Hotel Patagonia

Contemporary yet warm is a tricky mix to achieve, but the Patagonia manages it well. The leather wingback armchairs and comfy sofas next to the large open fireplace are more suited to a country pile than a mountain hotel. Move on through to the bright and airy restaurant with its high, vaulted ceiling for extensive buffet breakfasts and evening meals.

This is a good choice for families as the rooms are really spacious and there's an unsupervised children's playroom with toys, crafts and games. There's also a games and TV room for four to 11 year olds who want a break from the slopes. 

Nearest ski lift: 100m

Tuition meeting point: 100m (top of lift)

Resort centre: 800m

Ski bus stop: 10m

Arinsal is the perfect place for beginners and families as there are plenty of nursery slopes, a superb British-run ski and board school and plenty of après-ski activities. Even though there's only 63km of pistes, improvers, intermediates and even the advanced will be tested at points. Hop on a bus and head to nearby Arcalis for some fantastic off-piste and even a couloir or two.

Off the mountain, Arinsal is small and friendly with a good choice of restaurants, a few shops and several lively bars to choose from. There are also a smattering of late-night bars and discos for the night owls.

It's half-board meals at the Hotel Patagonia. Enjoy an extensive buffet breakfast and a buffet-style evening meal to fuel up before and after your day on the slopes. 

The Hotel Patagonia is warm and inviting and its 80 bedrooms are no different. Each is perfect for two to four people and comes with twin beds and two sofa beds, cable TV, a bathroom (complete with a bath for an end-of-day soak) and a small kitchenette. There is a small charge (paid locally) if you do use the kitchenette. Most rooms have a balcony, so be sure to take advantage of those stunning mountain views.

Larger premium rooms are available which have a balcony, tea and coffee making facilities plus dressing gowns and slippers.