Accomodation St Jean Pied de Port

[Meindl]

I will be arriving around 8pm and thought a hotel might be best for first couple nights so I can relax and see something of St Jean before I start walking the Camino. I’m a bit concerned about the cost of a hotel and would welcome suggestions. Many thanks

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There are several gites/albergues. Make a reservation at one of them.

Tous les hébergements de groupe | En Pays Basque

Nostalgiques des colonies de vacances et des sacs de couchage, retrouvez l'ambiance des dortoirs le temps d'un séjour en hébergements de groupe. En chambre collective ou en petits dortoirs, les hébergements de groupe vous permettront de vous loger à des prix attractifs.

www.saintjeanpieddeport-paysbasque-tourisme.com

 

[TSchulen]

If you are planning to spend more than one night in SJPdP, and you want to get some rest, I highly recommend getting a private room - at least for the first night. There is a nervous energy that permeates the albergues as people anticipate the next days departure. Pilgrims are rising at 4am or earlier to get a start on the day. At 8pm (your arrival) some will already be in bed, and it would hard to settle into a dorm without bothering them.

Buen Camino!

 

[alhartman]

booking.com with your dates will give prices for all levels of accommodation including albergues.
I also would look for non-dorm accommodations to get a restful start up the hill.
bon chemin

 

[Meindl]

If you are planning to spend more than one night in SJPdP, and you want to get some rest, I highly recommend getting a private room - at least for the first night. There is a nervous energy that permeates the albergues as people anticipate the next days departure. Pilgrims are rising at 4am or earlier to get a start on the day. At 8pm (your arrival) some will already be in bed, and it would hard to settle into a dorm without bothering them.

Buen Camino!

Many thanks for your advice.

 

[Kat Kostrzewska]

Hola Meindl! The best boots for the Camino by the way I am one of those pilgrims who walked Camino without blisters. Glory without pain.

SJPdP is charming town at the foot of the Pyrenees. It is lovely, but is...small. Take a look yourself https://caminodesantiagobybike.co.uk/guidebook/1-saint-jean-pied-de-port-to-roncesvalles-27-50-km/ You will be done with touring in half an hour. So perhaps instead of staying for another night in SJPdP walk 9 km to Orisson and spend another night in the mountain hostel?

 

[countycork]

Hi Meindl, We arrived early afternoon in Saint Jean, soaked up the atmosphere for few hours, had pre-booked Htl Ramuntcho (en-suite), up early next morning and walked all the way to Roncesvalles - think its a waste of a day (and money!) to stay 2nd night in Saint Jean as is a night in Orisson. If you are reasonably fit then the walk to Roncesvalles should be no problem - both of us in our 60's!

 

[Felipe]

I agree with @Kat Kostrzewska , SJPP is a charming but little place. Maybe not for a half an hour...there is the impressive Citadel (the fortress) on the hill, the river, the little shops, the peasant street market (only Mondays), the fabulous Basque food, and you may consider a leisurely walk to Saint Jean le Vieux. But two days may be too much. Maybe you can consider a day in Bayonne (if you go this way) or Pamplona (if arriving by way of Spain).

 

[MaryLynn]

I suggest Beleiri, across the street from the Pilgrim’s Office. Reservations required and you can let them know when you plan to arrive. You might be just in time for the dinner where you will meet others, and you can stay a second night. There is not a lot to see in St. Jean, but a slow start to your Camino might be just what you need.

 

[easygoing]

Beleiri is a great start to the Camino. Joseph plays a fun game before dinner that has us all feeling like family. It is an albergue but small and very peaceful. I am sure Joast and Sara from the way movie stayed there.

 

[Rick Chollett]

I will be arriving around 8pm and thought a hotel might be best for first couple nights so I can relax and see something of St Jean before I start walking the Camino. I’m a bit concerned about the cost of a hotel and would welcome suggestions. Many thanks

Make sure you arrive early enough. My bus arrived last year around 10 pm and myself and two others ended up sleeping in the campground. They loaned me a tarp and I wrapped up in that and my blanket. It was a very cold night in early May!

 

[billmclaughlin]

A half day, even if tired from travel or jet-lagged, is more than enough time to explore every nook and cranny of SJPP. To relax before starting your camino, Biarritz/Bayonne is far more entertaining and equally stress-free.

 

[Meindl]

Hi Meindl, We arrived early afternoon in Saint Jean, soaked up the atmosphere for few hours, had pre-booked Htl Ramuntcho (en-suite), up early next morning and walked all the way to Roncesvalles - think its a waste of a day (and money!) to stay 2nd night in Saint Jean as is a night in Orisson. If you are reasonably fit then the walk to Roncesvalles should be no problem - both of us in our 60's!

Thanks I’m in my 60’s too and but will probsbly arrive after Tourist info closed do will need to get passport and list of accommodation early next morning. What time fix you leave St Jean?

 

[easygoing]

Thanks I’m in my 60’s too and but will probsbly arrive after Tourist info closed do will need to get passport and list of accommodation early next morning. What time fix you leave St Jean?

Pilgrim office open untill 8pm

 

[Kat Kostrzewska]

With my best knowledge in high season they are open until 10 o'clock. They wait until the last train from Bayonne arrives.

 

[chinacat]

Dona Maria is a lovely b+b, you’d be very happy there for your two nights.
And staying at Orisson is a wonderful way to start your Camino ... but book early!

 

[Nathen]

I'm very glad you started this conversation, Meindl - I'll be arriving in SJPdP on the last train on Sunday, Sept. 8th (it gets in at 10:08 PM), and I DON'T want to sleep in the campground!

 

[Camino Jim]

In 2012 I stayed 2 nights at the Central Hotel and it was fabulous having flown to Paris then train to SJPD

 

[Meindl]

Thanks to you all for your suggestions. I’ve emailed the shared transport contact express bourricot.com and hope to share transport from Biarritz airport as this will get me to St Jean in time for the Pilgrim Office. I arrive in Biarritz on 17Sept 16:40 from London so if anyone else is on the flight do email expressbourricot.com . Thanks

 

[Neil Galland]

If you want to have a great start to the Camino I would also thoroughly recommend that you stay at Beleiri.
Joseph is a great host and we were able to stay two nights after long flights from New Zealand, enabling us to have a look around St Jean Pied de Port. The friends we made there stayed with us right through to Leon.