Newbie and nervous but excited

[Shauna]

My husband and myself are starting our Camino in Leon on 17 August. Flying to Madrid first, then train to Leon. Can anyone suggest handiest place to stay in Leon the night before. We want to be near the Camino route so that we can make an early start (6am), and only need a bed. I thought it best to book now so that we are not worrying about accommodation, then after that we will take it as it comes.

Also any tips for this time of year, as I know it will be very hot (this is really what I am anxious about but this is the only time we could go). We have given ourselves 3 weeks to get to Santiago - is this okay?

I think I have got my backpack down as far as I can - very minimal clothes, etc! Was going to buy a poncho in Leon - good idea or not necessary?
Thank for any advice at all.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

We want to be near the Camino route so that we can make an early start (6am)

The Parador hotel is right on the Camino as it heads out of Leon!!

 

[Shauna]

I have seen it - looks lovely but a bit expensive for what we want!

 

[Al the optimist]

If you are reasonably fit 3 weeks is plenty of time. I am sure you have done the maths, looked at the guides etc. 320k in 21 days is an average of 15k. Most people manage more. Just plan ahead and make sure you don't try to walk to far on the days where the profiles show steep uphills or downhills. Personally I now plan to start the day at the foot of a hill rather than have to climb it at the end of the day. Buen Camino both

 

[mspath]

My husband and myself are starting our Camino in Leon on 17 August. Flying to Madrid first, then train to Leon. Can anyone suggest handiest place to stay in Leon the night before. We want to be near the Camino route so that we can make an early start (6am), and only need a bed. ...

Shauna,

I usually stop at the Albergue del Monasterio de las Benedictinas (Carbajalas), Plaza Santa María del Camino, 7. Here is their web page. They also offer private rooms in their Hospederia. For additional accommodation suggestions scan this list of hotels suggested by other members.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Phillypilgrim]

I can recommend "Hostal San Martin" in Leon. www.sanmartinhostales.es

 

[wayfarer]

Hostal Oviedo, Avenue Roma, Leon. About two hundred meters from the Cathedral near the river. Friendly staff, clean and reasonably priced (2012). When you want to leave just walk to the river, turn right, follow the river to the Parador and pick up the Camino markers there. Enjoy.
Buen Camino.

https://www.google.ie/maps/@42.5968...m4!1e1!3m2!1sG44OfsThyqFkxZfplDuZ0w!2e0?hl=en

https://www.google.ie/maps/@42.5975439,-5.5772458,17z?hl=en



Oviedo
Avda. de Roma, 2624001 LeónSpain
+34 987 22 22 36

 

[clearskiescamino]

I have stayed in La Posada Regia in Leon twice and loved it. Great staff too.

www.regialeon.com/
C/ Regidores 9-11
CP: 24003 LEÓN (España)
Tfno: +034 987 213 173
eMail: marquitos@regialeon.com

 

[jmcarp]

I can recommend "Hostal San Martin" in Leon. www.sanmartinhostales.es

I can also recommend the Hostal San Martin. We spent two nights there during a rest stop in Leon and found it clean and reasonable in cost, but nothing fancy. If I recall correctly, our room was around 34-35 euros per night. It's about halfway between the Cathedral and the church of San Isidoro, and the Camino route is just across the small plaza in front of the hostal. Be sure to attend the Pilgrims' Mass at San Isidoro and get your blessing (even if you're not Catholic). It was one of the better Pilgrims' Masses we attended along our Camino. As you've probably read elsewhere on these forums, you may want to consider taking a bus or taxi out to La Virgen del Camino at the edge of Leon to avoid the long slog through the city on your way out -- not a good way to start your Camino. Also, I'd recommend the Camino route through Vilar de Mazarife rather than the route that goes along the N-120 highway.
One other tip -- take a cotton bandana and soak it in water, then wrap it around your neck to cool you down when it's really hot.
Buen Camino,
Jim

 

[Shauna]

Fantastic forum - so many good tips. Cannot wait to start.