Casa Del Alfarez (An Accor hotel)
Av. 9N #9-24
661-8111
www.accorhotels.com

This is maybe the nicest hotel in town. It is very classy, very non-chain. This place just eludes it's unique feel. Rooms are set around an enclosed five-story courtyard of fountains.

Room rates are similar to the IC. I didn't stay, but I was given a tour of different rooms.

No in-room internet is available.


GREAT ROMANTIC DINNER OPTION!
I visited in the afternoon one day, and met with Cesar (sales director) and Monica (manager) and they arranged their standard romantic dinner package which blew me and my girl away. They provide you with a private table set alone on a small balcony overlooking the restaurant main area which is treed in an open courtyard, offering a view of the mountain and stars above. They place rose pedals all over the floor and cover the white table clothed table with pedals... and of course there were candles on the table and around us. The menu is very interesting with asian fusion, but the food is pretty average in the way that I find most Cali food to be - better than many other places but nothing that would compare to top spots in the U.S. or B.A. or Europe. For example, the mixed rice had only super-small pieces of seafood... the ceasar salad had only tiny pieces of anchoive... the caprese salad was very good... the peanut sauce was maybe made from peanut butter?... But the prices were very attractive - our two salad plus appetizer plus two 1/2-sized dinners and drinks was about 75.000 with tax/tip.

As average to above average as the food was, the setting and attention to detail that the staff put in was so impressive that I would return, and will most certainly recommend.

Sounds nice - but most importantly - is it guest friendly?

I haven't stayed here. But, I'm not aware of any hotel in Cali, other than the IC which still is only on occasions, that takes issue with bringing a guest to the room.