Apartamentos El Ardinal

We had a small terrace looking out over the countryside and mountains, and the place was spotless, with plenty of kitchenware and strong heating. We stayed in Cares, a really impressive duplex with simple, tasteful decor and smart use of the space. Downstairs there was a double bedroom, a bathroom with a roomy shower, and a compact kitchen-living area. The attic upstairs had a big double bed, what we took to be two folding single beds, and another bathroom with a tub. The window looking straight toward the bed made us laugh and wonder about its purpose. Maybe it lets someone keep an eye on kids in the bath, or perhaps you'd rather watch your partner bathe than watch TV. Who knows. The cottage complex sits in a very quiet spot and has beautiful views.

The owner kept us well informed and was very helpful. We spent two nights at El Ardinal apartments in Arenas de Cabrales, in the Picos de Europa mountains, and found the place spotless with everything our family needed. The village center was only a five-minute walk away, though the setting itself was peaceful. The downstairs apartment had a kitchen and dining area, a bedroom with two beds, and a bathroom. Upstairs, the renovated attic was especially spacious and had its own bathroom. Even in mid-October, the heating kept the apartment at a comfortable temperature overnight.

Blanca was so kind and helpful, and always ready to assist with whatever we needed. The house was welcoming, very clean, and quiet, with everything for either a short or longer holiday. We had lovely views, and walking paths start right around the house, with plenty of hiking routes nearby. It's a handy base for the coast too: the first beaches at Llanes are 30 minutes away, Lagos is 40 minutes away, and Poncebos is 10 minutes away. The center of Las Arenas is a five-minute walk. Thanks to Blanca, we had a fantastic holiday. Highly recommended.

The scenery is incredible, and you can walk into the town center. The place itself was clean and comfortable, with everything we needed. Entry by code worked really well, since we didn't have to worry about when we'd arrive. Arantxa was lovely and kept checking that we had what we needed. She also suggested places to buy cheese and grab a meal. We'd definitely stay here again if we came back to the area. Highly recommended.