The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in the Aragonese Pyrenees
As one of the most dramatic stretches of the Pyrenees mountain range between France and Spain, the Aragonese Pyrenees encompasses epic scenery, extreme outdoor sports and incredible natural diversity, as well as striking boutique hotels to stay in, bookable with Culture Trip.
A landscape dotted with castles, mountains, lakes and charming villages, the Aragonese Pyrenees is an under-the-radar destination that provides a great escape for everyone from history buffs to adrenaline junkies. Highlights include the medieval buildings in Jaca, skiing at Formigal and the Mallos de Riglos rock formations to name but a few. After a day exploring everything this dramatic province has to offer, settle in at our selection of the best boutique hotels in the region, from 17th-century mansions to rustic boltholes.
Hotel Tierra Buxo
Boutique Hotel
In a bid to blend in with its rural surroundings, this five-room hotel was rebuilt using traditional stone from the original farm buildings. But inside, the place is geared to the 21st-century traveller, with modern furnishings and up-to-date amenities. The property is set on the outskirts of a hamlet, just a short drive from the stunning mountain ranges of the Sierra y Cañones de Guara Natural Park, where, with its stunning rock formations, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Arizona rather than Aragón. Hotel Tierra Buxo also has an outdoor pool and restaurant to relax in after a day of exploring. Be sure to ask for a table on the terrace so you can feast on the views along with a spread of hearty local cuisine – Spanish hotels should mean Spanish food, after all.
Posada Al Vent
Boutique Hotel
A 15th-century country retreat, once owned by a member of the Aragonese royal family, Posada al Vent has been tastefully restored and transformed into a charming boutique bolthole. Set between the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park and the Mediano Reservoir, the hotel offers a plethora of activities, from hiking routes to wine tours, white water rafting to caving. Rest and recuperate in the rustic-chic rooms, dressed simply in white linens and original wooden furniture. If you fancy arriving in style, the hotel is near the Sobrarbe aerodrome and offers free transfer services.
El Peiron
Hotel, Guesthouse
With a history stretching back over 1,000 years, the village of Sos del Rey Católico is the ideal Aragonese base for history buffs, and where better to lay your head than a hotel housed in a noble 17th-century mansion? El Peiron, tucked away in the winding streets of the village, lives and breathes its regal past. Thirteen rooms feature original stonework alongside walls adorned with carved wood, and even the breakfast room oozes an old-world feel. Soak up the medieval atmosphere in the village or head out to discover the many castles and monasteries dotted around the surrounding landscape.
Hotel La Casueña
Boutique Hotel
For a jaw-dropping location and some artistic flair, head to Hotel La Casueña. The eight-room hotel sits on the banks of the Lanuza Reservoir in the Pyrenean village of Lanuza and was designed by local artist Vicente García Plana. The designer took inspiration from literature and the natural surroundings and a sense of fun abounds. A mosaic of colour adorns each of the ceilings, with burnt reds and rich turquoises creating a warm ambience. Ask for the superior room for breathtaking views of the Panticosa mountain. Before heading off to discover the surrounding countryside, take some time to wander around the picture-perfect streets of Lanuza.
Barceló Monasterio de Boltana
Guesthouse
Nestled in the foothills of the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park is the Monasterio de Boltana. Housed inside a superbly restored 17th-century monastery, it’s certainly one of the more historic Spanish hotels. The renovated rooms pay homage to the its past, complete with antique furniture and embroidered fabrics. Making the most of its location at the gateway to the national park, the hotel has its own bicycle centre and can organise a range of activities, from whitewater rafting to horse riding. After days filled with adventure, relax in the outdoor pool or spa, surrounded by the most stunning backdrop of all.
Hotel Terra Bonansa
Boutique Hotel
This design-forward boutique hotel is as stylish as it is environmentally conscious. The Hotel Terra Bonansa was built to work with nature, reducing its energy consumption by privileging natural materials such as wood and glass, and by using biofuel. The rooms all have large bay windows which offer sweeping views of the Pyrenees and the verdant valleys. The hotel restaurant serves dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, and there’s a spa area opening up onto the garden.
Hotel Selba D'Ansils
Boutique Hotel
Located in the town of Benasque, at the foot of the Cerler ski resort, the Hotel Selba d’Ansils is the perfect place for a long weekend or week-long stay in the mountains. There are just 13 rooms in the hotel, but the pick of these are the three suites which come with their own jacuzzi, gas-fire insets and private terrace. In the warmer months, guests can appreciate the peace and quiet of the Pyrenees from the large outdoor garden with its sun loungers and outdoor pool.
El Acebo De Casa Muria
Boutique Hotel
This quirky boutique hotel was inspired by the travels of owners Jennifer and José Luis, who pursued their passion for outdoor sports across many parts of Asia and Africa before returning to Spain. Each of the rooms is themed around a different country or region, although those wanting to fully embrace being in the mountains will prefer the two Pyrenees-themed rooms. José Luis is a qualified mountain sports specialist and can advise on everything from cross-country skiing to canyoneering.
Hotel Almud
Boutique Hotel
If you have a penchant for kitsch then Hotel Almud will bring a smile to your face. From the rather rustic dining area with its patterned tablecloths, chunky wooden furniture and low-hanging ruched lampshades, to the period-inspired bedrooms with their matching bed covers and antique bedposts, the deçor here is a delight. Hotel Almud is located in the Tena valley and is an ideal base from which to enjoy the many outdoor activities the mountains offer, including the Formigal ski resort, considered one of the best in the country.
Hotel Barosse
Boutique Hotel
Located not far from the town of Jaca, in the foothills of the Pyrenees, the Hotel Barosse is an adults-only hotel ideal for a romantic getaway. The rooms each have their own unique theme and decor, and some have large bathtubs in the room, while all come with the possibility of booking a private session in the jacuzzi and sauna. In the winter months, you’ll be as snug as a bug thanks to the underfloor heating and the flickering open fire chimney.
Hotel Viñas de Lárrede
Boutique Hotel
This family-run boutique chalet is located close to the medieval town of Lárrede on the edges of a valley carved out by the River Gállego. The rooms strike the right balance between rustic charm and contemporary elegance, while the panoramic terrace offers breathtaking vistas of the valley and town framed by the surrounding mountain peaks. The hotel restaurant serves contemporary Spanish cuisine that’s a cut above your average mountain fare, and inspired by local flavours and produce.
Tara Jessop contributed additional reporting to this article.