I recently emailed Albergue Las Aguedas in Murias de Rechivaldo to reserve one double room plus two plazas (for our group of four) in July. They confirmed availability and said they required a 50% deposit into their bank account to make the reservation. This is the first time I've heard of an Albergue asking for the deposit, which I don't want to do. Have any of you come across this requirement of an advance deposit for an albergue?
Yes, I made a booking with them also, and paid half up front. I think they require it because people make reservations, then don't show up.
Can't blame them, really . . .
I met an American guy a few years ago who was bragging about doing this very thing.
He said he had reservations in 3 different villages for the night.
When asked if he would cancel the other 2, he said, 'Naw... I just won't show up."
I said, "you do realize that what this means is OTHER pilgrims will be turned away because they expect YOU?"
I felt like hitting him over the head with my stick and knocking some manners into him.
It's folks like that who have made this happen.
Other places, like El Tesin in Rabanal, ask you to call the night before to confirm.