SMALL COUNTRIES OF EUROPE

Planning your trip to Andorra

By Susan Spano, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
05:39 PM PDT, September 26, 2008

THE BEST WAY TO ANDORRA

From LAX, Air France offers connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $730. Air France, Delta, Lufthansa, KLM, American, US Airways, British and Continental offer connecting service between LAX and Barcelona, Spain, with restricted round-trip fares starting at $743. Andorra is about 100 miles from Toulouse, France, and Barcelona, but because of mountainous terrain both drives take at least three hours.

CURRENCY

Euro

TELEPHONES

To call the numbers listed below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 376 (country code for Andorra) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY

Arthotel, 15-25 Prat de la Creu, Andorra la Vella; 76-03-03, www.arthotel.ad A stylish new place near the shopping district in Andorra la Vella, with a hip penthouse restaurant and knockout suites named for musicians; doubles start around $112, not including breakfast.

Hotel Coma, Ordino, 736-100, www.hotelcoma.com. A small, family-owned resort-hotel near the lovely mountain town of Ordino. The rooms aren't special, but the hotel has an excellent setting and facilities; doubles start around $100, including breakfast.

Hotel Pyrénées, 20 Avenue Princep Benlloch, Andorra la Vella; 879-879, www.hotelpyrenees.com. This has joined my short list of the best reasonably priced hotels. It's in the heart of town, has an efficient staff, simple but well-equipped rooms and a rooftop swimming pool with smashing views; doubles start around $70, including breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT

Argentine barbecue is everywhere on offer in Andorra, imported by immigrants from South America.

La Barbacoa, 3 Cap del Carer, 86-06-08, is a cheap and terrific spot for grilled meat near the center of Andorra la Vella; Parrilla Argentina l'Era del Rossell, Meritxell, 85-28-00, near the landmark Ricardo Bofill's church, also serves excellent barbecue; about $30.

Andorra has inviting country inns and slick pizza and tapas spots in the capital. But for something a little different, try Ca la Conxita, 12 Calle la Llacuna, Andorra la Vella, 82-99-48, decorated like a Hallmark Halloween card, with no menus. Instead, the owner sits at your table and discusses what she can bring you, which will be wonderful; two courses, about $45.

TO LEARN MORE

Andorra Tourism, 820-214, www.andorra.ad.

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