The Albergue de Peregrinos in Soto de Luiña has credentials.
Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue de peregrinos de Soto de Luiña, en Soto de Luiña: Precio, plazas, características, etc...
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I hesitate to say anything about the Albergue de Peregrinos in Soto de Luiña as I don’t want to come across as disrespectful or judgemental , but I also feel I could offer an update to conditions we found there this afternoon. When we arrived at the anlbergue about 17:30, we didn’t know where to find the entrance as there was just a dirt path cutting across an unkempt lawn. We went to the left and found an open door but the vestibule was littered with trash and there was no sign of life. At the other end of the building was a French pilgrim who tried his best to help us by using Google translate. He and his companion were the only pilgrims there, and he said a man had shown up earlier, took their money and left without offering them any information of any kind. A sign on the littered desk inside told newcomers to claim a bed and someone would return at 20:30 to collect their money. I returned about 20:00, aware I was early, but no one was there and no lights were on. I looked around the desk thinking I could leave a few euros in exchange for a new credential if I spied one, but there was nothing but trash in the open drawers and surrounding area. I left quickly and met the two pilgrims coming back from town. They said they were still the only pilgrims there, and they hadn’t seen anyone else but me.
Perhaps in the busier summer months there are more pilgrims to give the place life. But if I had planned to stay there today after a full day’s walk, I would have been very uncomfortable. While the sleeping area and the bathrooms looked clean, the rest of the albergue looked sad, tired, dirty and on the verge of abandonment.
I offer this merely as a precaution to consider when deciding where to stay in Soto de Luiña…and also that it may not be a viable option for a credential, especially later into October.