It has been a couple of years since this topic started and is still going on, so I decided to make my contribution. Althought I was on CF (partly) four and (in completion) two years ago I'm hoping that good things didn't changed. A lot of albergues have been mentioned so I'll skip most commented:
1.)
UTERGA (after Pamplona) –
Camino del Perdon:, left on the main street, been there in 2009, private hostel, nice dormitory and rooms, family run, good food and attitude, forgot the price but not expensive.
2.)
LORCA (before Estella) –
La Bodega del Camino: left on the main street, oposite is another albergue, been there in 2009, network hostel, free internet, multiple nice rooms with bunkbeds, excelent food, not expensive.
3.)
VILLAMAYOR DE MONJARDIN (before Los Arcos) –
Santa Cruz: on the right entering the village, parish hostel, been there in 2009, veryveryvery basic, but somehow special
, have to try it again someday, mostly mattresses, cheap.
4.)
LOGRONO – especially during weekends (and if you're late as I was) it could happen that both albergues and pensiones are full. I found donativo dormitory (mattresses only) by the
Iglesia Santiago, right on Camino (just after crossing c/Sagasta). Excelent toilets and showers, kitchen, community meal, but with a lot of party noise all night from the street below. You might also try not so expensive Pension Sebastian on c/San Adrian (20€ for single in two bed room).
5.)
VILORIA DE LA RIOJA (before Belorado) –
Acacio y Orietta: Brasilian/Italian connection (even Paulo Coelho is the godfather of this private albergue), left from the main street before the church, unique experience, been there 26.05.2011 and Acacio allowed only two of us (Austrian elderly lady and myself) to stay overnight, free internet, communal dinner – excelent, very quiet atmosphere with subtle music, but talkative hospitaleros on the other hand, also possible to buy 0,3l beer cans for 1€ :lol: , 5€/night. Reservations in high season and recomended otherwise because they're both caminoists also during wintertime. It's A MUST!
6.)
AGES (after San Juan de Ortega) –
Casa Caracol: left on the entrance on kind of village square, ask to sleep in the attic (mattresses) of Casa Roja (Red House), kitchen, rustic style, sooo charming, toilets and showers superb, 5€/night, been there 28.05.2011 and whole village together with pilgrims were in one of the bars watching UEFA Cahmpions League final, unforgetable
.
7.)
BURGOS –
Pension Acacia: was there 30.05.2011, near Plaza St.Lesmes before entering the old city, if all albergues and hostels are occupied or if you want to stay another day, this is fairly good option, 20€/night single in two bed room with en-suite shower ( but shared WC, hahaha).
8.)
SAN ANTON (before Castrojeriz) –
Albergue private but donativo, shared dinner, very nice with basic facilities (only cold water), been there 01.06.2011, but was just resting and talking with hospitalera, quiet and meditative. Worth trying even if you buy food and drinks in Castrojeriz and return 4,7km back or ask locals for drive.
9.)
LEDIGOS (before Terradillos de los Templarios) –
El Palomar: private hostel, in-house shop, restaurant and bar, been there 04.06.2011 and tried attic – very nice, large courtyard with pool (only dead mouse swimming in it at that time, no wonder why), all facilities incl.kitchen, 7€/night.
10.)
LEON –
Pension San Martin (ask for address in Information oposite the Cathedral) could be quite good option if everything else is packed or if you want to stay another night in this lively city, 22€/person (two altogether) in three bed room, city center, they wash your clothes for free and you can use their fridge, been there 08.06.2011.
11.)
SAN MARTIN DEL CAMINO (before Hospital de Orbigo) –
Albergue Santa Ana: the second one on the left as you enter the village, private hostel, but only 4€/night, all facilities, very quiet althought on the main road, large courtyard, restaurant, bunkbeds in dormitory, private rooms also, been there 09.06.2011.
12.)
ASTORGA –
Albergue San Javier: past the Cathedral left on the Camino, network hostel, been there 10.06.2011, very cozy, offering massage, all facilities, social gathering in the evening with music and singing, shady patio, bunkbeds, 8€/night, close to everything.
13.)
RABANAL DEL CAMINO –
Municipal Albergue: from the Camino left down through the village to the main road, it's clearly visible, been there 11.06.2011, bunkbeds in dormitory, all facilities, just get in there and wait for the kindest hospitalera (similar to Acacio and Orietta) I met ever!!!, 4€/night, big picnic area, so good energy there in my opinion that I just wanted to stay another day enjoying the sun
.
14.)
FONFRIA (after O'Cebreiro) –
Albergue A Reboleira: here I'm a bit confused, because in 6th edition of J.
Brierley's guide there's a photo of this albergue which I simply don't remember. The albergue I'm mentioning is on the entering the village on the left and is no way a modern building as stated in guidebook. But for 8€/night in bunkbed dormitory you get guite a lot of comfort, shared dinner, large and cozy living room, bar with salsa dancing lessons from the cuban crew in the evening. I was there on 16.06.2011, very satisfied.
15.)
MORGADE (halfway between Sarria and Portomarin) –
Casa Morgade: been there 18.06.2011, again very pleasant experience, 14€/person in two bed room (shared bath and toilet), excellent dinner, beautiful scenery, sooo friendly crew, no credit cards accepted, beautiful memory!!!
16.)
PONTE CAMPANA MATO (after Palas de Rei) –
Albergue Casa Domingo: been there on 20.06.2011, but just stopped for a cold beer and a little shade, I was astonished again with recovering possibly a ruin into such a nice place to stay, as I saw they're offering shared meal, not expensive, very quiet, a lot of greenery around, by the river, next time I'll try this one for sure!
Wow, 16 of them, I'm surprised. And also have to admit that my Camino'11 was apparently really very satisfying
. For 14 of the above albergues I have photos and if someone is interested to see them (they're not posted anywhere) could mail me:
bostjan.masera@gmail.com or through PM and I'll »pass the joint« :wink:
Ultreia!