High up in the Spanish Pyrenees, we discovered a parador so pleasing that it was difficult to leave. Paradores have become hotels of choice because of the uniqueness of their accommodation. Initially created to maintain Spain's art and cultural heritage, ancient castles, manor houses, convents and monasteries have been converted into modern hotels with the amenities that sophisticated travelers want and expect.

The Parador at Biesla was probably a country house located in a wood beside a bubbling stream, but today, it is a small hotel with 35 rooms. The feature that makes it so outstanding is that it faces a stretch of muscular, craggy mountains covered with waterfalls. In the morning as the sun began its assent, we could lie in bed and watch the light shift and drift across the mountain's textures. In the afternoon, after a day of hiking, we returned to the parador's terrace to gaze at the waterfalls while sipping a glass of wine. Mesmerized by the setting, we established a post-hike tradition that was almost impossible to break.

Fourteen kilometers from Biesla, a mountain village with an old church, a few restaurants, tourist information center, an ethnological museum, souvenir shops, and a general store, the parador offers a dining room and bar plus a comfortable great room where guests gather to chat, read or check their email. ( Yes, the parador has free Wi-Fi.) The furnishing in our relatively large room consisted of twin beds pushed together, good sheets, adequate closets, wood floors, two wood paneled walls, and best of all, that huge window facing the mountain. The breakfast buffet served above average fare and the white tablecloth dinners were so good that we never sought an alternative. The tiny box of chocolates on the bed stand provided an extra sweet touch.

So why did we select Biesla? Because of its access to the spectacular Aragon Pyrenees and their extraordinary hiking trails! Several trailheads are walking distance from the parador and almost every hike featured a waterfall. For the most part, the car only moved when we finally had to pull ourselves away.

First stay at this Parador. Great location and after coming over the Bielsa pass from France a noticeable change in roads. The rooms we had were not quite of the usual very high Parador standard, but we were on 5-Night cards, so you never get the best especially if the Parador is busy, which it was. We only had the one night here, but given more time I put money the walking in this area is spectacular. The restaurant was great - we all ate of the "Summer Menu" which is about 20 Euro's and exceptional value for what you get. Also about 15 Euro's for a respectable bottle of Rioja.

The hotel is about 13km along a country road west of Bielsa heading into the Pineda valley. There is a sign in Bielsa indicating a Parador is along this road, but strangely it wasn't clear from the name that it was this hotel - but I think it is the only one around so you can't really go wrong. There is plenty of free parking.

As others have said, the location is wonderful with views of mountains and waterfalls which you can walk to quite easily. There is a campsite nearby, but this is a very quiet location in general. The hotel is nicely decorated and rooms were spacious and very comfortable. Breakfast was good and we ate dinner in the hotel both evenings, which offered a varied selection of dishes typical of this part of Spain. There are no other restaurants nearby anyway. Staff were friendly and helpful.

This was definitely one of the high spots of our holiday with both the location and the standard if the hotel itself exceeding our expectations. I would definitely stay again if in the area.

Great hotel with the most amazing location. Arrival was great. Elena checked us in and we needed laundry service at 4pm and she did the laundry herself and it wad ready before we left the next morning. Awesome! Bathroom good the beds, as in all the Parafores, with great ironed sheets and so comfortable. The bar with an outside terrace is a beautiful place where we had dome wine and tapas with a hire of the Monte Perdido part if the Pyrinees.