Andorra was once an obscure destination that even the most well-travelled people didn’t know existed. These days the principality welcomes tourists by the millions thanks to the government’s efforts towards infrastructural redevelopment. This includes better lifts, roads, and most importantly, better places to stay.
Being a small alpine country, Andorra boasts a surprisingly vast number of hotels, apartments, chalets, bordas, and various accommodation options.
So if you’re wondering where to stay in Andorra during your next visit, rest assured that you’ll have many options, even if it’s a last-minute booking.
In this article, we’ll briefly introduce you to the parishes in Andorra and provide recommendations on where to stay depending on your travel itinerary.
Summer Stays in Andorra
During summer, Andorra’s rugged Pyrenean peaks attract outdoor enthusiasts from across the globe. When choosing where to stay in Andorra in summer, consider accommodations close to Naturlandia, a popular adventure park offering activities like zip-lining, hiking, alpine coaster rides, and much more.
Hotels in the surrounding areas of Sant Julià de Lòria and La Rabassa provide convenient access to it, making them ideal options for summer stays.
Best Hotel Options for Hiking and Via Ferrata
For those planning to go hiking or embark on via ferrata routes, accommodations near popular trailheads and outdoor recreation areas are recommended.
Look for hotels and accommodation options in towns such as Arinsal, La Massana, and Ordino, which offer easy access to these activities. Many accommodations also provide amenities such as gear rental, storage, packed lunches, and even guided tours, so that’s something you want to look for.
It’s also worth noting that Andorra is a small country, so proximity to your favourite spots will be a non-issue if you have a personal or rental car. If you don’t it makes sense to stay close to the action.
That said, Andorra’s public transit system and network of telecabinas is insanely efficient; rest assured that you won’t have accessibility problems.
Accommodation for Mountain Biking
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find a range of accommodations catering to their needs, with many hotels and lodges offering bike storage facilities and DIY repair stations. The abundance of local bike shops sweetens the pot as you can easily stock up on spare tubes, patch kits, tool kits, and essential paraphernalia.
La Massana is the best place to look for accommodations in Andorra for mountain biking. More specifically, you want to stay as close to Pal and Arinsal as possible to access the Pal Arinsal Bike Park easily.
It’s a meticulously well-maintained and internationally acclaimed mountain bike park featuring downhill runs, enduro and cross-country routes, and singletracks. Staying close to the park will go a long way if you want to explore all 46 kilometres of trails it offers.
If you’re into e-bikes, you have more options as there are signposted e-bike trails in Soldeu, Encamp, Canillo, and Grau Roig. Lastly, if easy-going cross-country is more your thing, then the Engolasters Circuit in Escaldes-Engordany is where you want to be. This place is also home to some popular hiking routes in Andorra.
Winter Stays in Andorra
With its world-class ski resorts, reliable snowfall, and Mediterranean alpine climate, Andorra is the ultimate destination for winter sports buffs.
Its record snowfall and snowsure conditions will make you believe Andorra is always cold in the winter, but that’s not entirely true. The country gets plenty of sun year-round and remains relatively comfortable.
Andorra’s microclimates are another reason the weather here is so interesting; it could snow outside your hotel window in Pas de la Casa while your friends at Grau Roig are probably comfortable skiing in a T-shirt.
While you don’t necessarily need to lodge at ski-to-door hotels to enjoy the slopes, it does help as it allows you to get to the slopes quicker, access fresh morning powder, and spend a longer time shredding.
Where to Stay in Andorra for Skiing?
If you’re planning a winter stay in Andorra, we recommend staying close to parts of the Grandvalira Ski Resort area. This will ensure you have optimal access to your favourite ski slopes.
Hotels in Soldeu, El Tarter, Pas de la Casa, and Grau Roig provide convenient access to the Grandvalira ski area, making them great options.
Accommodations for skiing enthusiasts should prioritise proximity to the slopes, with many hotels offering ski-in/ski-out access or shuttle services to nearby ski lifts. Look for hotels and lodges located directly on the slopes or within walking distance of ski lifts and ski rental shops.
Additionally, consider staying at hotels with facilities like ski storage, boot heaters, and some après-ski amenities such as hot tubs and cosy fireplaces so you can wind down and recover for the next day.
Top-Rated Places to Stay in Andorra
No matter which Andorran village you choose to stay at, rest assured that you’ll have top-tier accessibility, given the country’s small size. Each village here has something new and interesting to offer.
For instance, the architectural style varies tastefully from parish to parish, with most hotels and resorts embracing a contemporary design while others preserve elements of pre-Romanesque elegance. Meanwhile, some places are adorned with a rustic aesthetic, adding further variety to the overall ambience.
Certain locations, such as Grau Roig, offer a tranquil, upscale, and family-oriented atmosphere, whereas places like Pas de la Casa are alive with an exuberant and youthful energy that is positively chaotic.
Andorra la Vella
Staying in Andorra la Vella will allow you to take advantage of the capital’s connectivity; you’ll have easy access to Andorra’s many attractions including museums, art galleries, ski resorts, and bustling shopping areas.
Whether you’re seeking a centrally located hotel with stunning mountain views and direct street access or a cosy chalet somewhere near the slopes, Andorra la Vella offers an array of options.
Two top-rated hotels in the city include:
- Andorra Park Hotel: Offers luxurious rooms and suites, along with a spa, fitness centre, and gourmet restaurant
- Grand Plaza Hotel: Provides comfortable accommodations with modern amenities, including an on-site restaurant and bar.
Arinsal
Located in the parish of La Massana, Arinsal is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to hiking trails in the summer and skiing in the winter. Some of the top accommodations here include:
- Xalet Besoli: A charming mountain hotel with cosy rooms and a restaurant serving traditional Andorran cuisine
- Hotel Montane: Offers comfortable accommodations with stunning mountain views
- Princesa Parc: Has an on-site spa, and indoor pool, and offers multiple dining options
- Patagonia: A boutique hotel known for its stylish rooms and personalised service
Canillo
Like El Tarter, Canillo offers a tranquil setting with an array of ski lodgings and budget-friendly hotels that ensure comfort. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Hotel Font d’Argent: Offers spacious rooms and a relaxing spa
- Hotel Roc del Castell: Known for its cosy atmosphere and stunning mountain views
El Tarter
Peaceful and serene, it’s suited for couples and families who prefer to stay away from the tourist crowds, particularly in the early season. Some of our best recommendations here include:
- Hotel Nòrdic: One of the best ski-to-door hotels in El Tarter
- Mountain Hostel Tarter: A budget-friendly option for backpackers and solo travellers
- Hotel Euroski: Boasts some of the best views in El Tarter
Soldeu
Ranked among Europe’s top three ski resorts, Soldeu is perfect for couples, families, and newcomers. Its slopes are designed for beginner and intermediate skiers.
Top-rated hotels in Soldeu include:
- Hotel Piolets Soldeu Centre: Located in the heart of the village, offering comfortable rooms, a spa, and easy access to the ski slopes
- Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa: A luxury hotel with elegant rooms, a gourmet restaurant, and a wellness centre
- Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa: A five-star hotel with spacious suites, multiple restaurants, and an exclusive spa
- Hotel Sport Village: Offers cosy accommodations with a restaurant, bar, and ski storage facilities.
Pas de la Casa
Alive with activity and international tourists, Pas de la Casa boasts a vibrant nightlife and is situated very close to the French border. It’s often called Andorra’s party capital. Some of the best places to stay here include:
- Hotel Sporting: A highly rated ski-to-door accommodation
- Hotel Panda: A basic 2-star hotel that punches above its weight
- Hotel Cristina: Located a stone’s throw away from the main lift
- Petit Hotel: A small hotel in Pas that offers a perfect mix of comfort and value
- Hotel Camelot: A highly regarded ski base
Accommodation Types in Andorra (With Recommendations)
Despite its small footprint, each village in Andorra does things differently and retains a certain level of exclusivity. Accommodation options here are aplenty and they cater to various tastes and preferences.
Here’s a quick rundown of the kind of accommodation options you can expect here in Andorra along with some recommendations.
Boutique Hotels
If the uniformity of hotel chains leaves you wanting more, boutique hotels could be your best bet. They might not have all the familiar amenities of luxury hotels, but they offer a unique, personalised experience.
With their detailed focus on design, these hotels are often situated near popular areas, though some offer a more private retreat. Top-tier boutique hotels in Andorra include:
- Grau Roig Boutique Hotel
- Hotel MIM Andorra
- Hotel Naudi Boutique
- L’Ovella Negra
- Park Piolets
- Serras Andorra
Cheap Hotels
These are quite practical for people wanting to spend most of their time outdoors rather than in the comfort of a hotel. Budget accommodations provide significant value, offering all the necessities and then some.
By saving on accommodation costs, you can afford a longer stay, allowing more time to engage in activities you enjoy. This is particularly advantageous in Andorra, a destination that merits more than a mere weekend visit due to its extensive array of attractions, justifying an extended stay.
Here are some of the best cheap hotels in Andorra:
- Alojamiento Rural La Casona
- Cueva Colorin Alloza
- Insitu Eurotel Andorra
- Aparthotel Cosmos
- Termes Carlemany
- Hotel Comapedrosa
Ski Accommodation
As the name suggests, the main draw of ski accommodations is their proximity to the ski area, often located at the base, mid-mountain, and even the summit.
Some are tucked away at remote spots within the ski area—ideal for those who want to ski in and ski out the door literally. These could be individual chalets, hotels, cabins, lodges, or full-blown luxury resorts with spas, restaurants, and on-site bars.
Our favourite ski-in/ski-out hotels in Andorra include:
Hostels
It doesn’t get more cost-effective than this. If you want to save a significant amount of money and don’t mind shared accommodation, then Hostels are for you.
They’re cosy and comfy, provide everything you need, and you get to socialise with other like-minded travellers. Many hostels offer private accommodation too, should you need it. Hostels in Andorra are few and far between. Options include:
- Secret Spot Hostel
- Mountain Hostel Tarter
- Font Andorra Hostel
Serviced Apartment / Aparthotel
Also called aparthotels, these are apartments or flats that use a hotel-style booking system. It’s just like renting an apartment but with no contracts, instead, they employ a check-in/check-out system.
You get hotel-like services with plenty of space, great furnishings, a functional kitchen where you can cook, a spacious living area, and an overall homely vibe. Some recommendations:
- Apartment Magic
- Bellavista II Apartments
- Aparthotel Alaska
- Aparthotel Annapurna
- Aparthotel AnyósPark
- Aparthotel Còndor
- Aparthotel Conseller
Luxury Stays
Luxury hotels in Andorra are truly a class apart. Expect lavish spa retreats, exceptionally well-designed interiors, direct access to the ski slopes, and gastronomic decadence.
These establishments are known for their massive duplexes, jacuzzis, ice fountains, Turkish baths, heated pools, Hammam, and more. Some of the best luxury stays in Andorra include:
- Grand Plaza Hotel
- Andorra Park Hotel
- Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa
- Hotel Nòrdic
- Park Piolets Mountain Hotel & Spa
- AnyósPark The Mountain & Wellness Resort
- Hotel & Spa Xalet Bringué
- Hotel Princesa Parc
Bon Voyage!
Not sure which place to pick your next holiday in Andorra? Get in touch with us and we’ll give you recommendations according to your plans here.
In addition to that, we’ll also help you out with lift tickets, equipment rental, ski schools, and airport transfers from places like Toulouse and Barcelona.