Andorra is one of those surprising destinations that give rise to many fantasies linked to its special status. Nor in Europe, perched in the Pyrenees between France and Spain, or rather Catalonia (Catalan is the country’s main language). Over the centuries, this small principality has transformed itself into a shopping, cultural and sporting destination in its own right. So it was with great curiosity that we flew to the land of tax-free and skiing.
Founded, according to legend, by the Emperor Charlemagne in the year 805, the Principality of Andorra is one of the largest of Europe’s small states, with a surface area of 468 km2, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees with 65 peaks over 2000 meters high.
Andorra can be reached by bus or car via France or Spain, with no airport or train. We land in Barcelona, where shuttles are waiting to take us to Andorra. After some 205 km, we arrive in the heart of the Pyrenees for a stay of discovery in Andorra with Plaza Andorra Hotels.
For thirty years, the Hôtels Plaza Andorra group has been delivering quality, comfort and excellence in upscale hotels. An internationally recognized brand, Hôtels Plaza Andorra, S.A. comprises five establishments and 450 rooms nestled in the heart of Andorra.
Five hotels, each with its own personality, ambience and gastronomy, and a single aim: to offer its customers the very best, for every occasion and every taste. An excellence accessible to the greatest number, thanks to affordable rates, contrary to popular belief.
Alongside the emblematic Hôtel Plaza, offering classic luxury and refinement, the Ski Plaza, the Holiday Inn, the five-star Carlton Plaza and the four-star Mu Hotel offer families, young people, business travellers and shopping enthusiasts something to satisfy all their desires.
Andorra is a delightful destination to discover, rich and tasty, with a change of scenery guaranteed just a stone’s throw from France. Andorra’s Plaza Andorra hotels offer the very best in affordable accommodation. Dare to take the plunge, the group’s five establishments offer different ways to enjoy a stay in a unique country.
L’Hôtel Plaza, luxury and prestige in Andorra
The most renowned hotel in the Principality, emblem of the Plaza Andorra Hotels chain, and meeting point for the most distinguished people. Located on Andorra la Vella’s main shopping street, this five-star hotel is perfect for a luxury stay, combining elegance, gastronomy and well-being.
A warm and comfortable English-style luxury hotel with 90 rooms, including 47 suites, all very elegant and comfortable,
with wonderful views of the Andorran mountains.
Chef Patrick Mariot’s restaurant will appeal to the most discerning palate with its refined cuisine based on seasonal produce.
The Cafe Plaza, open all day, offers a relaxing tea room, a fun cocktail lounge with a menu of GinTonic’s and, at night, the “WineBar”, an inviting space for conversation and confidences.
The Spa Plaza is also very pleasant, with an extremely well-equipped complex offering a wide range of services and treatments.
Holiday Inn, top-of-the-range accommodation for all
Holiday Inn is the kingdom of families and professionals. In Andorra-la-Vieille, next to the Parliament, it offers top-of-the-range services for a comfortable and relaxing stay. Ideal for visiting the Principality and enjoying Andorra’s capital and southern valleys.
Completely renovated in 2011, the Holiday Inn with its welcoming, spacious rooms, King or Queen size beds, flexible meeting rooms, 100 m from Andorra’s congress center and 250 m from the shopping center, with its fitness center and
spa, is a must for business travellers and families alike.
The hotel’s little plus: five family-friendly suites decorated to appeal to the youngest guests: cosmos, jungle, Far West, circus or boat.
Hotel Carlton Plaza, the kingdom of shoppers
The Carlton Plaza is the trendy hotel par excellence. Right in the heart of Andorra la Vella, on the emblematic Avenue Meritxell, it’s the “sex and the city” hotel, with its pink decor.
The Carlton Plaza is a true cosmopolitan-inspired boutique hotel, a shopper’s paradise, cultivating a delicate and exclusive atmosphere down to the smallest detail. Here you’ll find the Principality’s most fashionable suites, not to mention a Health Center with Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness room, open to hotel guests.
The Carlton Plaza is the smallest hotel in the city center. Service is personalized, and many guests are regulars who come at different times of the year to take advantage of sales, skiing and hiking weekends in the spring.
The Ski Plaza, a luxury retreat
The Ski Plaza is a favorite stopover for mountain lovers. In the heart of Canillo, a typical and charming village, families and groups can enjoy a romantic and peaceful stay, while having easy access to the ski slopes of Grandvalira, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees, by taking the Valls de Canillo gondola, which is located just opposite the hotel.
Also just a stone’s throw from the Palau de Gel (Ice Palace) hotel, where you can enjoy a wide range of activities in addition to skiing, including ice karting, skating, swimming, squash, etc.
A true luxury retreat that, down to the smallest detail and attention to detail, is there to satisfy the requirements of families and groups who wish to enjoy the calm and richness of Andorran nature, in a very Alpine decor and atmosphere with 5 family suites.
Le Mu Hôtel, offbeat authenticity
Le Mu is another way to enjoy Andorran nature. The latest addition to the Plaza Andorra group, it opened its doors in 2011.
In the village of Cortinada, it combines mountain authenticity with original decor. The theme is the Andorran brown cow, creating a special, warm and fun atmosphere.
A welcoming, comfortable 4-star family hotel with the spirit of a true five-star. Here, surprises are the order of the day, including an outdoor Nordic bath for a relaxing and rare experience.
What to do in Andorra
Through each of our hotels, you’ll have all the facilities you need to discover Andorra’s wealth of sporting activities and discoveries, as well as shopping and nightlife…
Winter: Multi-activity in Vallnord, Nordic multi-activity in La Rabassa, multi-activity in Grandvalira, orienteering, snowshoeing and a snowmobile circuit followed by a nocturnal barbecue, introduction to dog sledding or an overnight stay in a refuge at an altitude of 2,000 meters with a gourmet meal.
Summer: all kinds of outdoor and adventure activities for thrill-seekers and outdoor sports enthusiasts, including 4X4 trekking, rafting, horseback riding, paintball or a meal after a round of nine-hole golf on Europe’s highest golf course, at GrandValira, 2000 meters above sea level.
Why not treat yourself to a day of fishing in a high-altitude lake by helicopter from the Hotel Plaza? An unforgettable day in the forest with a guide to discover the mushrooms and fruits of the forest. We urge you to discover Naturlandia’s outdoor activities – www.naturlandia.ad/. This leisure center is a kind of Disneyland of nature, with a wide range of activities, including a zoo where you can see wolves and bears, as well as thrills and spills! We were able to try out the Tobotronc, the longest mountain slide in the world! It’s a blast! All within easy reach of the Holiday Inn.
Lovers of climbing, vias-ferratas and mountain hikes will be able to choose from a range of packages to be enjoyed from the Mu Hotel or Ski Plaza, among others.
Shopping takes place at the Pyrenees center, with tax-free shopping and personal shoppers on hand, as well as in the many boutiques in the city center.
But why not stop off at the magnificent, extremely well-stocked perfume museum.
Finally, between two days of shopping, customers of the Carlton Plaza, as of all the group’s hotels, can choose to discover one of the smugglers’ routes on a buggy, paths and itineraries that are mostly unknown, thanks to the specialists at Vallnord’s
ski resort.
Photo credits: Samantha Rakotoson with a Pentax K500
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