For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
A hostal is a type of lodging found mostly in Spain and Hispanic America. Hostales tend to be cheaper than hotels. They normally have a bar and/or a restaurant/cafeteria where drinks and food are sold to guests and locals alike. Accommodations typically include private bedrooms, and sometimes apartments, available for either short or long term rent. Linens and towels are usually provided. Guests sometimes share a common bathroom, but a number of rooms with en suite bathrooms may also be available.
Hostales are common in Spain and are also found in Mexico, Central and South America and California. They are often family-run, independent businesses, with a strong involvement with the local community.
Hostal-residencias are the same as hostales, but in general without a cafetería or other place where you can eat (exceptions exist, though).
Difference from hostels
Though the word hostal is similar to hostel, the two words refer to different types of accommodation. Hostel refers to properties that offer shared accommodation, typically in dormitories, while hostal refers to a type of family-run pension typically common only in Spain and a few other Spanish-speaking countries. Confusingly, the word hostel will sometimes mistakenly be spelled hostal in some Latin American countries when hostel is what is meant.
Two totally different appreciations, very much dependent upon their location :mrgreen:Poppz said:What is the difference and which are better and/or cheaper?
This is a lovely, well-located hospitality facility to stay in :!: The more economical rooms may be a bit spartan, though they are well-kept, but the public areas (entrance, reception, lounge, restaurants, etc.) are a pleasure to the eye and the staff most efficient. Breakfast and dinner times are surprise meetings with other pilgrims :!: . And .... you can just walk across to one of the cathedral's side entrances. :wink:falcon269 said:The hotel accommodations in Santiago far outnumber the albergues. This place is both:
San Martín Pinario Monastery
Plaza de la Inmaculada, 3
15704 Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
981 56 02 82
sanmartinpinario.eu
Do not worry too much about the party people. Many albergues (hostels) close their doors at 10.00 pm or thereabouts. I was caught once myself watching a word cup football match on TV at the local cafe/restaurant, an understanding hospitalero let me and others who had missed the curfew in but we knew we had done wrong.
A definite "no" to that part of the question. I have met bedbugs in a greater proportion of private accommodations than in the albergues. Privacy and security do not prevent bedbugs.dare I say lower risk of bed bugs ?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?