Albergues versus pensions

[Gilespenn]

Hi Everyone,

I will be taking the Northern route starting in Bilbao Aug 18. My question is whether I should use mostly pensions for the route or should I use the public and private albergues?

I am 71 years old and have had extended dormitory experiences in my much younger days. But I can afford inexpensive pensions if need be. My daughter, who used youth hostels for a round the world trip in her mid-20's, is now, in her mid-30's and advising me strongly against albergues. She makes a good case (she's an Assistant U.S. Attorney) for pensions: privacy, convenience, and especially no bed bugs. A severe case of bed bugs half-way through her round the world trip ended her stays in youth hostels forever.

I, on the other hand, argue that staying where most pilgrims stay will enhance the experience of the Camino. In fact, staying in Alberques may be essential to the experience. Being a pilgrim seems to be different from being a tourist (as many of you have pointed out so often in this forum).

Of course, under cross examination, I admit to her that there probably is nothing wrong with a pilgrim staying in a pension...and maybe that "way" is best for me.

This is my first (and probably last) Camino so I'm wondering what all you long time Camino walkers have to say about this discussion between father and daughter.

Thanks ahead of time. As I prepare for the trip (I'm only up to about 12k a day!), this issue takes on more and more importance.

Giles

 

[Deleted member 3000]

privacy, convenience, and especially no bed bugs

Two out of three isn't bad! Every bed bug I have encountered has been in a pension/hostal/hotel! Prepare for bed bugs even in pensions.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I've done both and can heartily recommend either. You need to balance for yourself what you require and want: privacy and quiet vs camaraderie and mutual support. However, you can get the camaderie and support through effort while staying in pensions.

Males of a certain age are challenged in terms of frequency and facility of toilet access, but I suspect that you migh already know this.

You might find that a mix of the two works for you. Perhaps, walikng into a pueblo, an albergue will call out to you and, in another, a pension might. Just enjoy your decision. Note, as well, that many albergues now offer private rooms with washrooms and you might be able to get the better of both worlds in that way.

 

[vagabondette]

I would play it by ear and see where the day takes you. There's nothing to stop you from using both along the way as depending on your needs and wants. Imagine meeting a fabulous group of people while walking and wanting to continue enjoying their company. That would be much easier to do if you head to the albergue with them vs going to a pension. I anticipate that I'll alternate on my own trip as there are times when I just want to be alone and anti-social.

Also, as noted above, bed bugs can be everywhere so staying at somewhere private/more expensive/off the beaten trail doesn't guarantee you won't meet them.

 

[Tia Valeria]

We have just returned from the Camino Primitivo rather than the Norte. We are in our 60s and for us it was important to comlete the Camino so we used private albergues and pensions rather than the pubic albergues. We could phone ahead and also create our own length stages. It worked well.
Buen Camino

 

[nichollsb]

We have just returned from the Camino Primitivo rather than the Norte. We are in our 60s and for us it was important to comlete the Camino so we used private albergues and pensions rather than the pubic albergues. We could phone ahead and also create our own length stages. It worked well.
Buen Camino

Hi, Tia. I just read your post after sending a message to you (I should have searched first!). Were the private albergues more expensive?