Albergue Lorca , near Estella, is wonderful, calm and healing

[Suzanne Edminster]

After having a bad night with a big snoring incident in a stuffy closed window dorm, I was seeking a bit of calm. It´s on the right side of the street coming in, across the street from the larger Bodega Albergue, which is a different business. Jose was so kind and just exudes a compassionate feeling. He gave me a room with a view. All the action is across the street, but if you want a free real live laptop, Chopin in the cafe, and a low'key, helpful vibe, choose this one.

 

[Suzanne Edminster]

After having a bad night with a big snoring incident in a stuffy closed window dorm, I was seeking a bit of calm. It´s on the right side of the street coming in, across the street from the larger Bodega Albergue, which is a different business. Jose was so kind and just exudes a compassionate feeling. He gave me a room with a view. All the action is across the street, but if you want a free real live laptop, Chopin in the cafe, and a low'key, helpful vibe, choose this one.

Several other pilgrims have reported how kind and helpful Jose is. I feel grateful The Way led me to this one.

 

[mspath]

Suzanne,

I,too, have always enjoyed staying with Jose in Lorca. Nearby (2 km N) at Lacar is a wonderful Romanesque church, Santa María de Eguiarte ; I haven't been there yet but do hope to visit on my next camino.

For photos of the Santa María de Eguiarte church see >>http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulayjesus/sets/72157623528911141/

and >>http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulayjesus/4446877731/.

Carving on the capitals resembles some at San Juan Ortega.

For the ex monastery buildings which are now an EXPENSIVE casa rurale see http://www.lasacristana.com/

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Felipe]

...and you can visit the Bodega Tandem, jut outside Lorca (it is a ultramodern, almost literally on the way) . It seems pilgrims are very well received. Last year they had a marketing campaign with the theme "Un vino para el camino" ("a cup of wine for the Way" ).
They are in Facebook, too.
https://www.facebook.com/bodegaTANDEM?fref=ts
Wineries are interesting places.
But no, unfortunately no Irache-style free wine fountain....

 

[Theatregal]

I too had a wonderful experience staying at Jose Ramon's place in Lorca. Considering how intense and long his days must be, he creates a very calm, relaxing energy in his albergue. A very special place to stay.

 

[fortview]

Have had the great fortune to stay there twice. Jose Ramon is an angel of the Camino.

 

[annelise]

I stayed at the left side - just opposite - and had a very good experience there! - Wonderful accomodation, wonderful service, wonderful meal. - So my say here is, don't build to much on single recommendations ...

annelise

 

[koilife]

For the ex monastery buildings which are now an EXPENSIVE casa rurale see http://www.lasacristana.com/

Holy smokes that is expensive. I assumed 50 euros to 100 euros per night. But, 450 euros for a weekend?! I can't imagine they get much business, and at that price they must treat one like royalty.

 

[cherrys]

After having a bad night with a big snoring incident in a stuffy closed window dorm, I was seeking a bit of calm. It´s on the right side of the street coming in, across the street from the larger Bodega Albergue, which is a different business. Jose was so kind and just exudes a compassionate feeling. He gave me a room with a view. All the action is across the street, but if you want a free real live laptop, Chopin in the cafe, and a low'key, helpful vibe, choose this one.

I staggered up the street looking at both albergues, Jose happened to be near the doorway, welcomed me warmly and that was that. Took me upstairs and told me to take a nap, come down when I was refreshed, and then we would "take care of everything". Dinner was good too, with plenty of fresh fruit for the following day. A very thoughtful and caring person. I would make a point of trying to stay there next time - Cherry

 

[OTH86]

I also stayed at Jose Ramon's Albergue Lorca last October - I was the only person there! What wonderful music and dinner! And a quiet sleep - with the windows open!!
Terry

 

[KiwiNomad06]

I also very much appreciated Jose's kindness. I arrived with sweat pouring down my face on a very hot day. He urged me to go upstairs and have a shower etc, then come back down to register when I was ready. But I knew I was desperate for fluids, so had a couple of big iced kas limons downstairs first. He was so kind- it was such a pleasant evening there, sharing the meal with other pilgrims, most of whom happened to be Italian the night I stayed.
Margaret

 

[RENSHAW]

Yes , what a great hamlet Lorca is and one would think that there would be negative vibes between 2 albergues opposite one another but there is none at all ........in fact the problem here is that the Mayor of the town insists that no chairs are allowed outside , Traffic first , not people.
I have been to the more commercial albergue accross the road 4 times and can thouroughly recommend it.
To be fair I go across to Jose for eats and drinks to support them. Jose's Sidekick has an almost complete collection of ROD STEWART cds.
Lorca rather than Estella for me ................HANDS DOWN!!

 

[fortview]

I'm wondering who else met this business mogul,and entrepreneur disguised as a delightful little girl ? Her mum worked in the albergue opposite. This lovely girl made and sold bracelets to sell to pilgrims, and also managed to persuade someone to buy her a ice cream everyday, in such a subtle roundabout way, that you didn't even realise you'd been ' had' at the time.

 

[Theatregal]

Yes , what a great hamlet Lorca is and one would think that there would be negative vibes between 2 albergues opposite one another but there is none at all ........in fact the problem here is that the Mayor of the town insists that no chairs are allowed outside , Traffic first , not people.
I have been to the more commercial albergue accross the road 4 times and can thouroughly recommend it.
To be fair I go across to Jose for eats and drinks to support them. Jose's Sidekick has an almost complete collection of ROD STEWART cds.
Lorca rather than Estella for me ................HANDS DOWN!!

Yes, it was a friendly vibe between the two. Very narrow streets in Lorca so I can understand the difficulty of chairs on the streets - though there was a very nice bench in front of Jose's place. I look forward to staying here again.

 

[fortview]

Yes, it was a friendly vibe between the two. Very narrow streets in Lorca so I can understand the difficulty of chairs on the streets - though there was a very nice bench in front of Jose's place. I look forward to staying here again.

This place is extra special to me for meeting YOU dearest Theatregal ! I'm sitting on that bench in your photo!

 

[Theatregal]

This place is extra special to me for meeting YOU dearest Theatregal ! I'm sitting on that bench in your photo!

Yes you are! Memories of a great evening visit after the lovely meal prepared by Jose Ramon and the start of a wonderful new friendship!

 

[RENSHAW]

If you are stopping at the smaller towns and missing the big centres then this little hamlet is for you - stop early or you may not get a bed.

 

[jmcarp]

Add me to the list of fans of Jose Ramon's Albergue Lorca. The meal was great, and there was a small room with only two beds where my wife and I stayed. I had a great time teasing Jose to make sure he wasn't "El Ramon" of movie fame. What a good sport he was!

 

[MaryLynn]

I have had the pleasure of taking a cafe-con-leche break at Jose Ramon's Albergue in Lorca three different years and have stayed overnight twice. Each visit was memorable. Jose Ramon was always warm and welcoming, and very generous. He is a treasure!

 

[Devon Mike]

I have used both the Albergues in Lorca and they are both excellent. I stayed at the Albergue Bodega del Camino in 2014 on the 31st of May when the village had its fiesta, and spent a fantastic evening with the locals in the square. Last year I used Jose Ramon's Albergue, and it was another wonderful experience. Spent quite some time talking with Jose who has a great sense of humour. He stamped my Credencial and signed it El Ramon!!

 

[Nanc]

Can someone clarify? I've seen several different names mentioned for Josie's Aubergue??

 

[mspath]

Jose Ramon's place, named the albergue de Lorca, is on the right hand side (north-side) of the camino as you walk through Lorca towards Estella. It directly faces the albergue Bodega de Lorca on the left hand side (south-side) of the camino.

 

[Devon Mike]

Jose Ramon's Albergue is on the right as you walk through Lorca (First photo) and the Albergue Bodega del Camino is opposite on the left (Second photo).

 

[Al the optimist]

Maybe this has memories for some? Taken in 2014. My credential on table next to my cervesa grande!

 

[Nanc]

Jose Ramon's Albergue is on the right as you walk through Lorca (First photo) and the Albergue Bodega del Camino is opposite on the left (Second photo).


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Thanks for photos and clarification