- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2009-2022: CFx6, CP, VdlPx2, Mozarabe, more later.
Just another comment on booking ahead: As we all (except newbies) know, booking sites like booking.com only have a few beds at their disposal in each bookable place, so they state "full" at places where only their quota is full. Furthermore, most pilgrims do not speak Spanish, it seems, so they cannot contact albergues directly.
I called Casa Baztan in Uterga (for next Wednesday) directly this afternoon, and as I speak enough Spanish to order a bed (should be minimum knowledge in a foreign country), having a conversation and more, it took me a minute's talk with them (in Spanish) to get confirmation of a bed. They even sounded happy that I wanted to stay there.
This is actually a sad situation for both parties, brought on by uncertainty and lack of communication: Many albergues will have unsold beds, due to pilgrims not knowing the language, are walking by vacant beds, and hence are depending on booking sites.
The situation regarding getting a bed for the night is much better than imagined, IMHO.
Edit1: Furthermore: A good few places (municipals, donativos) do not allow prebooking: Check if they have a booking tel.no. If not, it is first come, first served. The good old way. It is still alive and kicking.
Edit2: I should also say: By using booking services on the net, you deprive albergues of a substantial profit: The booking fee they have to pay to international websites for their bed. Book directly if you are able. Support the local economy.
I called Casa Baztan in Uterga (for next Wednesday) directly this afternoon, and as I speak enough Spanish to order a bed (should be minimum knowledge in a foreign country), having a conversation and more, it took me a minute's talk with them (in Spanish) to get confirmation of a bed. They even sounded happy that I wanted to stay there.
This is actually a sad situation for both parties, brought on by uncertainty and lack of communication: Many albergues will have unsold beds, due to pilgrims not knowing the language, are walking by vacant beds, and hence are depending on booking sites.
The situation regarding getting a bed for the night is much better than imagined, IMHO.
Edit1: Furthermore: A good few places (municipals, donativos) do not allow prebooking: Check if they have a booking tel.no. If not, it is first come, first served. The good old way. It is still alive and kicking.
Edit2: I should also say: By using booking services on the net, you deprive albergues of a substantial profit: The booking fee they have to pay to international websites for their bed. Book directly if you are able. Support the local economy.
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