The Xalet Verdu (pronounced Chalet Verdu) is a great little hotel that's big on service and small on expense. Its location is ideal as its just a short walk from the centre of the village where you'll find a wide selection of bars, restaurants, nightclubs and shops, not to mention the main gondola so you can get up on the slopes easily. 

Head to the bar and lounge for a few relaxing drinks after a day on the mountain. It becomes a real focal point and has a great, laid-back vibe. The bedrooms are classically-furnished, a good size and most have pretty special views of the surrounding mountains.

From the hotel to…

Nearest ski lift: 300m

Tuition meeting point: 300m (top of lift)

Resort centre: 150m

About the resort

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.

Food and drink

The half board meal here offer up a buffet style breakfast and three-course evening meal with a choice of main. There's also a weekly speciality buffet to look forward to. Your Christmas meal is not included but there are plenty of options to choose from around the resort. A New Year Gala meal is included.

Rooms

The rooms in the Verdu are fairly traditionally styled with great mountain views. The twin and triple rooms (with two or three single beds) all have satellite TV and a bathroom with over-bath shower and a hairdryer. The rooms also have tea and coffee making facilities, so you don't have to leave to get your early morning cuppa.

Hotel features

Official rating: ***

24hr reception

Small lounge area

Relaxed bar

Restaurant

Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel

Travel info

Departure airports: Gatwick, Manchester, East Midlands or Stansted

Departure day: Thursday (21 December), Wednesday (27 December), Tuesday (2 January) and Sunday (rest of the season)

Arrival airport: Lleida (in Spain)

Flight duration: 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes