Albergue Availability

[Walden]

Just about to kick of my second short late October early Nov Camino. I'm seeing lots of the albergues as either closed, which is fine as it's entering November, but many of the albergues are full according to a well used reservation site. Even the privados in Pamplona are all booked out, which seems strange.

Is it possible they are full because of the demand for accommodation given this years circumstances ?

 

[Rick M]

Is it possible they are full because of the demand for accommodation given this years circumstances ?

No, not this late in the season. Does it show ll the hostals and pensions booked out in Pamplona as well? Most likely this is the albergue pausing its booking availability, or closing for the season, but not permanently, and telling the web they are full. Gronze.com has all the albergues listed with current status. You can call/email/whatsapp them directly rather than relying on a web booking.

 

[Kanga]

Just about to kick of my second short late October early Nov Camino. I'm seeing lots of the albergues as either closed, which is fine as it's entering November, but many of the albergues are full according to a well used reservation site. Even the privados in Pamplona are all booked out, which seems strange.

Is it possible they are full because of the demand for accommodation given this years circumstances ?

If you are looking at a booking site you are probably not seeing the whole picture. Try ringing direct, and you will find that they do have rooms, albeit "different" to the ones on the site.

 

[WestKirsty]

Just about to kick of my second short late October early Nov Camino. I'm seeing lots of the albergues as either closed, which is fine as it's entering November, but many of the albergues are full according to a well used reservation site. Even the privados in Pamplona are all booked out, which seems strange.

Is it possible they are full because of the demand for accommodation given this years circumstances ?

If you are looking at this weekend for bookings, it is a long weekend in Spain. The 1st November is a national holiday and most businesses also give the Monday off as well. So private albergues, hostals and pensions may be fully booked for this reason from Friday to next Tuesday (locals on a long weekend getaway or locals doing a few days on the Camino). I was looking for accommodation this weekend (including Pamplona) and also found places booked or crazy expensive.

Of course, if you're meaning beyond these dates, then I'm not too sure!

Also, just a heads up that supermarkets and shops generally close on stat/bank holidays. Something to keep in mind for Tuesday next week!

 

[mspath]

If you are looking at this weekend for bookings, it is a long weekend in Spain. The 1st November is a national holiday and most businesses also give the Monday off as well. So private albergues, hostals and pensions may be fully booked for this reason from Friday to next Tuesday (locals on a long weekend getaway or locals doing a few days on the Camino). I was looking for accommodation this weekend (including Pamplona) and also found places booked or crazy expensive.

Of course, if you're meaning beyond these dates, then I'm not too sure!

Also, just a heads up that supermarkets and shops generally close on stat/bank holidays. Something to keep in mind for Tuesday next week!

See more re this next weekend and All Saints Day in France, Portugal and Spain in this post

 

[Doghound]

Just about to kick of my second short late October early Nov Camino. I'm seeing lots of the albergues as either closed, which is fine as it's entering November, but many of the albergues are full according to a well used reservation site. Even the privados in Pamplona are all booked out, which seems strange.

Is it possible they are full because of the demand for accommodation given this years circumstances ?

I have seen a few big tour groups go through this week, one from Korea was 20+ and they fill some of the smaller villages/Albergues. Not sure if this will be the same later in the month as the weather becomes more of an issue. So many private Albergues were saying they plan to close as the weather turns towards the end of the month. ATM it is very pleasant for the time of year. I understand the site: Aprinca will publish a list of all winter Albergues on the 1st November.

 

[1elantra]

No, not this late in the season. Does it show ll the hostals and pensions booked out in Pamplona as well? Most likely this is the albergue pausing its booking availability, or closing for the season, but not permanently, and telling the web they are full. Gronze.com has all the albergues listed with current status. You can call/email/whatsapp them directly rather than relying on a web booking.

Hi is there an English version of Gronze.com please.

 

[Walden]

thank you for the replies everyone. I have managed to get beds in Pamplona in an albergue that I have been in before. I'll call ahead as I move through to Puente, etc. I think Los Arcos may be an issue, there's little going on there and not a lot of options. I'm sure I'll manage.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hi is there an English version of Gronze.com please.

No. But Google Chrome, and other available browsers will provide translation. Beware of literal translation - you’ll struggle to find Queens Bridge on a map of Spain but Puenta La Reina turns up fairly easy.
Realistically the descriptors on Gronze are in simple Spanish and it’s easy to learn the basics and interpret the information without relying on translation apps. That process will also help you gather enough confidence to request your bebida, comer & camas without fear

 

[1elantra]

No. But Google Chrome, and other available browsers will provide translation. Beware of literal translation - you’ll struggle to find Queens Bridge on a map of Spain but Puenta La Reina turns up fairly easy.
Realistically the descriptors on Gronze are in simple Spanish and it’s easy to learn the basics and interpret the information without relying on translation apps. That process will also help you gather enough confidence to request your bebida, comer & camas without fear

Thanks very much. If I book 10 beds by mistake Ill let you know

 

[dkarp]

Hi is there an English version of Gronze.com please.

I was wondering about that too

 

[trecile]

I was wondering about that too

As @Tincatinker mentioned in his post above, if you use the Chrome browser it will automatically translate to English or the language of your choice.

 

[Walkalong]

Started in Burgos 2weeks ago, to finish the walk that was interrupted in March 2020, and have had no problems reserving double rooms. Usually by phoning 1dsy ahead, and then calling again on the day of to confirm our arrival time.
Booking.com does not reflect actual availability. We have not used booking at all since starting to walk over 24 days ago.
For example, yesterday and this morning booking.com showed no availability in O'Cebreiro when there were several available, including the one from which I write now.

 

[FintanGal]

I have seen a few big tour groups go through this week, one from Korea was 20+ and they fill some of the smaller villages/Albergues.

There is a list up on Aprinca this morning, assuming it's comprehensive there seems to be a lot of places planning to close for this winter that would normally be open. I was planning to walk from Leon to Sarria next week, but there seems to be nothing between La Portela de Valcarce and Sarria, and the Xunta at O Cobreiro is not on the list.

 

[VELO]

Started in Burgos 2weeks ago, to finish the walk that was interrupted in March 2020, and have had no problems reserving double rooms. Usually by phoning 1dsy ahead, and then calling again on the day of to confirm our arrival time.
Booking.com does not reflect actual availability. We have not used booking at all since starting to walk over 24 days ago.
For example, yesterday and this morning booking.com showed no availability in O'Cebreiro when there were several available, including the one from which I write now.

Hi Walkalong
When BOOKING.COM reads FULL/NOT AVAILABLE this does not necessary mean there are no beds available. Hostals/hotels/ albergues let's say have 40 beds available tonight then they release maybe 25 only to BOOKING.COM and keep 15 themselves so they can offer to "walk-ins" & chance pilgrims. Always contact the place directly and ask. Buen Camino.

 

[Walkalong]

Thank you for confirming and clarifying the information I was trying to share. Buen Camino