Mercure Andorra, Andorra la Vella

Advantages: cheaper and quieter than the Alps
Disadvantages: long transfer

...Andorra has always been a great resort to learn to ski and board due to both the fantastic ski schools and cheap prices. This has given it a reputation for being a bit cheap and cheerful but over the past couple of years it has been trying to shake this image and go more upmarket. We have visited Andorra 4 times in the winter and once in the summer, and over the past year or two we have seen so much work going on, they are pouring in what seems like unlimited funds it's unbelievable. Which is all good! Andorra la Vella is a shoppers paradise but it is sooo busy traffic wise. Pas de la Casa is the most popular resort but also in my opinion the ugliest (but hey you're not skiing in the town - it has fab pistes!), whereas some of the other resorts are prettier with old stone buildings etc. Arcalis/Pal An undiscovered couple of gems... Read review

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Advantages: cheap everything, great nightlife.
Disadvantages: not such good snow or terrain as the Alps.

...The individual resorts in Andorra, to my mind, are not big enough to have the necessary terrain to entertain a good skier/snowboarder for a week. Most people have covered the resort where they are staying in a couple of days, and from this point on, unless the snow conditions are exceptional, the world-beating apres-ski comes to play an increasingly large part in the trip. And so what if it does? ;-) Well, there is an alternative, which is to stay in the centrally-located capital, Andorra La Vella, and hire a car to drive to the resorts. Sure, it's more expensive to buy day passes than weekly ones, but if you decide to take a couple of days away from the slopes (no great loss if the weather is bad) you will be onto a winner. Car hire is cheap in Andorra, it is probably one of the cheapest places in Europe to hire the 4wd you will need... Read review

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Advantages: Scenery, perfect for a winter holiday
Disadvantages: Longevity is low due to small size of country and lack of alternative activities

...I found it quiet and there more foreigners from further a field (UK, Ireland, USA, Germany etc). Another main reason for visiting is the duty free shopping in the capital (Andorra La Vella). There is a superb range of shops (electrical goods, perfumes, cloths, food, tobacco, alcohol etc), but be careful to compare the prices to your own countries prices as I didn't find it as cheap as perceived by others. Other activities include ice skating, the Spa's (sauna, massage etc) after a bruising days skiing. The nightlife was adequate and friendly, but if you want some heavy tunes try elsewhere. The food wasn't amazing, but neither disgusting and catered for many tastes. Asian and European cuisine is available, the best food I had was at an Indian place run by a British couple. --- PRICE --- Although good value, it was not as cheap... Read review

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