Fodor's Expert Review Encuentro Guadalupe

With freestanding steel box-cabins perched on a boulder-strewn hill, this property has architect Jorge Gracia to thank for its innovative design. Dirt trails lead to 21 rooms (called “lofts”), each reminiscent of a shipping container from a distance, but inside you’ll find plush white bedding, concrete floors, rain-showerheads, and lamps made from steel pipes. In an effort to connect with nature, guests are given access to hiking trails and private decks with chimeneas that can be lit upon request. This also translates to no TVs, no phones (walkie-talkies provided), no room service, and very few room amenities. Despite these cutbacks, this still happens to be the most expensive property in wine country. Breakfast is served by the infinity pool bar, and the main restaurant (which changes hands frequently) is located at the foot of the mountain. Beyond this point, only guests of the hotel can enter and rooms must be reached by shuttle or on foot. Although inconsistent service has bruised this hotel's reputation, its new luxury villas and a spa are determined to get it back on track.