A Lovely, Cosy Apartment Stay in Andorra

In my travel book Discover Charming Andorra I describe how my wife and I, planning a cosy apartment stay in Andorra, reached the principality in the Pyrenees one winter evening after a long drive through France. We fortuitously shopped for provisions before arriving at our accommodation as it began to snow heavily.

It lasted for days and within hours we were snowbound. We set up some little coloured lights and watched a leaden sky disgorge an endless heavy swirl of thick snowflakes. It was all very cozy, festive and even quite magical.

We stayed at Apartaments La Neu, just outside Llorts in the parish of Ordino. It’s a charming place and after first discovering La Neu (Catalonian: ‘the snow’) we always aimed to stay here during subsequent visits to Andorra if there was availability. Some details of the apartments and lovely brasserie are included the Andorra travel book.

Last month I was in Girona, Spain, wrapping up some research for a new travel book all about the Catalonian province (it is due out in just a few weeks). Being so close I decided to spend several days in Andorra before returning to Blighty. Of course, I had to stay in La Neu which I hadn’t visited for several years due to the pandemic.

When I arrived in Andorra it was evident things had changed somewhat since my last visit, with quite a lot of development and construction. I do hope they don’t overdevelop charming little Andorra.

Nevertheless, away from the capital and northward along the Riu Valira del Nord valley towards El Serrat, Andorra remains as lovely and unspoiled as ever. I was also pleased to discover that La Neu has retained all of its charm, while its excellent pine-paneled brasserie with its wood oven continues to attract lots of appreciative customers.

La Neu is just outside Llorts on the road leading to the Ordino Arcadia ski station and is thus ideally situated for winter sports enthusiasts. But it is also an ideal base for exploring all that this part of Ordino parish has to offer, both in winter and throughout the year, with lovely walks, trekking, exploring ancient medieval villages and churches, or whatever.

La Neu is in a valley in which pine forest mountains rise steeply on both sides. It is a lovely part of the Pyrenees.

The accommodation consists of self-contained apartments (or suites in North America) that provide guests with a fully-functioning kitchenette with kitchenware, fridge and stovetop. There is a lounge with TV, separate bedroom and bathroom. Since my last visit the furniture and furnishings have all been renewed and it is nicer than ever. The rooms are cosy, stylishly furnished in a Pyrenees mountain style and exceptionally clean.

Every room I’ve ever stayed in has a balcony, with many overlooking the small river Valira d’Orient (at this stage more a rocky stream), which passes through the property. The property has a lift to the upper floors. There is also plenty of parking belonging to the site on both sides of the main road.

La Neu is a great place for an extended visit (you certainly need at least two or three nights here). There are wonderful views everywhere, lots to explore within a short distance, established walking routes right across the road and a nice restaurant with cozy log fire in the winter. The owners (this is a family business) are exceptionally kind and friendly, while the staff are always helpful and attentive.

If visiting Andorra for a few days do look them up. Despite being away from it all, the busier settlements of La Massana, Andorra la Vella and Encamp are just a short drive away, making this the perfect base for exploring the entire principality. You cannot go wrong with La Neu!