We stayed in Arcea Gran Hotel Pelayo in May 2010 and enjoyed it`s atmosphere, tasteful decoration of rooms and the hotel in general and of course it’s great location in the heat of Picos de Europa (national park in Asturias). The view from our room window to the cathedral and cave was wonderful and each morning slightly different due to the weather which is changeable in the mountains. We used this hotel for exploring Lagos of Covadonga. The guidebooks warn that in high season (July-August) there might be crowds of people wishing to see them but in May the only slight traffic jam was due to cows passing slowly across the road.

We enjoyed excellent service and very reasonable rates during a quiet time, the only way to appreciate this faboulous location. It reminded me of a film I once seen..

I should have known better. Staying in a hotel that is closed except for weekends out of season is a bad idea. Turning up on Friday evening to find the receptionist is also the bar tender, concierge etc....etc.... Not her fault. Dinner was a disaster. My starter was cold. Their microwave cured that BIG TIME. Now, having served a cold starter and having to serve a main course of fillet steak to the same person; would you send it out cold? You got it - they did! They got it back but I don't feel steak is very tasty when nuked in a microwave so I declined to eat it. Guess what? They tried to charge me for the dinner the next morning. I was due to stay two nights but checked out after one.
Now - there are some good points.
The setting is amazing. The rooms are excellent (if chilly). I am sure 'in season' this place might be pretty good.

I think I bagged a bargain on Lastminute for £48 per night. Great location (once the tourist hordes go) and rather a grand hotel, but not stuffy. I was given a large room with a very spacious bathroom and cannot fault the hotel in any way. In the morning I walked around the deserted cathedral precinct........deserted that is until 09:30 precisely when a convoy of tourist coaches arrived. So get your sight-seeing in early.