Hostal Centro, mountain base with restaurant in Sallent
The Hostal Centro is a simple hostal on Calle de Francia, in the heart of Sallent de Gállego in the Aragonese Pyrenees. It has a restaurant, bar, terrace and ski storage, and it is close to Formigal. It suits anyone wanting a practical base for skiing or mountain walks without big pretensions.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published .
Updated
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Hostal Centro.
Where the Hostal Centro is and how to get there
The Hostal Centro is on Calle de Francia, right in the centre of Sallent de Gállego, a village in the Aragonese Pyrenees next to the Lanuza reservoir. It is easy to reach by car, and the address to put in your sat nav is C. de Francia, 23.
According to the hostal itself, the Formigal ski resort is about 15 minutes away by car. That is why it works just as well in winter, for skiing, as in summer, for walking in the mountains. I have no information on public transport to the slopes, so if you are not bringing a car, check before booking.
Staying in the centre of Sallent de Gállego has a clear advantage. You walk out the door and you are already in the village, with its bars, shops and mountain atmosphere. You do not need the car to go for dinner or for a drink.
What the rooms and shared areas are like
The rooms are simple but comfortable, with heating, a private bathroom and, depending on which one you get, views of the mountains or the river. Outside the rooms there is a terrace and a shared lounge to relax in after the day's activities.
The services are in line with a mountain hostal aimed at skiers and walkers.
- Ski storage and a ski school.
- Tourist information to help plan your days.
- Bar and restaurant serving home cooking.
- Free Wi-Fi.
A couple of reviews describe the rooms in some detail. One talks about a large, bright triple with a wooden floor that was very clean. Another describes a spacious room with a huge window, good ventilation and even a window in the bathroom. Do not expect luxury, but you will get space and light.
What guests particularly like
What comes up most often in the Google reviews of the Hostal Centro is the restaurant. Several people who only came in for lunch praise the set menu with wine and water included, the generous portions, the home cooking and a cheesecake that gets more than one round of applause.
On the accommodation side, those who stayed here mention the cleanliness, comfortable beds, an unbeatable location in the village and the friendliness of some of the staff. The hostal's own description adds the sound of the river that runs past the building, which for me is a good reason to sleep with the window slightly open.
There are useful anecdotes too. One review tells how they were checked in straight away on seeing two people arrive with backpacks, and another how they were let in to eat with their dog because it was cold on the terrace. If you are travelling with a pet, ask anyway, as it is not a published policy.
What to know before booking
The Google rating is 3.1 out of 5 from 428 reviews, and it is worth reading it carefully. The negative comments centre mostly on the bar and the restaurant rather than the rooms, but they weigh heavily.
- Cold service. Two reviews describe an unpleasant waitress in the bar, with a rude manner towards customers.
- Unclear bills. One person says they were charged for a bottle that should have been included in the menu, and that the first course was small.
- Pace at the table. Another points out that starters and mains arrive together, and someone else found the kitchen had closed earlier than expected.
- Breakfast and bar. According to the description, some guests feel these could be better.
My reading is that the opinions are very split. Those who ate well defend it strongly, and one review says they do not understand the very negative criticism, because for a small mountain hostal it more than delivers. I would book knowing the bar service can be uneven, and I would ask what breakfast includes before you arrive.
Who a hostal like this suits in Sallent de Gállego
I would choose the Hostal Centro for a practical ski or mountain getaway, as a couple, with friends or as a family, if what you want is a clean bed, heating and somewhere to eat dinner without moving. The combination of ski storage, restaurant and village centre makes a lot of sense.
I would not recommend it if you are looking for polished service, a hotel breakfast or a spa atmosphere. And if what matters most to you is that everything runs smoothly in both the bar and the dining room, look at other options. If luxury does not bother you, it is a reasonable choice for its location.
What to do in Sallent de Gállego and around
From the Hostal Centro you have two clear plans on hand. In winter, Formigal and its slopes. In summer, the natural surroundings of the Pyrenees and the Lanuza reservoir, which is right next to the village.
With the river running past the hostal and the mountains all around, Sallent de Gállego is one of those villages made for a leisurely stroll. Afterwards, a meal in the hostal's own restaurant can round off the day well, judging by what the reviews say. Before you decide, check prices and conditions with the booking button on this page.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
