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Actually this was also one of the Covid measures that many albergues were advised to take. Yes, also possibly to increase community support, too.I'm on my third camino and just arrived in Los Arcos on the CF. I'm really disappointed in the fact that most of the albergue kitchens have been closed down.
The cooking hobs have been disconnected and only the microwave is available. Not even a kettle left to use.
I understand it's probably an attempt to force perrigrinos to eat out and spend more money in the local cafés.
It's hardly in the spirit of the camino and a real dissappointment to cheapskates like me who like to cook along the way.
Is anyone ahead of me on the CF who can advise whether this will continue and is the norm. If you know of municipal albergues who have left their kitchen usable please let me know which ones in the comments.
Yes undoubtedly some people left a mess behind. I never saw nor hear of any destroyed kitchen utensils though.It goes back so many years that pilgrims abused their kitchen privileges by never cleaning up behind themselves and destroying the equipment made available to them. I doubt the open kitchen will ever return due to a selfish and irresponsible few!
I saw pilgrims steal… knives, spoons, forks, corkscrewsYes undoubtedly some people left a mess behind. I never saw nor hear of any destroyed kitchen utensils though.
Yes - I am sure it is for multiple reasons. But there were a lot of places that had their kitchens open before COVID and closed them due to COVID (these are the places I was referring to)- and those places may slowly be reopening the kitchens - OR - they may have decided that it is nice not to have to worry about those kitchens anymore so use the opportunity to keep them closed.I doubt if it was entirely that pilgrims abused the kitchen and stole things or Covid or community pressure for dining business. Maybe a combinations and things do break and with limited donations and income over the past couple of years, it is sometimes difficult to repair and replace items. I am sure it is a combination of things and the decision is then left with the city, church, community on what to do next. Also, gas and electricity are expensive so there is a cost to that as well.
Maybe spending money locally would be good? We are fortunate for any businesses which have managed to survive Covid emergency. I don't know your nationality but is being a "cheapskate" something of which you are proud?I'm on my third camino and just arrived in Los Arcos on the CF. I'm really disappointed in the fact that most of the albergue kitchens have been closed down.
The cooking hobs have been disconnected and only the microwave is available. Not even a kettle left to use.
I understand it's probably an attempt to force perrigrinos to eat out and spend more money in the local cafés.
It's hardly in the spirit of the camino and a real dissappointment to cheapskates like me who like to cook along the way.
Is anyone ahead of me on the CF who can advise whether this will continue and is the norm. If you know of municipal albergues who have left their kitchen usable please let me know which ones in the comments.
And toilet rolls!I saw pilgrims steal… knives, spoons, forks, corkscrews
And toilet rolls!
Really??? What other ways? Ideas?? Sorry for being sarcastic but I can’t think of many?Maybe keep the toilets closed too, then, so that the rolls can't be stolen. Pilgrims don't clean up after themselves in the bathrooms anyway, same as in the kitchens. Always hair in the drains. So just shut down all the showers as well. Problem solved...! Right?
Sorry for being sarcastic. But I seriously hope there are other ways to deal with the few pilgrims not washing their dishes (or stealing the odd spoon) than closing down kitchens in general, for everyone.
Really??? What other ways? Ideas?? Sorry for being sarcastic but I can’t think of many?
Yes i did and as of yet, nothing helpfull.Education? I think that quite a few pilgrims think that by paying a fee for staying at the albergue, they also pay for cleaning service. Also, we all can help by cleaning up when others don't. Just as some pay more in donativos to make up for those who don't pay at all or just very little.
All I wanted to say is that nobody would think about closing showers because pilgrims don't mop, but closing kitchens because someone didn't wash dishes somehow is a good enough reason.
This is off topic anyway. OP asked for advice from those walking ahead that might give advice about albergues with open kitchens. I got tempted to comment without answering that question. Sorry
No, you've got the wrong end of the toilet roll (why do people who are sarcastic feel the need to apologise? Why be sarcastic in the first place?)Maybe keep the toilets closed too, then, so that the rolls can't be stolen. Pilgrims don't clean up after themselves in the bathrooms anyway, same as in the kitchens. Always hair in the drains. So just shut down all the showers as well. Problem solved...! Right?
Sorry for being sarcastic. But I seriously hope there are other ways to deal with the few pilgrims not washing their dishes (or stealing the odd spoon) than closing down kitchens in general, for everyone.
No, you've got the wrong end of the toilet roll (why do people who are sarcastic feel the need to apologise? Why be sarcastic in the first place?)
While working at Rabanal I went to the upstairs washroom to see if any of the cubicles needed paper.
A pilgrim collapse through dehydration and I foolishly put an unopened pack of 18 toilet rolls down and went to attend to him.
When that episode was over I returned to my duties only to find every one of the rolls had been taken - they hadn't even bothered to put the plastic wrap in the bin!
The situation with kitchens has always been hit and miss, the more recently built (10 years or so) albergues that have been opened have been better equipped.Wow. Crazy! Maybe I still think too positive about mankind. Sorry to hear things like that.
And thank you for your work as hospitalero, I can't imagine what it must feel like to put so much work in helping pilgrims to then see that kind of behaviour.
My post really wasn't meant in a bad way. English is not my first language, so sorry it apparently sounded more harsh than intended.
I just think it's a drastic measure to close kitchens. But if that's what's the new norm on the Camino, then pilgrims will surely adapt to it.
It's probably different when you look at things more from a hospitalero's point of view than from a pilgrim's. My post was from the point of view of someone who used kitchens almost every single day on the first Camino, and had cold dinner when there was no kitchen available. I'll miss the kitchens. A lot. I do understand though that you probably don't if you're the one who has to clean up the disaster some pilgrims leave behind each morning!
I made the same mistake. While I’ve met lots of wonderful pilgrims, they’re probably in equal measure with the inconsiderate ones, which has been a huge surprise to me.
I understand it's probably an attempt to force perrigrinos to eat out and spend more money in the local cafés.
We are currently Hospitaleros in the Donativo Municipal albergue in El Burgo Ranero. The kitchen is open and the pilgrims cook enthusiastically every night. They are great at cleaning up after themselves and often improvise a shared meal ( we are not allowed to offer communal meals).helpfull
A pilgrim should be glad to have a bed, this is what he pays for. It is interesting that some cheapskates believe that they have a right to be such while denying the same right to others (..the albergues)Maybe keep the toilets closed too, then, so that the rolls can't be stolen. Pilgrims don't clean up after themselves in the bathrooms anyway, same as in the kitchens. Always hair in the drains. So just shut down all the showers as well. Problem solved...! Right?
Sorry for being sarcastic. But I seriously hope there are other ways to deal with the few pilgrims not washing their dishes (or stealing the odd spoon) than closing down kitchens in general, for everyone.
I don't think that you have to apologise. The first post is not merely a request for information, it implicitly invites to a wider discussion by speculating about the reasons why an albergue that is owned and largely financed by a small municipality and subject to public health regulations does not offer the possibility for people to cook and that this is somehow against the Spirit of the Camino because some people are deprived of their preferred way of getting their evening meal and/or are keen on spending as little money as possible in the town where they stay for one night.'ll stop replying here now. Sorry that the thread took a negative turn because of my comment, that was not my intention.
Genuine reply, make yourself responsible for cleaning the kitchen while you are at an albergue which does not want to open the kitchen,make yourself known to the Hospitelera/o, convince them that any tidying which needs doing because other people haven't done it then you will do it before you leave. I have done this and in Galicia as well, I have had camigos who have done it as well. The people who man the Albergues are often doing it voluntarily in the municipal and local ones and they struggle with day to day extra cleaning which can take hours, so I feel it's up to us to make them feel confident about opening it.Sorry for being sarcastic. But I seriously hope there are other ways to deal with the few pilgrims not washing their dishes (or stealing the odd spoon) than closing down kitchens in general, for everyone.
Maybe spending money locally would be good? We are fortunate for any businesses which have managed to survive Covid emergency. I don't know your nationality but is being a "cheapskate" something of which you are proud?
You know, I realize that the OP referred to him/herself as being a "cheapskate"... however I have seen that term used a couple times to criticize those who are for one reason or another on a budget - and it is rude and unnecessary.A pilgrim should be glad to have a bed, this is what he pays for. It is interesting that some cheapskates believe that they have a right to be such while denying the same right to others (..the albergues)
Nothing wrong with your comments... don't apologize!I'll stop replying here now. Sorry that the thread took a negative turn because of my comment, that was not my intention.
I hope the op will still get some useful info and will find more open kitchens further into their walk.
I didn't say anyone has a RIGHT t to a Camino - a cheap one or otherwise! I said those on a budget often expect kitchens to be available because traditionally - kitchens have been available. Likewise those on a budget often expect donativos and municipal albergues because traditionally - donativos and municipal albergues have been available. People on a budget make plans believing things are available to them to make the Camino possible to them - based on past experience or research.This is a discussion that appears regularly: What about those on a tight budget who could only afford donativo and municipal albergues and would have to cook to save money, don't they have a right to an 'affordable' Camino in Spain?
Rarely the questions is asked: What about those who cannot afford to fly to Spain, don't they have a right to a Camino in Spain?
I don’t think you need to apologize.Sorry to hear that. To be honest, I had very different experience so far on all my caminos. Never met so many kind and respectful people in all of my life (with some exceptions of course, but those were definitely not the norm). Or maybe my bar for what is considered acceptable behaviour is just set too low. Or positives overshadowing negatives. Who knows.
I'll stop replying here now. Sorry that the thread took a negative turn because of my comment, that was not my intention.
I hope the op will still get some useful info and will find more open kitchens further into their walk.
Yes - Gronze is great at knowing which albergue is open and what amenities they have - but not which amenities are OPEN FOR USE. And yes, it is best to call ahead to ask. But - I also suggest those on a tight budget or otherwise NEEDING a kitchen do their research before leaving on their trip. MOST were closed last year. I am still not hearing about many being open this year. And if having a kitchen is necessary - plans may need to be postponed or rethought. If you are going to wing it and not research ahead of time - I suggest assuming that all kitchens are closed and be surprised when you find one open!Gronze indicates whether an albergue has a kitchen at uso libre but they don't seem to indicate whether that is currently possible or not - use of kitchens was prohibited mainly due to public health measures that have only recently been lifted by the national and regional governments in Spain. Since most locations have only one municipal albergue, it is probably best to phone them to find out whether the kitchen can be used or not if that is so essential and then walk further when the answer is that the kitchen is closed.
One can also just have a cold evening meal - I've done that on a number of days on my way to Santiago and survived to tell the tale.
Um... I would lose my patience with pilgrims who leave toilet paper all over the ground, do not clean up after themselves, and steal the silverware in the albergues too.I think all these years on the Camino have just frustrated me and made me lose patience with pilgrims who leave their toilet paper all over the ground, do not clean up after themselves, and steal the silverware in the albergues.
Grouchy. I’m feeling old and grouchy. Sorry.
I’ve had good luck picking up a premade salad in the mercados along with a small can of chicken breast. It even comes with a fork. It makes for a good inexpensive evening meal.One can also just have a cold evening meal - I've done that on a number of days on my way to Santiago and survived to tell the tale.
Yes - that was a staple of my food supplementation to my diet - but I got sick of them fast. I think though I am spoiled because I am used to grocery stores having a variety of premade food to chose from. I did not find that to be the case when walking through smaller or even mid-sized towns. The bigger cities I found a lot of premade food variety though.I’ve had good luck picking up a premade salad in the mercados along with a small can of chicken breast. It even comes with a fork. It makes for a good inexpensive evening meal.
This thread should not turn out to be nasty. However, it has to be said:You know, I realize that the OP referred to him/herself as being a "cheapskate"... however I have seen that term used a couple times to criticize those who are for one reason or another on a budget - and it is rude and unnecessary.
Personally - I am all for doing my part in supporting businesses who have managed to survive COVID. I did so in 2021 and will do so again in 2022. That doesn't mean I have unlimited funding where I can go out and spend without watching my spending. I will however, being giving generous donations at donativos, paying for albergues and a small mix of private rooms, and dining in local establishments along the way. I do still hope to be able to access kitchens so I can follow my diet more closely and perhaps share in communal meals made by myself and other pilgrims along the way.
On the other end of the spectrum - my barely 18 year old daughter who is about to graduate high school will be departing for HER Camino about a month after me. She works. She is paying for her own trip. But she doesn't have a big savings account and she is also about to go off to college - which has a LOT of expenses (college in the US - in case you are unaware - is VERY expensive). She will be heading to Spain on a tight budget. When her money runs out - it is gone. She will need to stick to her budget - and having access to kitchens would help immensely with that. Is my daughter a cheapskate? Hardly. Is she going to be on a tighter budget? Definitely.
And what about all those retired seniors who hike the Camino? Some have wonderful pensions or retirement savings. Others are on a fixed income that is probably much lower than their earnings were. They paid their dues supporting the economy. They may not be able to spend a lot of money on the Camino now. Should they stay home? Now - are there people on the Camino who try to take advantage and refuse to pay a fair share? Of course. But MOST people on the Camino are more than willing to do their part and pay their fair share - even on a budget. And don't forget the recent high school/college grads or those who have fallen on hard times due to a loss of a job or loss of a marriage or loss of a loved one... do they not deserve to have a Camino experience because they can't afford the same luxuries?
As for the kitchens - does anyone believe they have a "right" to have access to a kitchen? Well - perhaps a few. But most people only expect a kitchen because traditionally kitchens have often been available to those who have medical diets and those who want to eat healthier and those who want to cook a communal with their friends and yes.... for those who are on a tighter budget. Me? I have medical dietary restrictions and I was not able to follow my medically prescribed diet because I couldn't cook my own meals when the bars/restaurants weren't serving foods that were medically approved for me. So - it would be very nice if the kitchens were available and pilgrims did their part in caring for the kitchens and kitchens closed due to COVID were reopened.
Thank youWe are currently Hospitaleros in the Donativo Municipal albergue in El Burgo Ranero. The kitchen is open and the pilgrims cook enthusiastically every night. They are great at cleaning up after themselves and often improvise a shared meal ( we are not allowed to offer communal meals).
As a Hospitalero, the local restaurants are our neighbors. We try not to recommend any one special and shop at a variety of places. Covid effected everything worldwide and continues. Kitchens have been closing for many years the reasons are many and bad apples were among them. Be patient and prepared. We are all doing our best to help pilgrims our first priority is safety and shelter. Ultreya.I'm on my third camino and just arrived in Los Arcos on the CF. I'm really disappointed in the fact that most of the albergue kitchens have been closed down.
The cooking hobs have been disconnected and only the microwave is available. Not even a kettle left to use.
I understand it's probably an attempt to force perrigrinos to eat out and spend more money in the local cafés.
It's hardly in the spirit of the camino and a real dissappointment to cheapskates like me who like to cook along the way.
Is anyone ahead of me on the CF who can advise whether this will continue and is the norm. If you know of municipal albergues who have left their kitchen usable please let me know which ones in the comments.
I would say that this year at least half of the kitchens were open on the Via. In Galicia I would say that fewer than 20% of the kitchens were fully functioning. I did find that many bars and restaurants were open around 8, some earlier and some later.I know in Covid terms last October-December 2021 is an eternity ago. Virtually every kitchen was closed on the VDLP and it forced me to spend alot more money than I normally would spend. Also in many of those small villages we stay at on the VDLP the one or two bar/restaurants often did not serve until 9 or 9:30PM. More money, going to bed alot later and not too memorable dining experiences either.
Good to hear. I was a hospi there July 2013 and the kitchen in that albergue is the largest I've seen on any Camino.We are currently Hospitaleros in the Donativo Municipal albergue in El Burgo Ranero. The kitchen is open and the pilgrims cook enthusiastically every night. They are great at cleaning up after themselves and often improvise a shared meal ( we are not allowed to offer communal meals).
Yes - me tooGood to hear. I was a hospi there July 2013 and the kitchen in that albergue is the largest I've seen on any Camino.
Wow still that cold. I stayed there was a pilgrim one winter and we froze upstairs. As I volunteered in July we had the opposite problem - pilgrims lined up at of 11 a.m. due to the heat and we full within an hour of opening.Yes - me too. Very unusual to have such a big kitchen. We’ve had the fire going most nights. It’s been freezing here !
We haven’t been full at all so far - most pilgrims seem to be heading for private rooms. There are 3 hotels in the village now and another private albergue. Probably more choice than when you were here? Tonight is our last night - we’ve really enjoyed it. Heading to Alicante tomorrow to start La LanaWow still that cold. I stayed there was a pilgrim one winter and we froze upstairs. As I volunteered in July we had the opposite problem - pilgrims lined up at of 11 a.m. due to the heat and we full within an hour of opening.
As a future pilgrim in 2023, I for one will be disappointed if the potential of communal meals is stymied because of kitchen closures. Having to stick to a tight budget meant I also would use kitchens, where available, daily. I’m not a cheapskate but a working class pilgrim. Disappointed to hear of closures, will monitor closely.Maybe spending money locally would be good? We are fortunate for any businesses which have managed to survive Covid emergency. I don't know your nationality but is being a "cheapskate" something of which you are proud?
If you can stay at El Burgo Ranero, sounds you will be happy!As a future pilgrim in 2023, I for one will be disappointed if the potential of communal meals is stymied because of kitchen closures. Having to stick to a tight budget meant I also would use kitchens, where available, daily. I’m not a cheapskate but a working class pilgrim. Disappointed to hear of closures, will monitor closely.
Glad to hear you had a better experience in that area than I did.I would say that this year at least half of the kitchens were open on the Via. In Galicia I would say that fewer than 20% of the kitchens were fully functioning. I did find that many bars and restaurants were open around 8, some earlier and some later.
When I arrived at the municipal albergue in Requejada on the Norte it was obvious that no cleaning or restocking had been done recently as the trash cans were overflowing and there wasn't a square of toilet paper to be found. It was the type of albergue where you paid and picked up the key from the bar across the street with no hospitalero on duty.No, you've got the wrong end of the toilet roll (why do people who are sarcastic feel the need to apologise? Why be sarcastic in the first place?)
While working at Rabanal I went to the upstairs washroom to see if any of the cubicles needed paper.
A pilgrim collapse through dehydration and I foolishly put an unopened pack of 18 toilet rolls down and went to attend to him.
When that episode was over I returned to my duties only to find every one of the rolls had been taken - they hadn't even bothered to put the plastic wrap in the bin!
There were 2 hostales and one private albergue but we were the first to fill up. I guess that the rivalry between the two in front is still ongoing.We haven’t been full at all so far - most pilgrims seem to be heading for private rooms. There are 3 hotels in the village now and another private albergue. Probably more choice than when you were here? Tonight is our last night - we’ve really enjoyed it. Heading to Alicante tomorrow to start La Lana
I did see a small group burn a big pot of rice to black, laugh, and leave it right on the stove top. In the morning, it was still there with no attempt made to even discard the contents or clean/soak the pot. I'm sure even after my effort to clean it, it had to be thrown away...( not sure why they thought it was hilariously funny to ruin property, but yes it happens ) And like @Anniesantiago , I've also witnessed pilgrims taking utensils and salt/pepper/spices...there will always be bad actorsI saw pilgrims steal… knives, spoons, forks, corkscrews
Why weren’t the restaurant kitchens closed then? Why only close the kitchens in albergues?I know in Covid terms last October-December 2021 is an eternity ago. Virtually every kitchen was closed on the VDLP and it forced me to spend alot more money than I normally would spend. Also in many of those small villages we stay at on the VDLP the one or two bar/restaurants often did not serve until 9 or 9:30PM. More money, going to bed a lot later and not too memorable dining experiences either.
Do people think hostels in France, Netherlands, Germany, etc., have no stoves?Covid effected everything worldwide and continues. Kitchens have been closing for many years the reasons are many and bad apples were among them. Be patient and prepared. We are all doing our best to help pilgrims our first priority is safety and shelter. Ultreya.
There are many complex reasons that we cannot properly debate and evaluate on the forum. Neither Spain nor the "Camino" have any obligation to provide cooking facilities to people passing through town, even to those who pay a small sum for an albergue bed.Why weren’t the restaurant kitchens closed then? Why only close the kitchens in albergues?
First of all, many pilgrims are Spanish. Not foreigners. And I have never witnessed any theft by pilgrims, Spanish or foreign. I’ve never seen any bad behavior in kitchens by pilgrims either. I’ve only seen pilgrims sharing kitchen facilities and then washing and cleaning after.I did see a small group burn a big pot of rice to black, laugh, and leave it right on the stove top. In the morning, it was still there with no attempt made to even discard the contents or clean/soak the pot. I'm sure even after my effort to clean it, it had to be thrown away...( not sure why they thought it was hilariously funny to ruin property, but yes it happens ) And like @Anniesantiago , I've also witnessed pilgrims taking utensils and salt/pepper/spices...there will always be bad actors
Actually yes there is an obligation to provide a functional kitchen if it’s stated in writing on Gronze that the facility has a kitchen. Otherwise it’s deceitful. In many countries the customer could sue.There are many complex reasons that we cannot properly debate and evaluate on the forum. Neither Spain nor the "Camino" have any obligation to provide cooking facilities to people passing through town, even to those who pay a small sum for an albergue bed.
Actually yes there is an obligation to provide a functional kitchen if it’s stated in writing on Gronze that the facility has a kitchen. Otherwise it’s deceitful. In many countries the customer could sue.
Look this is a massive change. There were functional kitchens with stoves and now there are not. This is a huge and terrible development, particularly for anyone with a dietary restriction.
As I’m planning my trip, and researching Gronze, and looking at the photos, so far every time they describe how a kitchen is available, this is simply not true. It’s just a microwave and refrigerator. That’s not a proper functional kitchen. A kitchen has a stove.
The restaurant kitchens are not shut down. Just the kitchen in the albergues.
What happened?
Moreover, I see photos in Gronze of kitchens that sometimes look recently renovated. They added a laundry machine in the kitchen! That’s weird. And you can sometimes still see the hood for the stove exhaust. But they deliberately removed the stove.
What’s going on?
Have you read all of Gonze's disclaimers?Actually yes there is an obligation to provide a functional kitchen if it’s stated in writing on Gronze that the facility has a kitchen.
A confrontational and entitled approach is not a good way to get information or help.Look...
I think the good folk at Gronze do a great job in providing and updating information as best they can. I am pretty sure they are not guaranteeing (in a legal sense) the information including whether a ‘kitchen’ in an albergue has a stove. And they are definitely not trying to deceive anyone. Many many people are very grateful to Gronze. And for the facilities available in Albergues in Spain and elsewhere.Actually yes there is an obligation to provide a functional kitchen if it’s stated in writing on Gronze that the facility has a kitchen. Otherwise it’s deceitful. In many countries the customer could sue.
Look if you or anyone knows what’s going on, why not explain? But if you don’t know, that’s ok.You are asking many questions, as if wanting the albergues to defend and explain why they are not providing you with the kitchen facilities that you desire. Turn the questions around and think about why they would bother to install/maintain and monitor such facilities, and also how many "staff" are available at what cost
Look if you or anyone knows what’s going on, why not explain? But if you don’t know, that’s ok.
And yes, there is a duty to actually provide the services and accommodations described. Visitors to Spain can make complaints in Spain at the local tourist office in every city for any licensed business.
If they say they’ve got a kitchen, they need to provide a real and functioning kitchen. A microwave isn’t a kitchen.
I’m really only posting for one reason. I just need a list of albergues with functional proper kitchens on the Camino Frances.
So where can I get a list of albergues or accommodations with kitchens that have a functioning stove?
If gronze is incorrect, where does a visitor get the list?
Presumably you are talking about some sort of truth in advertising. If you think there would be a legal case to sue an albergue for calling a room a kitchen when it doesn't have the kind of stove you need, you are being unreasonable.And yes, there is a duty to actually provide the services and accommodations described.
Likely the list doesn't exist.where does a visitor get the list?
Perhaps Spain is not the place for you to travel at this time.Do people think hostels in France, Netherlands, Germany, etc., have no stoves?
Not true. This is a problem in Spain. It is Spain that’s taken stoves out of the place where travelers pay to sleep, forcing them into restaurants.
And it’s Spain where local restaurants often don’t serve supper until 8pm or 9pm.
And it’s Spain that wants you out of the albergue by 8am or 9am.
As for bad apples, how could pilgrims be bad apples with hospiteleros on site, or with someone else keeping an eye on the kitchen, or with cameras in the kitchen?
There is not always someone present to monitor the situation. Many public albergues are operated on funds from the municipal government. They often only are minimally staffed during check in times, then cleaners come in after pilgrims leave.How could kitchens have such problems if there is someone present doing a job, like a hospitalero, or some other staffer from the village, or if there are cameras in the kitchen?
Seriously? Gronze is a service provided free to pilgrims and tries to keep updated as much as possible, but they make no guarantees, and have no control or special relationship with the properties listed on their site.Actually yes there is an obligation to provide a functional kitchen if it’s stated in writing on Gronze that the facility has a kitchen. Otherwise it’s deceitful. In many countries the customer could sue.
Perhaps on their own sites, but on a third party website? You're joking.And yes, there is a duty to actually provide the services and accommodations described
A visitor could call, text or email each property to ask them what is provided.If gronze is incorrect, where does a visitor get the list?
I have no idea whether anyone bothered to draw up such a list.where can I get a list of albergues or accommodations with kitchens that have a functioning stove?
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Have you read all of Gonze's disclaimers?
Where have you found a definition of a "kitchen"? I don't think Gronze or the albergues themselves refer to "proper kichens".
A confrontational and entitled approach is not a good way to get information or help.
If you need kitchen services, the Camino might not be the place for you these days. It owes you nothing.
It’s no problem sharing a stove. That’s what everyone has done for decades!Call / mail or whatsapp the places if you want more information!
And if there is a stove be aware that you still will have to share the use with other waiting pilgrims.
So no time really for long elaborate dinners.
Solidarity is key.
Look. People with dietary restrictions are prepared to pay for a proper functioning kitchen with a stove. I want to pay to use a stove in my accommodation. In past caminos, I did that. Everyone did that.
The question is the same:
Where do we get a list of albergues or accommodations where the kitchens have working stoves?
If you don’t know, ok, you don’t know.
So let’s make it easy for people to communicate honestly and participate in the discussion about which albergues have stoves. People may know the answer to that question or similar questions and we all benefit when people offer accurate information and answers to paying tourists and to those planning their trip.
And speaking of information, if any tourist is ever misled, cheated, harassed, mistreated, lied to, etc., by any licensed business in Spain including albergues and hostels, they absolutely can and should make a complaint at the tourist offices and to the appropriate authorities. It will be taken very seriously.
In fact, simply explaining that you are going to report something will usually get them to change their behavior.
No one should ever fear getting cheated, harassed, misled, mistreated, etc., by a business that’s licensed by Spanish authorities. It’s terrible for business. That’s the opposite of everything Spain stands for.
Ah! So you are speaking as a tourist! This forum is for pilgrims.Look. People with dietary restrictions are prepared to pay for a proper functioning kitchen with a stove. I want to pay to use a stove in my accommodation. In past caminos, I did that. Everyone did that.
The question is the same:
Where do we get a list of albergues or accommodations where the kitchens have working stoves?
If you don’t know, ok, you don’t know.
So let’s make it easy for people to communicate honestly and participate in the discussion about which albergues have stoves. People may know the answer to that question or similar questions and we all benefit when people offer accurate information and answers to paying tourists and to those planning their trip.
And speaking of information, if any tourist is ever misled, cheated, harassed, mistreated, lied to, etc., by any licensed business in Spain including albergues and hostels, they absolutely can and should make a complaint at the tourist offices and to the appropriate authorities. It will be taken very seriously.
In fact, simply explaining that you are going to report something will usually get them to change their behavior.
No one should ever fear getting cheated, harassed, misled, mistreated, etc., by a business that’s licensed by Spanish authorities. It’s terrible for business. That’s the opposite of everything Spain stands for.
Don’t misunderstand. I love gronze and am using it to plan right now.I think the good folk at Gronze do a great job in providing and updating information as best they can. I am pretty sure they are not guaranteeing (in a legal sense) the information including whether a ‘kitchen’ in an albergue has a stove. And they are definitely not trying to deceive anyone. Many many people are very grateful to Gronze. And for the facilities available in Albergues in Spain and elsewhere.
Thank you. First of all I would pay extra to use a stove. So the accommodation should charge extra. That’s why I’m searching in advance right now. Second I would thoroughly clean up afterward with cameras or staff watching. Third this is true for many travelers with a dietary situation or even those with simple culinary preferences. Fourth many of us have had two vaccines and two boosters, so we’re not exactly passing around some virulent covid strain.Stop the bus! I see that I have not been paying attention properly. Forgive me, Op. This is of course a serious problem for those who do actually wish to use albergue kitchens - as I do, when on camino.
I often help out at a parochial albergue, more often on the church side of things than as hospitalera. However, I also have plenty of experience of using albergue kitchens as a peregrina. Times change, and with Covid, irrevocably so. It is just a fact: budgets have to be adjusted. I note the post by @SabineP that offers excellent microwave offers of recipe links. Jack Munroe is a respected cookery book author in UK, and I have one of her books, and trust her. Wishing you success in your search.
No idea.Thank you. First of all I would pay extra to use a stove. So the accommodation should charge extra. That’s why I’m searching in advance right now. Second I would thoroughly clean up afterward with cameras or staff watching. Third this is true for many travelers with a dietary situation or even those with simple culinary preferences. Fourth many of us have had two vaccines and two boosters, so we’re not exactly passing around some virulent covid strain.
How do people know pilgrims are not doing a Camino because they survived colon cancer or rectal cancer, or perhaps they've got pancreatitis, or maybe had the gall bladder removed, or have had their stomach shot in some school shooting, or theyve got some other medical issue that requires a strict diet or eating at specific times? Anyway.
I saw the recipes for microwave “cooking” and thanks to whoever posted that. Plan to try some with friends before buying an airline ticket, if I buy that ticket. Because frankly, this drastically changes things.
Food is your life.
Have no idea if gronze or some albergue owners or other businesses monitor this, but they need to know what’s up. For some people this is a deal breaker.
Why come to Spain on Camino when you can go elsewhere in the world and cook at least one daily meal for yourself and your friends on a stove in your paid accommodation?
But again thanks to anyone with microwave recipes.
And still the question:
Where is there a list of accommodations with working stoves?
The problem with this is that then someone has to be employed to police use of the kitchen.First of all I would pay extra to use a stove. So the accommodation should charge extra.
Doubtful that they monitor this forum.Have no idea if gronze or some albergue owners or other businesses monitor this, but they need to know what’s up.
There is no list. Perhaps you would like to do the hard work of compiling one and keeping it constantly updated.Where is there a list of accommodations with working stoves?
Good point. People may need to travel with a pot, a lid, utensils.I have not read this entire thread and I have never cooked, nor participated in cooking a meal prepared in an albergue kitchen.
I did notice in Galacia, that several Xunta's I stayed in had beautiful modern kitchens with stainless steel countertops, but I observed they were void of ant pots, dishes and silverware making the kitchens useless to pilgrims wanting to prepare a meal or heat up a cup of water.
I don't think Spain is different to anywhere else in this respect. Some accommodations have cooking facilities, some don't. I haven't found a kitchen in most of the hostels I have stayed in in Europe. Apartments usually have a stove.Why come to Spain on Camino when you can go elsewhere in the world and cook at least one daily meal for yourself and your friends on a stove in your paid accommodation?
Second I would thoroughly clean up afterward with cameras or staff watching. Third this is true for many travelers with a dietary situation or even those with simple culinary preferences. Fourth many of us have had two vaccines and two boosters, so we’re not exactly passing around some virulent covid strain.
How do people know pilgrims are not doing a Camino because they survived colon cancer or rectal cancer, or perhaps they've got pancreatitis, or maybe had the gall bladder removed, or have had their stomach shot in some school shooting, or theyve got some other medical issue that requires a strict diet or eating at specific times? Anyway.
I have used this site (in Spanish) because it has lots of pictures, so you can actually see the facilities. I don't think it's very up-to-date, though.
Albergues del Camino Francés :: Guía del Camino de Santiago
Guía de albergues para peregrinos del Camino Francés con todos los datos del albergue: contacto, plazas, precios, apertura, reservas, etcwww.alberguescaminosantiago.com
The problem with this is that then someone has to be employed to police use of the kitchen.
Unfortunately, the second booster didn't prevent me from catching Covid on the Camino, despite staying in private rooms all but three nights.Fourth many of us have had two vaccines and two boosters, so we’re not exactly passing around some virulent covid strain.
Municipal albergues and donativo albergues aren't licensed businesses. Albergues staffed with volunteers aren't licensed businesses. And, btw, while they may have hojas de reclamaciones I very much doubt that are subject to Spanish consumer law. We are producing quite a bit of hot air here, don't we, and not so much information ...?If this business truly sucked, then you wouldn’t have so many accommodations and so many newish accommodations on the caminos. And you wouldn’t have so many renovations and expansions to those places of business.
Just because you would pay to use a kitchen doesn't make it a good business venture. Many of the people who use kitchens can't afford other options. If there was a charge for kitchen use they would just eat cold food from the supermarket.Thanks so much, will check out the website!
It’s always possible people may know of a way to easily locate alebergues with working stoves.
And of course they may have just come from a terrific albergue or hostel with a functioning stove and they can post about it.
Cameras are common in hostels all over the world. They’re cheap nowadays. Many tourist bureaus wouldn’t even recommend staying somewhere without such protection.
All hostels, pensiones and albergues have staff who check people in and do a ton of work. Otherwise it’s not legal in Spain.
Generally I see your point, they chose not to monitor the kitchen or common area. That’s their business decision.
If this business truly sucked, then you wouldn’t have so many accommodations and so many newish accommodations on the caminos. And you wouldn’t have so many renovations and expansions to those places of business.
Hum.... methinks the spirit of the camino starts with pilgrims...I'm on my third camino and just arrived in Los Arcos on the CF. I'm really disappointed in the fact that most of the albergue kitchens have been closed down.
The cooking hobs have been disconnected and only the microwave is available. Not even a kettle left to use.
I understand it's probably an attempt to force perrigrinos to eat out and spend more money in the local cafés.
It's hardly in the spirit of the camino and a real dissappointment to cheapskates like me who like to cook along the way.
Is anyone ahead of me on the CF who can advise whether this will continue and is the norm. If you know of municipal albergues who have left their kitchen usable please let me know which ones in the comments.
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