Review of La Pleta by Rafael Hotels, by Catherine Cooper

For a luxurious place to stay after a day’s skiing at the Spanish Pyrenean resort of Baqueira-Beret, La Pleta is hard to beat. The 69-room hotel has the relaxed feel of a mountain lodge and effortlessly combines all the comforts of home with five-star service and surroundings.

The open-plan ground floor is divided into a cosy lounge area with a huge fireplace, a glass-enclosed Cigar Bar with cigar cabinets, whiskies and brandies, the Café y Veranda Bar and three restaurants. The bars and lounge are furnished with huge squishy sofas, leather chairs and coffee tables laden with glossy magazines and are perfect for relaxing in after a day on the slopes, watching the snow fall through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Décor is a tasteful, understated cross between mountain and hunting lodge with plenty of dark wood, stone, animal prints and giant candles. Complimentary mulled wine and hot soup is served at 5pm and there are shelves crammed with books and DVDs if you feel like having a lazy day.

Downstairs there is a small pool with loungers and single-sex saunas as well as the small but very romantic Occitania Spa which offers a huge range of treatments for singles and couples, including massages tailored to skiers. The pool and saunas can be used free of charge by hotel guests but there is a small charge for using the spa.

Skiers are extraordinarily well looked after – in the boot room there is a heated boot rack and a “ski butler” on hand to help you with your boots and skis. A shuttle bus takes you the two-minute journey to the closest lift at Baqueira and will bring you back as soon as you are ready.

The rooms, like the rest of the hotel, have a homely feel without compromising on luxury. Beds are large and extremely comfortable and come complete with a pillow menu. Other features in every room include under floor heating, TV and DVD players, Wi-Fi, miniature Molton Brown toiletries, robes and slippers. Suites offer extras such as complimentary spirits and the duplex Presidential Suite, favoured by Spanish politicians, has a Jacuzzi, two bathrooms, dining area and an incredible view over the valley. Rooms with disabled facilities and family suites are available.