Accom to book or not to book (Primitivo)…

[Javalita]

That is the question. In general my thoughts are not to book but I read about so many people pre booking accommodations that it makes me worry. Which is how mass pre-booking starts and then everyone ends up booking.

My concern is that I’m worried I might need to stop at unconventional places if I’m tired. So booking the typical stages seems riskier. The other side says that accommodations are more limited on primitivo and I don’t want to be climbing an extra 5km when I’m exhausted. Thought? Your experience? Thanks!!!

 

[trecile]

When I walked the Primitivo last year I booked a day ahead. There are also municipal albergues that don't accept reservations.

 

[jungleboy]

You’re also ‘locked in’ to certain stages on the Primitivo anyway (compared with the Francés), so the ‘Do I want to stop here or go 4km further?’ question is often not really an option. In those cases where your end-of-stage destination is pretty much fixed already, you might as well book.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

In July last year I booked my first two nights before arrival. The first so I could take my time and not stress ( I started off injured, so knew I was going to be very slow); the second because I really, really wanted to stay at Bodenaya. The third night was booked defacto -as in, other’s were booking it and I just said - sure, why not.

Nothing more. Zero issues

If you’re at all concerned, look at a couple of the recent threads about shorter stages for the Primitivo ( there’s options for some sections); at the very least, start a little slower and book the first night (Paladin @ 20km, rather than the typical Grado @ 25km- or even Escamplero, it’s just 12km from Oviedo!) then see how you feel.

Yes, there are a couple of stages with no options; but the first ( and the longest) is several days in - the Hospitales. You’ll know how you’re doing by then.

It’s a wonderful Camino, enjoy!

 

[steven mains]

That is the question. In general my thoughts are not to book but I read about so many people pre booking accommodations that it makes me worry. Which is how mass pre-booking starts and then everyone ends up booking.

My concern is that I’m worried I might need to stop at unconventional places if I’m tired. So booking the typical stages seems riskier. The other side says that accommodations are more limited on primitivo and I don’t want to be climbing an extra 5km when I’m exhausted. Thought? Your experience? Thanks!!!

It's been 4 years since I walked the primitivo but I booked morning of as I decided how far I would go that day. Sometimes there isn't much choice of where to stop but usually I had options depending on how I felt. I used Buen Camino tío find places and book then. Buen Camino

 

[David Tallan]

I generally booked a day or so ahead on the Primitivo, except when I wanted to stay at an albergue that didn't take reservations. I'm not sure I ever needed to, in the end. But by that time in my Camino I had a fair idea of how far I wanted to walk in a day so I figured it didn't hurt. If you want to stay in Samblismo or the Albergue Las Hospitales a few km further down, you might want to book ahead.