Three
generations,
one place.
Hotel Espel opened in 1962, when Escaldes-Engordany was still a thermal village. Our story is the valley's: slow, patient, hand-stitched.
Joan and Carme open the Espel.
Twelve rooms, a reception with a wooden table, and the promise — still kept — of always having hot coffee on hand. Andorra was beginning to welcome skiers, and Escaldes-Engordany was a thermal-water village known to Catalan families.
The first extension.
The west wing is added with 24 new rooms, an in-house dining room, and a sitting room with a fireplace. The Sunday trinxat tradition begins — still on the menu today.
Second generation.
Pere and Anna, the founders' children, take over. The first major refit arrives: renovated bathrooms, central heating, covered parking. The original lobby and grandmother's table stay untouched.
The spa arrives.
The heated pool and water area are built. The idea: that a small hotel can offer the luxury of a pool when it's below zero outside. Caldea inspires us, on an intimate scale.
Third generation.
Marc and Júlia step into daily management. The house is asking for change — but also for care. All 62 rooms are refurbished while keeping the original layout. Fibre internet, smart TVs and à la carte breakfast arrive. The spirit stays.
Today.
We're still family, still small, still cooking with valley producers. We've learnt three things in sixty-four years: good things take time, what matters can't be rushed, and a good morning coffee fixes almost everything.
Three generations · Andorra