Castilblanco albergue closes for 4 mnths

[peregrina2000]

The albergue will be remodeled and a room added for a permanent on-site hospitalero/a. That means it should re-open in early-mid March, so plan accordingly.

The linked article also says that the kitchen will be restocked with utensils, etc. I didn't even remember that there was a kitchen there.

http://www.sevillaactualidad.com/notici ... tiago.html

Buen camino, Laurie

 

[alansykes]

Bother. I was due there next Monday. Anybody recommend somewhere else to stay that night? - I didn't much like the look of the hotel just before the entrance to the town, but I don't remember there being a huge amount of choice.

But excellent in the longer term if they're doing it up properly. It was my first experience of an albergue, and not a particularly pleasant experience.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Alan,

I stayed in alittle rural hotel, cheap for peregrinos 26 euros, and with a good restaurant, Hospederia de la Plata, http://www.hospederiadelaplata.com. I believe that someone told me that the place has closed, however.

My notes also said that Senora Salvadora, Avenida Espana 43, phone, 955-73-4509, rents rooms for around 10 euros.

If you ask in either of the two bar/restaurantes on the left as you come in to town (where the albergue is one the right), you will undoubtedly get some recommendations. There was a pretty big net of "informal" accommodations going when I was there last, and I'm sure that they will pick up the slack with the albergue closing.

Buen camino. Report back! Laurie

 

[alipilgrim]

I stayed with Senora Salvadora in March of this year and it was perfect. A tiny little lady, speaks no english, but has a very large house in which she rents out 7-8 bedrooms. I paid 10 euros and was delighted to do so (especially after seeing how nasty the albergue was). Avenida Espana is a main road, so as you approach town don't veer to the right as the signs point for the albergue, but veer left. It's quite a ways down the road, and is about a block past the church. Recommended.

 

[msb1932]

I can confirm that in October Hospederia de la Plata was closed. I did stay at the Hotel Castillo Blanco on the way into town and found the accommodation acceptable.

 

[peregrina2000]

I don't know for sure, but I am wondering whether the decision to install a hospitalero on site has to do with theft problems in the albergue. When I was there last, the hospitalera told me that the little house up on the hill and over to the left of the albergue is home to people of questionable character who have been connected with several thefts in the albergue. Seems to me I've heard other complaints as well.

It's too bad about that Hospedaria de la Plata. It was a very nice little place with decent, mildly "upscale" food. It was family run and had a nice bar/restaurant.

Buen camino, Laurie

p.s. Hey, alipilgrim, are you planning a 2013 Camino? I hear the Levante is quite nice....

 

[alipilgrim]

Ha ha, and I was one of those complaining about being a lonely only-english-speaker on the VdP this April! I'm not sure about a Camino this year, I've been living in the desert in California and spring is such a lovely time to hike here that it's almost a shame to travel then...

 

[mmm042]

Hi Alan.

I'm posting this in two places in the hope I catch you in the nick of time. Las Lilieras in Castilblanco is great. It's one block off the Camino (near the former museum, now empty) and is 25 euros for a lovely, clean home. http://www.casarurallilieras.com

Hospederia de la Plata had to close due to the economy.

Thanks for the update on the albergue, Laurie!

Melanie

P.S. Alan, some people in town are robbing pilgrims by telling them they need to pay for a sello. You do NOT have to do that! It's a scam by a few bad guys.

 

[alansykes]

Thanks Melanie,

Only just got your message so missed out on Las Lillieras. I had been planning to stay at Senora Salvadora's on the C Espana, but she seemed to be closed as well. I ended up at Senora Delphina's excellent casal rural for €20. it's 200-300 yards beyond the albergue up a little street on the right. Very nice beautifully furnished house, well equipped kitchen etc, and a great roof terrace from which I enjoyed sunset over Castilblanco while my washing dried on the line. It's called the Callejon de la Mora http://fizzyexpress.co.uk/view0.php?aun=5100450412 tel 955735016

 

[LTfit]

According to the November bulletin of the Spanish Federation the albergue will be inaugurated on Feb. 28th. This albergue will be added to the list of possible placements for hospitaleros voluntarios (HOSVOL). There will be room for 30 pelegrinos.

I found the albergue in its old state quite adequate but it will be nice to have a hospitalero on-site, a rarity along the VdlP.