Average Donation Cost on Via Francigena

[Parksville]

What donation range would you suggest for basic pilgrim lodging on the Tuscany section of the Via Francigena?

 

[Stroller]

As a minimum what you paid for commercial accommodation last night or what you expect to pay for commercial accommodation tomorrow. The overheads of running donatives are much the same as for other accommodation and additionally some people using them may not be able to pay the full cost. Donativos tend to be charities supported by donation.

 

[Kiwi-family]

@Stroller I like and agree with your reply - but as someone who was watching this thread to get an idea about costs BEFORE embarking on that route, I'll now ask: how much does commercial accommodation tend to be on the VF?

 

[Stroller]

The latest data I have suggests, 10 to 15 Euro for a convent, a hostel about 25 to 30 Euro, cheap hotels up to about 45 Euro, and after that the sky's the limit. These prices are for a bed and a few year old but someone will be along soon to correct me if they are wildly out. Hope that helps.

 

[Deleted member 73526]

Up-to-date accommodation lists with prices for the Swiss and Italian VF have been posted in this thread:

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/accommodation-list-for-the-italian-part-of-via-francigena.56857/

In the list for Italy recommended accommodations are priced from €10 to €30.
(Some with breakfast).

With that as a reference, my donation for a bed in a shared dormitory and a hot shower would be at least €10.
I'd pay more for a place that offered more than these basics (e.g. a towel, sheets, breakfast, washing machine, wifi, helpful hospitalero, etc).

When I see no choice, I sometimes end up paying €45+ for a hotel room. I don't begrudge those hotels their rates. They're in business to make a profit and (in general) they offer comforts that justify their prices - even though I might not want them. The fact is, I simply couldn't make the journey if that was the appropriate donation at a donativo.

 

[Harington]

@Stroller I like and agree with your reply - but as someone who was watching this thread to get an idea about costs BEFORE embarking on that route, I'll now ask: how much does commercial accommodation tend to be on the VF?

Tuscany is of course prime tourist-land. It all depends whether the ostello provides breakfast, or supper, or good kitchen facilities. Three years ago €20-25.