bus station we arrived at La Escondida to a friendly welcome from Emma. Nicki, who we first met in Malargue, was also staying there and that provided a little confusion for Emma as she thought we wanted a triple room! After much hilarity and joking about the Kiwi being a “stud-muffin” we were shown to our separate rooms, our room named Syrah.
Syrah room
The room was big and airy, with french doors leading to a balcony looking out to the front of the property, but unfortunately no furniture to allow us to benefit from it. Although clean and pleasant it was clear from the loose parquet flooring and scuff marks on the walls that the room was well lived in, jaded and in need of some tlc, but la piece de resistence was the antique bathroom! Bright with it’s mauve bathroom suite, antique marble topped vanity unit and brown tiles with mauve flower pattern it was dated to say the least, but charming in it’s own way.
Great thing about La Escondida is the space it offers guests, with a lounge, courtyard and large garden with a decent size swimming pool. Emma made it clear that the kitchen was there for our benefit and should we wish to put drinks or food in the fridge this wasn’t a problem, she showed us where the glasses and plates were and said to feel free to use it, which was great. The night we arrived we had a menage a trois in the courtyard with Nicki, but enjoying mearly wine, snacks and good conversation!
Colourful bathroom
Emma is friendly, efficient and runs the place like clockwork. Thanks to Nancy we managed to catch our bus to Buenos Aires – there was a taxi strike so she ensured that we caught the correct collectivo to the station, then after saying goodbye she turned up 10mins later telling us that she thought we were at the wrong place for long-distance buses – she was right and thanks to her returning to tell us that we caught our overnight bus to Buenos Aires just in the nick of time, so excellent customer care and thought!
Situated on a leafy residential street, La Escondida was well placed as it’s not too far from a choice of bars and restaurants, walking down town wasn’t too strenuous and it was a gentle stroll up to the vast park. It does stand across the street from a school, so long-lies are not on the top of the agenda should you have a front-facing room. For me, the price was the only real issue for our lovely but tired room I felt that it was a little over-priced, but with a facelift then it would be fair. But really, we had a great stay at La Escondida and I can’t see why you wouldn’t too!
garden and pool
