Fodor's Expert Review Hotel Vall de Núria

A mountain refuge and state-run hotel, this family-oriented base camp has double, triple, and quadruple rooms. The lodging and dining are basic, and they're offered at 6,500 feet above sea level within an imposing gray monolith that looks strikingly out of place. For a day's outing or as a starting point for a major hike (12 hours) to Ulldeter, above Setcases, or even a weeklong walk to the Mediterranean, this is a handy spot, although it is accessible only by the cogwheel train from Ribes de Freser (thankfully, pricey train tickets are included in the nightly rate). Camping is also available on the grounds.