L'Ovella Negra Mountain

L'Ovella Negra Mountain, a Michelin Key One-Keys property nestled in the picturesque Incles Valley of Canillo, Andorra, consistently receives exceptional praise from guests, offering a unique and luxurious mountain lodge experience.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

L'Ovella Negra Mountain boasts an "exceptional" overall rating of 9.8 based on numerous reviews. Guests frequently describe it as an "incredible find" and a "hidden gem" at the end of the valley, offering a truly "magical experience" in untouched nature. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a strong desire to return. Its Michelin One-Key recognition signifies a very special stay.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects that make L'Ovella Negra Mountain stand out:

• Service & Hospitality: The staff are frequently lauded as "charming, kind, and thoughtful," providing "great service" and making guests feel "at ease" and even "part of the family."
• Location & Views: The "marvelous location with breathtaking views" is a major draw. Situated deep in the Incles Valley, it offers unparalleled access to nature and hiking trails right from the doorstep.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's "exceptional decoration and ambiance" and "tastefully decorated mountain lodge" aesthetic are highly praised. It features a "Wild West as styled by Vogue look" with a cozy blend of natural materials like wood, wool, concrete, and iron, centered around a large floating fireplace.
• Amenities: The property offers a serene garden, a spacious terrace, an on-site restaurant and bar, and room service. Each room includes a balcony. Unique winter amenities include snowcat transfers from the valley entrance and complimentary snowshoe hire. A lounge area with a fireplace and an alfresco fire pit enhance the communal atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The lodge features just four rooms, comprising two double rooms and two quadruple rooms, designed for "rejuvenating sleep and uncluttered comfort." Rooms are "sumptuously simple," emphasizing natural materials and stunning mountain views. They are appointed with dark oak wood floors and walls, cozy lighting, crisp white sheets, luxurious mohair blankets, and Andrew Martin textiles. The sleek bathrooms offer underfloor heating, cement walls, black matte fixtures, and premium Grown Alchemist bath products. The quadruple rooms are particularly suited for families, featuring a mezzanine with extra beds.

4. Dining Experience

The on-site "Lodge Canteen" is a significant highlight, renowned for its "fantastic food" and "hearty, Andorran mountain cuisine at its best." Chef Sergi Simó, an alumnus of the esteemed Nerua at the Guggenheim Bilbao, crafts a seasonal menu featuring dishes made from local produce, such as venison stew, sautéed artichokes, and perfectly grilled meats. Breakfast is described as hearty, including eggs, seasonal fresh fruit, jamón Ibérico, pan con tomate, truffled cheese, and avocado toast. During the winter season, dinner is included in the room rate. The dining experience extends to an outdoor pavilion for summer pop-up meals with mountain views and a "Winter Shack" for cozy feasting.

5. Service & Staff

The service at L'Ovella Negra Mountain is consistently rated as "exceptional," with guests frequently praising the "attentive and professional hospitality" of the staff. Reviewers describe the team as "charming, kind, and thoughtful," contributing significantly to the relaxing and welcoming atmosphere of the lodge. The informal yet highly responsive approach means staff are very approachable and accommodating, even offering in-room dining services upon request.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel is set in a remote and privileged position at the very end of the Incles Valley, approximately 9 km from the village of Canillo. This "excellent location" provides a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, with numerous hiking trails accessible directly from the property. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Grandvalira ski resort is only a 10-15 minute drive away. During the winter months (December to April), vehicle access to the lodge is closed, and guests are provided with complimentary snowcat transfers from a designated parking area near Soldeu ski resort. In summer, free on-site parking is available. The closest airports are Toulouse-Blagnac (2.5 hours drive) and Barcelona-El Prat (under 3 hours drive), with the hotel able to arrange transfers.

7. Value & Pricing

While exact pricing varies seasonally, rooms can be around $511.10 per night (converted from EUR435.00). Despite being a luxury property, guests generally perceive L'Ovella Negra Mountain as offering good value, reflected in its high "Value for money" rating of 9.3 on Booking.com. The comprehensive inclusions, especially dinner and snowcat transfers in winter, along with the unique and highly personalized experience, contribute to this positive perception of worth.

8. Common Complaints

Finding significant recurring complaints for L'Ovella Negra Mountain is challenging, given its overwhelmingly positive reviews. However, some minor points have been noted:

• One guest, while praising the restaurant, subtly suggested that its opening times might not be ideal for families with very young children due to its popularity as a destination restaurant.
• The hotel does not have the capacity for baby cots or extra beds, which could be a consideration for families with infants.
• The hotel is closed during May and November.
• There is no internet connection.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. booking.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. booking.com
6. booking.com
7. booking.com
8. mrandmrssmith.com
9. booking.com
10. nice2stay.com
11. lovellanegra.com
12. lovellanegra.com
13. designhotels.com