Hotel Els Frares

A small hotel in inland Alicante

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The enchanting little Hotel Els Frares is run by English couple Patricia and Brian Fagg with a special emphasis for walkers, but that shouldn't stop anyone else enjoying the hospitality and the wonderful mountain surroundings. Indeed, to cover all levels of mobility, there are lifts to the bedrooms and disabled access to the restaurant, bar and lounges. It is just 50 km, but seems like 50 years, away from the crowded Costa Blanca.

Patricia and Brian bought Els Frares as a ruin and have gradually rebuilt and extended it into the 15 bedroom hotel we see today, the latest developments being extra rooms and a new restaurant in 2006. It is comfortable and welcoming, and features some special little ideas that are rarely found in Spain: tea and coffee-making in the rooms, and no-smoking throughout. Wherever possible the original tiled floors, stone walls and beamed ceilings have been retained and restored and each room has views out to the mountains that surround the village. Most have their own terrace or balcony too.

The bar and restaurant were originally converted from the original stables, and have now expanded to offer wonderful views from the terrace. There are three lounges for when you want to be cosy, and a delightful little patio garden for sitting out on warm summer evenings. Being an all-year-round destination, there is also central heating for less warm evenings. (For walking, of course, the temperatures are more amenable outside of the traditional summer holiday season.)

The surrounding limestone mountains are ideal walking territory, as well as attracting those who prefer to enjoy the countryside by other forms of transport. The terrain provides challenging conditions for those who want it that way, and yet you are never far from civilisation. There is an impressive variety of scenery: rugged peaks, narrow ravines, gorges, ridges and broad terraced valleys, dotted with small villages and the remnants of the Moorish, Roman and Iberian past. The hotel also provides a range of other activities such as Spanish cookery courses, bird watching trips, flower trips and history and culture tours.

Restaurant:

The Les Agulles dels Frares restaurant is first class, but it won't break the bank even though it is blessed with prestigious recommendations from the likes of Gourmetour and Michelin. Patricia puts her own original touches to classic Spanish regional dishes and takes full advantage of the local fresh produce for her cooking, and this is backed up by an excellent choice of wines. From the restaurant, there are views over the mountains, the village and the valley. In summer, dinner can also be taken in the patio. At Els Frares, vegetarians are particularly well catered for.

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A Word From the Owner:

"Els Frares is our own personal dream based entirely on what we personally would like to encounter whilst on holiday but have so rarely found: welcoming, comfortable accommodation and above all, good food using the best of the wonderful fresh ingredients available to us here in Spain."

Hotel Amenities:

IN THE HOTEL	IN YOUR ROOM
Bar Restaurant Three lounges Patio Central heating and log fires in winter Lift Disabled access	Central heating in winter Tea/coffee-making

Nearby Amenities:

Walking is the speciality. Guided walking tours are available with experienced local guides. Guided cultural and cuisine holidays with the option of a local Spanish guide with whom you can practise your Spanish.

Of course the mountains are just as enjoyable on a bike and almost as enjoyable in a car. They are also ideal for climbing, painting or bird-watching.

Places to visit:
Alcoy (or Alcoi)
Cocentaina
Pla de Petracos (7000 year-old rock paintings)
Cova del Rull (caves)
Bocairent (medieval and moorish village)
Alicante (castle and cultural museum)
Alcala (ruins of moorish palace)

What We Say:

Although only 50km from Benidorm, walkers tell us that the mountains around here are totally deserted and you can walk all week without seeing another person. Whether you are a dedicated strenuous walker or simply fancy a half-hour stroll away from the car, this area offers some of the most beautiful scenery and breathtaking views.

Customer Feedback:

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Room Rates in Euros ( 2008 )
	High Season	Mid Season	Low Season
	20 Dec - 5 Jan	6 Jan - 19 Jun 8 Sep - 19 Dec	20 Jun - 7 Sep
Double Room with terrace	* * *	€ 95	€ 90
Standard Double Room	* * *	€ 90	€ 85
Double Room, single occupancy	* * *	€ 55	€ 50
* * * See Christmas and New Year Breaks below
Prices are per room per night including breakfast (2 people) All prices are "plus 7% VAT" All rooms have private en-suite facilities Half Board: € 20 per person per day (drinks not included) Guided walking: € 30 per day, including transport Disabled access Els Frares is a "no smoking" hotel A credit card number and a 20% deposit is required to confirm a reservation Click Here For Currency Converter
15% Discount! For stays of 7 nights or more, 15% discount off the price of a double room with half board. Christmas and New Year 3 or 4 night break with dinner, bed and breakfast for two sharing a double or twin room. Special gala dinner on 25 December or New Year's Eve, including fine wines, cava and coffee. 3 nights: € 550 4 nights: € 625

Cancellations:

Cancellation must be received in writing (fax or e-mail). For cancellations with more than 72 hours notice the deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations with less than 72 hours notice will be charged in full.