Casa Rural La Cortina — Hotel in Cabrales

The Picos de Europa are where Spaniards go to play in August - where temperatures are cooler, spaces are not clogged with foreign tourists, and... where you can breathe. So why would anyone come to the Picos to stay in a crowded, larger hotel?||||Carlos has owned this property since 1991, and has been running it as a B&B for over 20 years now. He is a master carpenter; having taken a home that had been abandoned for more than 50 years - and converted it into a warm, inviting establishment. He managed to retain the rustic feel while finishing the place with modern touches, resulting in a VERY comfortable establishment with all of the old-world charm. It is simply beautiful!||||Each room or suite features a private bathroom (except the loft... a cozy nook for two or three). The views from each are simply stunning. Each room is heated (as needed) and has a TV. There is WiFi throughout.||||Carlos provides a wonderful breakfast each morning - featuring local meats and cheeses, breads and sweets, along with local honeys (four flavors based upon the elevation where the flowers were 'visited' by the bees); jams, oil, tomato, coffee, tea... and if you'd rather pack a lunch for your day's outing, he can fix you up as well. ||||Carlos's knowledge of the area is almost encyclopaedic...from the local history, culture and lore, to the best places to eat or simply to relax and have a 'cuppa.' While we were there, he turned us on to the "roads less visited." So even though we were in the Picos at the height of their season, we did not suffer any overcrowding. The roads were narrow and mostly empty, allowing us to really enjoy the views. The restaurants that he suggested were each outstanding in their own right. ||||He has a dear friend that is fluent in English, so don't let language hold you back. This is a place that will give you memories to cherish, and make you want to come back. We're already looking forward...

My wife and I were attracted to this property by the photos and excellent reviews. They paint an amazing story.|While host Carlos was friendly and engaging, he speaks almost no English and could not advise us on where to go in the area for walking or eating. I spoke to his friend in the phone, but the outcome was that it was best to visit Tourist Information.|The accommodation was essentially a room in a shared house on the edge of a farming town. The house was undergoing renovation on one side. The standard of the accommodation was one or two stars at best. |While the reputed views from the property were good, they were not the fabulous ones we expected. |The property is quite isolated and quite a drive to the Picos which we had come to visit.|While we had prepaid for 3 nights we stayed only half an hour. |This experience has seriously undermined the value of reviews for us. There is only one review that in our view accurately reflects this property- and that was back in March 2015....

We loved staying here!  While it has not been on Airbnb long, this B and B is well established.  It is in an old fieldstone home that Carlos remodeled himself to have about 6 rooms/suites that overlook the mountains.  The views are spectacular even though the inn is not far from a main road.  Our room was very comfortable and the breakfasts, which are included, are delicious.  And you can make tea or have a beer or sidre in the evening if you want.  Carlos has a phenomenal knowledge of the area, too.  He directed us to great restaurants and interesting routes and sights that weren't crowded - even in August.  We want to visit again in October to go to the major sites when there are fewer tourists.  Carlos has a friend who speaks English who can help if any translation is needed.  He was engaging and helpful despite my elementary Spanish.  He is a natural innkeeper who wants you to enjoy your stay in the beautiful area he...