Parador de Bielsa

Beautifully located in the Pyrenees, recently renovated, offers private parking in front of the hotel. Spacious rooms, well equipped and with friendly and efficient staff. Ideal for summer or winter activities. Quiet surroundings with breathtaking views over the glacier

This Parador is located about 14 km from the little town of Bielsa. It's very close to the French border. We stayed there for two nights on a half-board basis. To be honest, half-board is the only realistic option because there are no other places to eat nearby. Our experience was mixed. We had a pleasant room at the front of the hotel from which we had good views of the surrounding scenery. We found the reception staff were friendly, helpful and welcoming. The restaurant and bar staff were not quite as welcoming. The dinner menu in the restaurant was ok but not terribly inspiring. The service was not brilliant. On this trip to Spain we stayed in four different Paradores and this was the only one that did not operate a reservation system at dinner; goodness knows why not. This meant that the majority of guests turned up at or near the time that the dinner service began. We think the kitchen was under too much pressure, resulting in slow service. On the first night we ordered veal steaks, one cooked medium and the other medium rare. When the dishes arrived both steaks were rare. We had to send them back and, frankly, when they reappeared the meat was not much better cooked. How hard can it be to grill two veal steaks as ordered? In fairness, the following night we chose salmon for our main course and that was very nicely cooked and presented. The management need to up their game in the restaurant, The hotel closes each year in January and February but the reception staff told us that in 2025 the hotel will be closed for six months for refurbishment. This is needed; the public spaces and the bedrooms and bathrooms look tired. The USP of this Parador is the stunning scenery. It's just like being in the Canadian Rockies and the setting is tranquil; no problems getting a sound night's sleep. There's ample parking in front of the hotel and there's no charge for the parking. We've stayed in many Paradores over the years; this one fails to hit the mark but refurbishment and improved staff service could make all the difference.