O Palleiro do Pé do Forno Rural Hotel

O Palleiro do Pé do Forno is a six-room rural hotel in Orellán, the Borrenes village above Las Médulas, about 2 km from the viewpoint. It is run by Isabel, who also cooks, with more than twenty-five years of welcoming travellers. The rooms are named after emperors and empresses, have no television on purpose, and at night the sky over Orellán is free of light pollution.

Six rooms with Roman names

The three on the ground floor, Augusto, Claudio and Vespasiano, have 1.80 m beds and open onto the traditional wooden corridor; Augusto has direct access. The three on the first floor, Livia, Agripina and Flavia, have 1.50 m beds and a balcony with views of the Bierzo valley. There is also a two-single-bed configuration. All have a bathroom with shower, climate control and free wifi.

Fixed price all year

The house charges the same all 365 days, with no increase in high season or at weekends:

• Double: €62 a night for two; €57 booking on its website, with an 8% discount.
• Single: €50; €46 on its website.
• Extra bed: €20, only in the first-floor rooms.
• Cot: free, with prior booking.
• Breakfast: €5 per adult and €4 for ages 8 to 13.

Cancellation is free up to five days before. Animals are not admitted.

Loaf-bread breakfast

Breakfast is continental and home-made: toasted country bread, butter, olive oil, house jams, pastries, coffee, cocoa or tea and juice. It is served from 9:15 to 10:30 and booked the night before; there is a gluten-free option if you let them know.

Dining without taking the car

The house restaurant, with large windows onto the valley, serves lunches from 13:30 to 15:15 and dinners from 21:00 to 22:15, with Bierzo cooking and the odd dish of Roman inspiration; the botillo and the lamb must be ordered in advance. Average price, €30 to €35. The hotel also sells getaways with dinner and a guided route through Las Médulas for two people, for €74.

Las Médulas from the door

The Orellán viewpoint and galleries are in the same village, and the perimeter trail goes round the mining landscape. Isabel recommends routes to anyone who asks.