Hotels in Puigcerda

Puigcerdà is the capital of Baixa Cerdanya and, unlike other Pyrenean towns, it doesn't live on skiing alone. Here, accommodation is divided between the town centre, the lake area and the residential developments that climb towards the La Molina ski resort or towards the French border. If you come by car, staying in the centre has the advantage of leaving the vehicle behind and getting around on foot: the tree-lined promenade, the town hall and the viewpoints over French Cerdanya are less than a ten-minute walk away. On the other hand, if what you're looking for is peace and nature, the houses and apartments on the outskirts, near the golf course or on the Bellver road, give you more space and a garden, but you depend on the car for everything, including going out for dinner.

The main difference between areas is noise and price. The centre concentrates small hotels and guesthouses, such as Hostal Estació, which is right next to the train and bus station, ideal if you arrive without a car. The lake area is more expensive and more oriented towards couples or families who want to stroll with no further plan. The peripheral residential developments, where most of the 55 available apartments are, usually offer better value for money, especially if you're travelling as a group or with children, because they have a kitchen and a washing machine. The hotels, of which there are only 12 in the whole municipality, are concentrated in the centre and at the golf course; Hotel Xalet del Golf and Hotel Terminus are two examples of classic establishments, with reception service and a restaurant, something you won't have in an apartment.

As for prices, the average of 242 euros per night may scare you, but that figure drops a lot outside high season. The months of July and August, and especially the Christmas and Easter weeks, are the most expensive. If you can, come in May, June or September: the average price falls by half and the weather is still good for mountain routes or walks along the border. The lowest price you'll find is 95 euros per night, usually in small apartments or at the guesthouse, and only if you book in advance and on weekdays. To get there, the most comfortable option is the car via the C-16 from Barcelona or the N-152 from France; there is also a train on the R3 line from Barcelona to Puigcerdà, which takes about three hours, and buses from the Fabra i Puig station. Once there, public transport within the town is scarce, so if you don't have a car, choose accommodation in the centre or near the lake.

Before booking, check carefully whether the price includes bed linen and towels, because in many apartments it doesn't and they charge you a supplement. Also check whether there is heating or a fireplace, because in winter the nights are truly cold, and whether the accommodation has a parking space, since parking in the centre can cost you 15 euros a day. Finally, look at the cancellation policy: apartments are usually stricter than hotels, and if you have to cancel at short notice, you can lose 100% of the amount.