Andorra, a small country nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between Spain and France, is a hidden gem in Europe. Known for its stunning landscapes and luxurious ski resorts, Andorra attracts visitors from all over the world. However, choosing the right place to stay in Andorra can be a daunting task, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the country. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the best places to stay in Andorra and provide helpful tips to ensure you have a memorable stay.
Andorra is a microstate with a rich history and culture waiting to be explored. Choosing the right place to stay is crucial to having a fulfilling experience in Andorra. In this guide, we’ll focus on four main towns: Andorra la Vella, Canillo, Encamp, and Soldeu. Each town offers unique experiences and caters to different types of travelers.
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The Best Places to Stay in Andorra
Andorra la Vella
Andorra la Vella, the capital city, is the heart of Andorra. It’s a bustling town filled with shops, restaurants, and bars. The town is known for its modern buildings, museums, and cultural events. It’s an ideal place to stay if you want to be in the center of the action.
Accommodation options in Andorra la Vella range from budget-friendly hostels to high-end hotels. If you’re looking for a more unique experience, consider staying in a mountain hut or a campsite.
Activities and attractions in Andorra la Vella include shopping, visiting museums such as the Casa de la Vall, and exploring the historic Old Town. The town also has several parks and nature reserves nearby, including the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pros: Central location, numerous accommodation options, vibrant atmosphere, cultural experiences, and proximity to nature reserves.
Cons: Busy and crowded during peak season.
The Best Places to Stay in Andorra la Vella
Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness
Located in the heart of Andorra La Vella, the Grand Plaza Hotel & Wellness boasts an enviable location close to the city’s commercial center. Its opulent accommodations have earned a following among renowned actors, artists, and politicians.
The Plaza Hotel exudes sophistication, featuring a tasteful collection of oil paintings and Paul Smith rugs. Its on-site à la carte restaurant offers a gourmet selection of dishes, while the piano bar presents live music performances.
Conveniently situated within walking distance of Andorra La Vella’s tax-free shops, the hotel also provides easy access to nearby ski resorts.
Acta Arthotel
Situated in Andorra la Vella’s bustling main street, Acta Arthotel boasts a contemporary design and top-notch amenities, including a local gastronomy restaurant, Plató, and a spa with a sauna and Turkish baths.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s state-of-the-art gym facilities and take advantage of its convenient location, which provides easy access to both the shops and ski slopes.
Plató restaurant, located on the ground floor with views of the river, features gourmet cuisine and periodic art exhibitions. On the fifth floor, the Gallery Restaurant offers panoramic mountain views and serves breakfast each morning.
Andorra Park Hotel
The Andorra Park Hotel, located in the heart of Andorra La Vella, boasts stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valley. With a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre, guests can stay active and refreshed during their stay.
The hotel is ideally situated for shopping and sightseeing. The nearest ski resorts are just a 20-minute drive away, providing easy access to winter sports.
Overall, the Andorra Park Hotel is a fantastic option for those seeking luxurious accommodations in a central location, complete with stunning views and excellent amenities.
Canillo
Canillo is a small town located about 10 km northeast of Andorra la Vella. It’s a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, with access to several ski resorts in the area. Canillo is a charming town with a laid-back atmosphere, making it an excellent place to stay if you want to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Accommodation options in Canillo include hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals.
Activities and attractions in Canillo include skiing, hiking, and mountain biking. The town also has several cultural sites, including the Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Caselles and the Ice Palace, a sports complex that hosts ice hockey and skating events.
Pros: Stunning scenery, relaxed atmosphere, ideal for winter sports enthusiasts, and cultural experiences.
Cons: Limited nightlife and dining options.
The Best Places to Stay in Canillo
Hotel Roc Meler
Located near Canillo in Andorra, Hotel Roc Meler offers breathtaking views of the valley and easy access to the Grandvalira ski slopes, making it an ideal base for skiers. After a long day on the slopes, unwind in the hotel’s spa center, featuring a Finnish sauna and Turkish bath.
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast and end it with a buffet dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, which also hosts regular themed dinners. During the summer months, you can take advantage of guided hiking excursions offered by the hotel.
In the evenings, head to the on-site Irish & Sport bar for a drink and some entertainment. Whether you’re a skier or a hiker, Hotel Roc Meler provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of Andorra.
Hotel Bonavida
Located just 50 yards away from the Canillo ski lift and a short 2-minute walk from the Palau de Gel d’Andorra ice rink, Hotel Bonavida is a charming mountain hotel with a cosy, family-run feel. The hotel features two restaurants where guests can sample delicious food, a bar, and several common rooms where they can relax.
Guests can make use of the ski lockers and boot drying service. After a long day on the slopes, guests can unwind with a relaxing soak in the hot tub or sauna. Additionally, the hotel features outdoor pool and garden areas for the summer months, where guests can take in the spectacular Pyrenees scenery while enjoying a moment of tranquillity.
Hotel Bonavida is the perfect spot for relaxation and to enjoy the splendid mountain countryside.
Encamp
Encamp is a town located about 7 km east of Andorra la Vella. It’s a popular destination for skiers and hikers, with access to several ski resorts and nature trails. Encamp is a charming town with a rich history, making it an ideal place to stay if you’re interested in cultural experiences.
Accommodation options in Encamp include hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals.
Activities and attractions in Encamp include skiing, hiking, and visiting cultural sites such as the Santa Eulalia d’Encamp church and the National Automobile Museum. The town also has several parks and nature reserves nearby, including the Coma Pedrosa Natural Park.
Pros: Small town that offers an authentic experience, great location for skiing, beautiful scenery
Cons: Less amenities compared to other areas, limited nightlife, limited public transport
Where to stay in Encamp
Aparthotel Shusski
Located just 50 yards from the cable car that takes you to the Grandvalira ski resort, the Shusski apartments are an excellent choice for those seeking comfortable accommodation while on a ski trip in Andorra. These modern apartments feature a lounge area with a sofa bed, a separate bedroom with twin beds, and a balcony with stunning views.
If you’re looking to relax after a day on the slopes, you can make a reservation to use the hot tub or Turkish bath at Aparthotel Shusski. Additionally, during the winter season, you can enjoy a drink and a meal at the bar-restaurant on-site.
Hotel Encamp
Located just outside the popular Andorran resort of Encamp, this seasonal hotel offers complimentary bus transfers to the Grandvalira Ski Resort.
The hotel’s rooms are spacious and unpretentious, with all of them featuring private bathrooms. Additionally, the hotel features a restaurant and a bar for guests to enjoy. Ski storage is available at the reception.
Soldeu
Located in the northeastern part of Andorra, Soldeu is a charming mountain village that attracts tourists from all over the world. It is situated in the heart of the Grandvalira ski resort, one of the largest ski areas in Europe. The village is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, including snow-capped mountains, pristine forests, and crystal-clear lakes.
Soldeu offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, including luxury hotels, cozy apartments, and traditional chalets.
Soldeu is primarily known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding facilities. The Grandvalira ski resort offers more than 200 km of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. In addition to skiing, visitors can also enjoy a range of other activities, including snowshoeing, ice-skating, and sledding. During the summer months, the area is a popular destination for hiking and mountain biking, with numerous trails and routes to explore.
Pros: Stunning natural beauty, great ski facilities, range of outdoor activities
Cons: Can be crowded during peak season, can be more expensive compared to other areas of Andorra
Where to stay in Soldeu
Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa
The spacious and comfortable rooms at Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa offer mountain views, and each one comes with a flat-screen TV, minibar, safe, and a balcony or terrace.
The hotel’s buffet restaurant serves international cuisine, including eight show cooking areas and provides views of the surrounding mountains. Guests can enjoy drinks at the lounge bar or on the hotel terrace.
The surrounding area is perfect for hiking and skiing. The hotel offers ski storage and a shop that sells and rents ski equipment.
Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa
Located at the heart of Grand Valira and just 50 yards from the Soldeu Cable Car that leads to the ski slopes, Hotel Himàlaia Soldeu provides free WiFi in public areas, as well as access to a gym and spa. The hotel features beautiful Tibetan decor, and its heated rooms are spacious and equipped with a safe, desk, and satellite TV.
The hotel’s spa facilities include a sauna, Turkish bath, hot tub, and massage services are also available. In addition to skiing, the hotel offers a range of organized activities during both summer and winter seasons, such as rafting, sledding, igloo-building, and horseback riding. Ski equipment rental and ski pass purchases can also be arranged on-site.
Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa
Sport Hotel Hermitage and Spa is located a stone’s throw away from the Grandvalira Ski Lifts in Soldeu. Guests can experience exceptional rooms and residences with high-quality furnishings, Egyptian cotton bed linen, and luxurious amenities. The hotel also offers a range of free and paid ski mountain activities and transportation services with high-end vehicles or helicopters.
Adult guests have daily access to the impressive Sport Wellness Mountain Spa. It includes pools with varying temperatures, a large pool with jets, and two outdoor hydrotherapy baths with stunning views of the slopes.
The hotel’s Ibaya Restaurant, by Chef Francis Paniego, boasts two Michelin stars and three Repsol suns, providing guests with an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Meanwhile, Hermitage Tradició Restaurant serves traditional cuisine. The hotel is also home to Koy Hermitage by Hideki Matsuhisa, catering to Japanese cuisine lovers, where guests can savor the signature dishes of the Michelin-starred Koy Shunka restaurant in Barcelona.
Located on the top floor, the stylish Glassbar offers cocktails, fusion cuisine, and amazing views.
Andorra is a small but beautiful country that offers a range of accommodation options for visitors. From luxury hotels to cozy apartments, there is something for everyone in Andorra. Soldeu is one of the most popular destinations in the country, with its world-class ski facilities, stunning natural scenery, and a range of outdoor activities.
No matter where you choose to stay in Andorra, you are sure to have a memorable experience. The country’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes it an ideal destination for travelers of all kinds.
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