Easier way to identify pension/hostels with private rooms

[Rajy62]

I am starting at SJPdP on Sept 28. I see the sept version of Albergues list in this forum just published. It lists all the albergues in each town with phone/addresses/cost etc. But does not tell me which ones offer private rooms also. At the Mundicamino site, i can browse each stage and get the available accommodation options. Was wondering if anyone came across a list that easily identifies those pensions/hostels with private rooms. If such list exists, i can target those specific ones much quicker.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The Brierley guidebook identifies most of the non-albergue accommodations by location and phone number, but not size.

So does the Michelin booklet widely available along the camino.

 

[Wanderer64]

I stayed in private rooms almost exclusively from Leon to Santiago, and suspect I could have easily done the same from SJPP to Leon had I chosen to. In his guidebook, Brierley does list some non-albergue options, but I never needed any list or guidebook for finding private rooms. I never reserved a private room once, and never had trouble finding one upon arrival. The only exception would be the very small, remote stops where the albergue is the only bed in town. And this was during peak season (August).

The growing popularity of the CF seems to be resulting in more competition, so a rise in more sleeping options. I can't speak much to this cuz I've only walked it once, this past August. But I suspect the options were fare fewer 20 years ago.

A very useful term to memorize if seeking private rooms: habitacione individual? In most towns I often had the luxury of checking with two or three proprietors before making a choice. I also stayed in some very nice 3-star hotels for €35, sometimes less.

If you absolutely need private rooms every night of your Camino, some sort of accommodation list might be needed, for peace of mind if nothing else. But if you have a bit more flexibility, just showing up in a city/town/hamlet along the CF and finding a private room should not be a problem.

Hope this helps.

 

[MendiWalker]

Hi Raj

I wish you a good Camino.

I suppose you have your reasons for looking for private rooms all along the way.But you´ll going to miss out on lots of things.

Buen Camino!

 

[Wanderer64]

Lisa raises a good point about the Brierley guidebook. I too noticed some glaring omissions along the way, as well as pensions/hostals that had obviously gone out of business since the book's publication. I used the 2009 edition for my 2013 Camino. I saw lots of private room options not listed in the book, maybe they will be in a future edition. Also, I think Brierley merely gives readers his personal best picks in a given Camino stop.

And don't forget, many private albergues also offer private room options. None of the municipal albergues offer private rooms.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I used the 2009 edition for my 2013 Camino

I think you missed three editions! Yes, many of them were in the updates.

 

[Wanderer64]

Ah-ha! That would explain some of the "glaring omissions." Funny thing is I never noticed the edition date on my copy until after I got back from Spain. It was loaned to me by a family member.

I actually stopped using my guidebook after a few hundred km because I found I didn't need it much. I just wanted to know where and how far the next possible stops were. I knew there would always be a bed for me upon arrival. The CF is such a well travelled path, so well marked, I just went with the flow after a while.

One thing I wish Brierley did was offer some food (be they grocery stores, restaurant) suggestions at each stop.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I just wanted to know where and how far the next possible stops were.

I still carry it after 13 caminos for just that reason. I know where the turns are!! If my memory were better, I would know the distances as well...

 

[Rajy62]

Books are heavy to carry around. Anyone used smartphone apps with google maps to navigate this trail? Which app?

 

[BrianForbesColgate]

Books are heavy to carry around. Anyone used smartphone apps with google maps to navigate this trail? Which app?

I've seen a number of people post in the Forum here that they have simply taken a picture of each page of the guide with their cell phone ... then it is there with no additional weight, and you can zoom in

I used the 2009 edition for my 2013 Camino. I saw lots of private room options not listed in the book, maybe they will be in a future edition.

You do Brierley a disservice by criticizing him while using an out-of-date guide. The accommodations situation is in constant flux. A visit to Brierley's web site would have enabled you to download the frequent updates, viz:
http://www.caminoguides.com/latest.html

 

[Rajy62]

Taking a photo of the various stages makes sense. It would be even easier if they produce these guides in pdf fles. Then i can just download the entire guide into my smartphone.

 

[Wanderer64]

Brian, yes I did do Brierley a disservice, so apologies to the author. I'm new at this forum, probably should have edited that previous post.

The key point in all this is your very accurate observation that accommodations along the CF are always in flux, guidebook updates notwithstanding.

Raj, I hope you find a way to get the private room list you seek, but in my experience there will be ample space when you go, especially if you go outside the peak season. As I said, I never had to reserve or call ahead to get a pension/hostal/hotel room. And as many have said in this forum, staff at these places are very good about helping you find a room in the next town, if you seek that assurance. When I did the CF in very busy August, I found that the vast majority of pilgrims were absolutely intent on getting a cheap dorm room bed. I loved this because it meant less competition for me and my search for a private room.

Buen Camino!

 

[Rajy62]

Wanderer: I agree, most of the feedback i got suggests that i need not be too concerned about finding private rooms. I am a slow walker. Most likely arrive at a stop late and tired. Last thing i want to do is wander around too long to find a place. That is the rationale for my meticulous planning. I am hoping, once i got the hang of it, i would not need the maps/guides, just follow the well marked signs.