I stayed in this albergue last year, and I think my experience was something akin to that Jacobus had. I did feel that I needed to 'mind my ps and qs', and I found the room was hot and crowded, and the bedbug precautions somewhat 'over the top'. I found the soup quite delicious, though I wished I had eaten more when I realised we were having a very un-Spanish experience- just one course.
However, all that said, I would stay there again. Both husband and wife had extensive practical experience on the Camino. There was a room full of Camino souvenirs and memorabilia of various kinds. Two of us were given a green clay wrap to help with ankle/knee issues. It was a gorgeous day, and we sat outside in the sunshine, with the one Spanish speaker of our threesome learning a lot from the husband. And the place was spotlessly clean.
Before reaching Burgos, we had thought we would have a rest day there, but all three of us had walked from France, had been in rural areas for weeks, and found the city somewhat overwhelming. The shorter walk to Rabe seemed to provide the 'rest day' we were needing. We were also concerned that the albergue at Hornillos did not seem that large, and we might end up with a long day's walk onto Hontanas, that we didn't feel like managing at that stage. (There was also an 'unofficial' albergue in Rabe at the time (last June), but it was apparently very cold and had no running water. Pilgrims who stayed there came asking us for some water in the morning as they had no access to any overnight.)
I can quite imagine there would be days when this hospitalera would 'lose her cool' and turf people out, even late at night. However, my experience was OK, and I would stay there again.
Margaret
