Hotel Del Oso is a beloved family-run mountain hotel situated in the remote village of Cosgaya, in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park (Cantabria). Surrounded by towering green peaks and lush valleys, this charming stone-and-wood hotel exudes the authentic spirit of the Cantabrian countryside. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed like family – “you feel at home and welcome” throughout your stay. The hotel comprises two traditional alpine-style buildings with flower-lined balconies and a picturesque courtyard in between. Its 50+ rooms are simple, comfortable, and spotlessly clean, many offering balconies or windows framing views of the mountains and forests. The décor reflects rustic elegance: think wooden beams, hand-carved furniture, and traditional textiles that create a warm, snug ambiance after a day of hiking in the crisp mountain air. Renowned for hospitality, Hotel Del Oso has been operated by the same local family for over 30 years (earning it a reputation as one of “the best small hotels in Spain”). The staff’s genuine friendliness and attention to guests’ needs are often praised – whether it’s sharing insider tips for the best hiking trails or swiftly arranging extra blankets on a cool mountain night. This hotel is notably family-friendly; children are delighted by the on-site playground and the two resident Saint Bernard dogs that calmly lounge by the entrance (and are always up for a pat). In fact, families often return year after year, charmed by the safe, welcoming environment where kids can play freely in the gardens and even make friends with the hotel’s gentle giant dogs. Meanwhile, adults appreciate the tranquility, the fresh mountain air, and the convenience of plenty of free parking and easy access to park attractions like the Fuente Dé cable car (just a 10-minute drive away). Hotel Del Oso is equally famed for its gastronomy, a point of pride that earns it the descriptor “Gastronómico”. Its on-site restaurant is a destination in itself, drawing visitors from all over Cantabria and Asturias. In a region celebrated for hearty mountain cuisine, Del Oso stands out by serving authentic local dishes made from recipes passed down through generations. Guests start their day with a homemade buffet breakfast that is plentiful and delicious (often highlighted in reviews): freshly baked breads and sobaos (local sponge cakes), village eggs cooked to order, cured meats and cheeses, and housemade pastries provide all the energy needed for an active day. Come lunchtime and dinner, the restaurant really shines – offering regional specialties like Cocido Lebaniego (a rich chickpea, meat, and greens stew native to this valley), grilled sirloin of local beef, fresh trout from nearby rivers, and an array of wild mushroom dishes in autumn. Portions are generous, flavors are authentic, and quality is superb, owing to the use of fresh local ingredients (many sourced from neighboring farms). Don’t miss their signature dessert, “Postre del Oso,” a decadent house specialty that perfectly caps off a meal by the wood-burning fireplace on a cool evening. The combination of delicious food, a well-curated regional wine list, and attentive service (the owners themselves often greet diners) has earned the restaurant a loyal following and acclaim in travel guides. Even as it provides modern comforts, Hotel Del Oso retains an old-world charm and a strong connection to its environment. The buildings are constructed in the local architectural style, and the property is dotted with gardens full of hydrangeas and fruit trees. Environmental stewardship here mostly takes the form of respect for the natural park – the hotel encourages guests to explore responsibly (providing maps, arranging licensed guides for nature walks or snowshoeing adventures in winter, and even offering packed lunches for hikers with local cured meats and cheeses). After a day of adventure – whether trekking through the dramatic Hermida Gorge, visiting the nearby medieval town of Potes, or ascending to Áliva meadows via the cable car – guests love to relax at the hotel’s outdoor pool (open in summer) with panoramic mountain views, or on the covered porch listening to the rush of the Deva River and the cowbells in the distance. In cooler months, the cozy lounge with a fireplace and library invites you to curl up with a book on Cantabrian wildlife or enjoy a chat with fellow travelers over a glass of local orujo (herbal liqueur). Staying at Hotel Del Oso offers an immersion into the timeless rhythm of village life in the Picos de Europa. As one review aptly put it, “only 90 minutes from Santander, this surely has to be one of the best small, charming hotels in Spain”, where from “arrival until departure, you feel at home”. The combination of stunning location, heartfelt service, and authentic cuisine makes Hotel Del Oso a cherished base for exploring one of Spain’s most spectacular natural parks. It’s an ideal getaway for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone seeking a taste of genuine Cantabrian hospitality. Many guests leave already planning their return, having experienced the hotel’s rare ability to provide luxury in simplicity – a true mountain haven where comfort, community, and nature converge.