Hotel La Mora

What brought us back on our return trip was how generous our hosts were. The hotel is warm and welcoming, with a well-stocked bar and wholesome, delicious meals. It's tucked away at the end of an old mining road, in splendid isolation, and it makes sense that people travel out of their way to reach it. Our plain, quiet room looked out over the valley from 1200m above sea level. The surroundings are magnificent, and the foyer reflects the mix of geologists, pilgrims and wilderness lovers drawn to the area. It's a great base for longer trips in the mountains. I hope to return again, as many visitors to this region do.

The frisuelos are the one thing worth trying.

Jairo, the owner, looked after us wonderfully, and the menu was excellent value. The surroundings are beautiful and well kept, so I'd definitely recommend it. There's also a magnificent fossil on display in the bar, and he can show you the sanctuary.

Dinner was fantastic, and the care they put into finding ingredients and cooking them "just like home" really came through. In the morning we had a good breakfast before setting off on our bikes again. Our bikes were stored safely, and after dinner we spent time chatting on the terrace. We were on a cycling trip and arrived mid-afternoon from Somiedo. The hotel is between Babia and Laciana, near the "Pigeon Bridge," opposite the Carrasconte Sanctuary, and away from other towns. It's family-run, and they made us feel at home. We had some pleasant beers on the terrace with the family patriarch, who built the hotel 30 years ago. After showering, he showed me the Carrasconte Sanctuary, which really surprised me. The room was perfectly fine, with a bathroom and television. I left with a heavy heart.