Anyone know if Albergue San Martin in Orio will be open soon

[LoWo]

My name is Lauren and I’m planning my first camino and have decided on del Norte. I have just over a month to walk with my plane landing in Madrid April 13 and leaving May 23. This forum has been very helpful in getting me started and helping to navigate all the decisions. That said I am trying also to taper off all the neurotic planning and hope to be able to take the path as it comes once I get started.

Because of train schedules, I’m currently thinking I will take a train to San Sebastian from Madrid the day I land and have currently booked an airbnb for 2 nights which seems to have friendly, hospitable hosts (similar to the spirit of the camino even if not an albergue). I’m thinking l’ll leave half my stuff in the airbnb, take a bus to Irun in the morning, and walk back (via the alpistino route). I know it’s a long first day and I’m prepared to catch a bus back to San Sebastian if I am struggling with jet lag or being physically unprepared for 30km.

My question is about the next day. I’d like to have a shorter day 2 and hope to stop in Orio but Gronze says the Albergue San Martin is temporarily closed (though it also says it’s open March 1 to October 9). Anyone know if this is because they are getting a late start opening for the season or if it’s because they are struggling from covid or some other challenge and may not be open this season at all?

All the other accommodation options in Orio and Zarautz seem to be much more expensive so I’m hoping to stay here if possible

 

[Dave]

Hi Lauren - Last I heard from Rosa, she was closing early last September because of a family matter. I've followed up a couple times since and haven't heard anything new. Wish I could tell you something more.

Dave

 

[LoWo]

Hi Lauren - Last I heard from Rosa, she was closing early last September because of a family matter. I've followed up a couple times since and haven't heard anything new. Wish I could tell you something more.

Dave

This is helpful thank you

 

[trecile]

I know it’s a long first day and I’m prepared to catch a bus back to San Sebastian if I am struggling with jet lag or being physically unprepared for 30km.

Fortunately, according to Gronze the regular route is only 24.7, and the alpinista route is 0.7 km shorter.

Irún - San Sebastián | Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

Etapa bellísima y dura, que podemos dividir en dos partes: la primera, el ascenso al santuario de Guadalupe y la larga travesía por el monte Jaizkibel hasta Pasajes de San Juan, donde disponemos de un albergue; tras cruzar la ría en barca arranca el segundo tramo, que atraviesa el monte Ulía y...

www.gronze.com

 

[LoWo]

Fortunately, according to Gronze the regular route is only 24.7, and the alpinista route is 0.7 km shorter.

Irún - San Sebastián | Camino del Norte | Gronze.com

Etapa bellísima y dura, que podemos dividir en dos partes: la primera, el ascenso al santuario de Guadalupe y la larga travesía por el monte Jaizkibel hasta Pasajes de San Juan, donde disponemos de un albergue; tras cruzar la ría en barca arranca el segundo tramo, que atraviesa el monte Ulía y...

www.gronze.com

Oh thats actually encouraging that the alpistina route is shorter!! I’d assumed it was longer. 24km with some decent elevation gains still feels pretty intimidating for a first day

I’m curious if the benefit of leaving most of my gear in the airbnb will be worth it to not take the other suggested first day route and stopping sooner…it seems like a choice between less weight or less distance for the first day.

 

[Monasp]

My name is Lauren and I’m planning my first camino and have decided on del Norte. I have just over a month to walk with my plane landing in Madrid April 13 and leaving May 23. This forum has been very helpful in getting me started and helping to navigate all the decisions. That said I am trying also to taper off all the neurotic planning and hope to be able to take the path as it comes once I get started.

Because of train schedules, I’m currently thinking I will take a train to San Sebastian from Madrid the day I land and have currently booked an airbnb for 2 nights which seems to have friendly, hospitable hosts (similar to the spirit of the camino even if not an albergue). I’m thinking l’ll leave half my stuff in the airbnb, take a bus to Irun in the morning, and walk back (via the alpistina route). I know it’s a long first day and I’m prepared to catch a bus back to San Sebastian if I am struggling with jet lag or being physically unprepared for 30km.

My question is about the next day. I’d like to have a shorter day 2 and hope to stop in Orio but Gronze says the Albergue San Martin is temporarily closed (though it also says it’s open March 1 to October 9). Anyone know if this is because they are getting a late start opening for the season or if it’s because they are struggling from covid or some other challenge and may not be open this season at all?

All the other accommodation options in Orio and Zarautz seem to be much more expensive so I’m hoping to stay here if possible

Following the death of its owner, the Albergue Saint Martin in Orio is permanently closed

 

[Sedona11]

Following the death of its owner, the Albergue Saint Martin in Orio is permanently closed

That is so sad, best Albergue of the north route. Real nice helpful people. I don’t think we met the owner. We dealt with a young girl and her mother, hard working and very nice.

 

[LoWo]

Following the death of its owner, the Albergue Saint Martin in Orio is permanently closed

Oh that is very sad. Prayers for their family

 

[Dollieduke]

My name is Lauren and I’m planning my first camino and have decided on del Norte. I have just over a month to walk with my plane landing in Madrid April 13 and leaving May 23. This forum has been very helpful in getting me started and helping to navigate all the decisions. That said I am trying also to taper off all the neurotic planning and hope to be able to take the path as it comes once I get started.

Because of train schedules, I’m currently thinking I will take a train to San Sebastian from Madrid the day I land and have currently booked an airbnb for 2 nights which seems to have friendly, hospitable hosts (similar to the spirit of the camino even if not an albergue). I’m thinking l’ll leave half my stuff in the airbnb, take a bus to Irun in the morning, and walk back (via the alpistino route). I know it’s a long first day and I’m prepared to catch a bus back to San Sebastian if I am struggling with jet lag or being physically unprepared for 30km.

My question is about the next day. I’d like to have a shorter day 2 and hope to stop in Orio but Gronze says the Albergue San Martin is temporarily closed (though it also says it’s open March 1 to October 9). Anyone know if this is because they are getting a late start opening for the season or if it’s because they are struggling from covid or some other challenge and may not be open this season at all?

All the other accommodation options in Orio and Zarautz seem to be much more expensive so I’m hoping to stay here if possible

Hey Lauren. Im also Lauren! It looks like we will be on the Camino around the same time. We will be in san sebastian until the 12th then walking to Gernika on the 12th. We get there the 9th and plan to unwind from jet lag for a few days. If you want to meet up lmk! Im walking with my brother and sister. you can find me on insta at @dollieduke83

 

[LoWo]

Hey Lauren. Im also Lauren! It looks like we will be on the Camino around the same time. We will be in san sebastian until the 12th then walking to Gernika on the 12th. We get there the 9th and plan to unwind from jet lag for a few days. If you want to meet up lmk! Im walking with my brother and sister. you can find me on insta at @dollieduke83

Hey Lauren!! Nice to “meet” you! I don't have Instagram, but I would be glad to find you on the Camino if somehow our journeys intersect. I figure I may be regularly behind you as I won't be leaving San Sebastian until 3 days after you, but perhaps it will happen for one reason or another!

 

[wisepilgrim]

Following the death of its owner, the Albergue Saint Martin in Orio is permanently closed

FWIW, the message I received from the family is that they have only made a decision for this year to close.