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Where to stay in Santiago

Roxey

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
(May 2016)
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Indeed their calendar appears fully booked! Perhaps with groups? However there are many fine places to stay in Santiago.

One popular favorite is the Hospederia San Martino also close to the cathedral which offers both regular tourist accommodation and private albergue rooms. Check out here what others and I have posted re HSM.

Buen camino!
 
Last edited:
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I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay

It all depends! On your priorities. How many stars, location etc. But I 've also chosen Hospederia San Martin for a few days up to June 7th. My prefered dates were also booked, but I managed to get another (I'm going to spend 3 nights in SdC). My first choice was Albergue Seminario Menor. Even though it is an albergue, you're able to get single rooms for approximately $ 15. But tthe same dates were almost fully booked there as well six weeks ago. The Parador's great of course, but in another League economically. If you choose that though, make sure to mention, you're a pilgrim. That'll give you a discount. Buen Camino, my friend.

Best, Niels.
 
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay
I stayed at the Seminario last June 26,27,28. I made the reservation for the first night via booking.com only a couple days in advance. I loved my little monk's chamber private room. I booked the additional two nights on the spot. The seminario is a good 20 minute walk from the cathedral. You have to walk down a fairly steep incline, then up again to the building. The grounds are expansive and the building very nice, but the distance was a pain. One thing I noticed was that there were a lot of señoras around the cathedral who approached me (probably because I was cultured and classy looking) and asked if I needed a room nearby. After doing that up and down walk a few times, I was kind of sorry that I had already reserved in advance.
 
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay

A lot of people have been finding that many places are all booked out and it is certainly causing a certain sense of apprehension. No doubt things will be busy, but it just doesn't make sense to me that this hotel would be entirely booked for the entire year. I called to see what I could find out, and what I found out is that there is a recording on the phone that says the hotel is closed till March. So my guess is that they have not opened their system to any reservations, which is a lot nicer result than thinking the hotel was booked for the whole year!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Hi Roxey, nice to see that you joined this wonderful forum. (It's Maggie from Knox). I had Avios travel points so booked two nights at the El Gelmirez Hotel. It was such a great birthday treat - located at 92 Rua Do Horreo . It's a comfortable walk from the main square. Beautiful hotel. Feel free to PM me any time. You must be getting excited. Wish you Buen Camino.
 
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay

I stayed there for a night at Barbantes Libredon last August and thought it was great. Room not large, but modern. And excellent location. I booked on booking.com 'on the hoof' the night before. I was disappointed when I looked to book it for a night in this coming May. I could see that their booking was 'desactualizado' on their website and they had disappeared from booking.com. Thanks to @peregrina2000 for helpful info above. I will look in March and may make a reservation then.
@mspath Am I missing something at Hospederia San Martino? I loved the place when I walked through it last year. I looked for a bed for this May, back in January, on booking.com and it was significantly more expensive than the Parador! I know that the price depends to some extent on how many people are looking for a bed on the day in question.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
I suggest you get on www dot booking dot com today and make some reservations.
It is looking to be a busy year and I've found a LOT of places are booked up.
Nest Style Compostela is a great place for only €56/night and it still has rooms.
Or you can email Hospederia San Martin Pinario and see if they have pilgrims rooms, which are around €27 for single and a bit more for a double twin.
 
What's your budget?
I have always treated myself to a private room in Santiago. Well deserved if I say so myself, and ain't nothing like taking a long, hot shower and relaxing with no other pilgrims around.
Anyway, my favorite place to stay there is A Casa do Peregrino. It's a pensiones right on the Camino about 200 meters before you reach the cathedral and plaza. I think it was 40 Euros a night when I stayed there.
 
One popular favorite is the Hospederia San Martino also close to the cathedral which offers both regular tourist accommodation and private albergue rooms.

I booked at HSM just two days ago for the end of May by emailing them directly to ask about the albergue rooms. My husband is meeting me in Santiago, so the first night is for him only at 23 euros and the next two nights are for both of us at 40 euros.

A funny/alarming Google translate error: I wrote in Spanish and received a reply in Spanish. To ensure I was reading it correctly, I also ran the response through Google translate.

Here's one of the sentences in the reply, which said to me that they had a room available:

De momento hay disponibilidad para la fecha solicitada.

And here's the Google translation:

Currently no availability for dates

I looked and looked at it and was sure it was wrong unless the word "disponsibilida" was some sort of inherent negative. On checking with other translations, I confirmed that Google had totally bothced the translation. Needless to say, it pays to cross-check translations!
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
PR Hortas at Rua Hortas, close to new Oficina de Peregrinos is my absolute favourite!!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re..._de_Compostela_A_Coruna_Province_Galicia.html

Still available at that date.
This is definately my favourite. We have stayed in many places in Santiago, including several times at the San Martin Pinario, which is great and has a lot of atmosphere, BUT the rooms are far, far better at Pension das Hortas, not to mention the super bathroom and the patio and the orchard behind.
You can always pop into S.Martin Pinario to check out the crowd, just in case you see someone you might recognize.
 
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay

I stayed at the Hotel Avenida back in 2002 for 45 Euro per night. I stayed there again in May 2015 for 48 Euro per night and I am booked to stay there twice this year in July. The first four days this year are 48 Euro and when I return a week or so later for a full week it will be 61 Euro per night. This rise is due to the feast of St James happening in that week.
The hotel is an absolute delight. All the reception staff speak fluent English, Rooms are very clean all with brand new bathrooms and breakfast is included in the price. It is 400 meters to the Cathedral. I would not be i8nterested in ever staying anywhere else. It's a gem.
Hotel Avenidfa
Fuente de San Antonio, 5, 15702 Santiago de Compostela
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay
You've had some great responses Roxey; hope you have found something that will work for you. Say hello to my friends in Parksville. Maggie
 
I stayed there for a night at Barbantes Libredon last August and thought it was great. Room not large, but modern. And excellent location. I booked on booking.com 'on the hoof' the night before. I was disappointed when I looked to book it for a night in this coming May. I could see that their booking was 'desactualizado' on their website and they had disappeared from booking.com. Thanks to @peregrina2000 for helpful info above. I will look in March and may make a reservation then.
@mspath Am I missing something at Hospederia San Martino? I loved the place when I walked through it last year. I looked for a bed for this May, back in January, on booking.com and it was significantly more expensive than the Parador! I know that the price depends to some extent on how many people are looking for a bed on the day in question.

Not sure what happened to spike the price like that, but the price for May on the hotel's own website are 58 for a double, 48 for a single. This is in the "hotel part" and not the "albergue part", where I think single rooms are still under 25 euros.
 
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay

We stayed at the Hospederia San Martino in Santiago and booked it through Booking.com as we were concerned about not finding a place when we arrived in Santiago. We found out, when we arrived, that we were paying a much higher rate than pilgrims who walked in and got a room (I believe that part of the hotel is exclusively for pilgrims). Also, pilgrims who got the reduced rate had a very nice breakfast included in the price of their room. I was disappointed that Brierley did not include this information when he lists it as one of the places to stay in Santiago.

Hotel staff would not negotiate the price or breakfast so we ended up spending substantially more than many of the other pilgrims there. Still, it is a lovely, central place to stay and meet up with other pilgrims and relax at the end of a long walk.

Consider staying close to Santiago the night before your arrival so that you can get there early enough to secure a room at the pilgrim rate - if you want to take a chance.

Buen Camino!
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
We stayed at the Hospederia San Martino in Santiago and booked it through Booking.com as we were concerned about not finding a place when we arrived in Santiago. We found out, when we arrived, that we were paying a much higher rate than pilgrims who walked in and got a room (I believe that part of the hotel is exclusively for pilgrims). Also, pilgrims who got the reduced rate had a very nice breakfast included in the price of their room. I was disappointed that Brierley did not include this information when he lists it as one of the places to stay in Santiago.
Thanks @AllanHG and @C clearly for very useful, if slightly dispiriting explanation. I have found booking.com tremendously practical on many occasions, but this casts a new light on possible side issues!
 
The only rooms that booking.com has for Hospedaria San Martin Pinario are the nicer, hotel rooms on the 3rd (?) floor. The cheaper rooms that you heard about are on the fourth floor. They are the old seminarians' rooms, not renovated, very simple. Old furniture, old bathrooms. Clean sheets and towels, though! The only way to reserve those "albergue" rooms is to contact San Martin directly. If you book through San Martin's website, you will be booking the hotel rooms, just like if you go through booking. You can choose a hotel room with or without breakfast included. Breakfast is included in the price of the "albergue" rooms., So it's not a question of pilgrims getting a better price, it's that the "pilgrim rooms" are different, much more basic, and cheaper.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
The Parador is a great place for a bit of luxury after the camino and they do a reduced rate for pilgrims. I have also stayed in the Hotel Compostela on the outskirts of the old town and the San Francisco Hotel Monumento, which is beautiful with a fantastic church (just around the corner from the cathedral). Lat year we found the Hotel Costa Vella and although we did not stay there we stopped for a coffee in their beautiful enclosed garden. It is not far from the cathedral and is very peaceful and certainly worth a look.
Hope you find somewhere to suit your needs and budget
 
Stayed at Hostal Estella which is immediately off the Square. Great location. Couldn't get a room for the night of July 24th so went online and probably got the last twin room near the Square as everything was booked out. Hotel Santo Grial, 76 Rua Vilar. Really nice place. We were in the very top room and it was lovely.
 
I like:

http://www.fornossantiago.com/

It is on the way to the train station, but closer to the old town than even San Martin Pinario. You have to look closely for the sign on the street because the rooms are above the stores. It is surprisingly quiet for its location, and attended 24 hours a day.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Miradoiro del Bevis - near the market and the cathedral. Not too expensive and comfy!
 
Airas Nunes 17 rua do Vilar - stayed there twice and loved it. SO convenient for well, just about everything!
 
Like Sabine, PR Hortas is my favourite. Clean rooms with own facilities and 3 minutes walk to cathedral.
Have also stayed at pensions after being approached by senora's and both were good although had to share facilities.
Stayed once at albergue Seminaro Menor and that was and will be my last time. Too far away.
Have never found the need to prebook.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Next time I'm in Santiago I plan to stay in the hotel across the street from my favorite bar. ;)
 
The only rooms that booking.com has for Hospedaria San Martin Pinario are the nicer, hotel rooms on the 3rd (?) floor. The cheaper rooms that you heard about are on the fourth floor. They are the old seminarians' rooms, not renovated, very simple. Old furniture, old bathrooms. Clean sheets and towels, though! The only way to reserve those "albergue" rooms is to contact San Martin directly. If you book through San Martin's website, you will be booking the hotel rooms, just like if you go through booking. You can choose a hotel room with or without breakfast included. Breakfast is included in the price of the "albergue" rooms., So it's not a question of pilgrims getting a better price, it's that the "pilgrim rooms" are different, much more basic, and cheaper.


Thank you peregrina2000 for clarifying the difference, I have booked a room using a mixture of Google translate and a direct telephone call. I am so pleased that I will be able to stay there.
 
As Laurie notes for reserving a pilgrim albergue room contact Hospederia San Martin Pinario DIRECTLY not via their website nor by Booking.com.

Use this email to ask for or reserve a pilgrim albergue room.
info@sanmartinpinario.eu.

Thank you so much for the contact information mspath. This worked a treat and I now have a room for two nights in the centre of Santiago.:) I enjoyed staying at the Seminario Menor on the hill but got soaked so many times walking into the city in the rain last time therefore welcome being closer to the cathedral whatever the weather might be this time.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay
Hello,
I was ready for a little quiet and privacy by the time I reached Santiago.
I am an Airbnb host in Newington, New Hampshire and love having guests from wherever - so on the Camino, I got to be a guest. Stayed with a young family, private bedroom and shared bath for three nights 15 euro/night about three blocks from the Cathedral.
BC
 
The Rosa Rosae, modern hotel, pilgrim friendly and just a little way further from the centre than others mentioned. Nice and quiet. The main door is behind the building which was a little confusing and the main photo isn't very inspiring.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
Loved San Martin Pinario
Did you stay in the pilgrim's section or the regular rooms? I booked through their website and added a request for a pilgrim's room although I may want a little more luxe after 33 days of albergues. What do you think?
 
I stayed in the pilgrim section. The rooms are small but for me the luxury was having my own bathroom (shower), bed with sheets and privacy. It is a lovely building and the interior is beautiful. Being so close to the cathedral is a bonus. Also it is on the way to Finisterre. Ticked all the boxes for me.
 
I'm going to end up (God willing) in Santiago about June 7. I was told that the Barbandes Libredon was a great place to stay, but when I checked out their website, it appears the hotel is fully booked...for the rest of 2016. Apparently the calendar days in red are "full" and those in gold are "some open"...all the days are red from now, right through until the end of next fall. I sent them an email; but no answer. Am I missing something... have they closed down... or is it just that great a place to stay
Hi Roxey,
I stayed in The Last Stamp at the and of June 2015. It is 2 minutes from the Cathedral. Some rooms even have a view at the cathedral. The rooms are shared, just as in albergues along caminos but this one is more of a posh version. I paid 18EUR per night. I did not book it in advance, I just turned up. But you can book it on booking.com too. It is all Nice, clean and modern. Beds have doves and bed sheets and you will have your own cabinet with a lock. The reception is opened 24h so you do not have to worry about getting back early to your room. There are also 2 computers with internet and printer available to use at a nominal pay. Wi-fi also available and so is kitchen and other helpful facilities. I recommend it thoroughly! Plus, you will be able to get your last stamp with an appropriate name: "The Last Stamp". I thought it was great!
Karolina
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
You can try the Hostal Suso. It is very close to the cathedral and a perfect location. The guys who run the place are very friendly and helpful. They have no elevator, but as a pilgrim I doubt you would mind. It is a very secure and clean place. Not sure your price level but this place is around 60 euros. it is real close to everything you might look for in Santiago. If you are good with the date I would make a reservation soon. They do not require anything other than you telling them when you will arrive. You can find them on line.
 
I stayed in San Martin Pinario last November and I shall certainly stay there this November, if I can get a booking on the pilgrims' floor - for the location, the price, the privacy, the breakfast, the historic building, the chance of meeting other pilgrims. But I couldn't sleep until I figured out that I had to wear an eyemask and earplugs. There is a glass window over the room door and the hall light is designed to go on automatically whenever anyone is walking along the hallway. Add to that noisy wooden floors and a conversation area next to the elevator, which was very close to my room. You would think that after 800 km. on the frances with albergue accommodation I would have learned how to sleep in any conditions. On a positive note, there was no restless sleeper in a top bunk to shake my bed when I was trying to sleep. In general, I loved the place but the pilgrim floor is for experienced pilgrims who can appreciate the advantages and adjust for the challenges.
 
What's your budget?
I have always treated myself to a private room in Santiago. Well deserved if I say so myself, and ain't nothing like taking a long, hot shower and relaxing with no other pilgrims around.
Anyway, my favorite place to stay there is A Casa do Peregrino. It's a pensiones right on the Camino about 200 meters before you reach the cathedral and plaza. I think it was 40 Euros a night when I stayed there.
AND...there is a gelato shop at the ground level!
 
Ideal sleeping bag liner whether we want to add a thermal plus to our bag, or if we want to use it alone to sleep in shelters or hostels. Thanks to its mummy shape, it adapts perfectly to our body.

€46,-

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