Avoid Albergue Monasterio de Samos so cold and humid!

[Rozenn]

I just arrived in Samos , I stay in Albergue Tras do Convento just in front of the door of the Monastery. I was told the cold and humidity was terrible!i had a look inside since the dormitory is just opened on the street ..,it is really awful don’t gothere . The albergue Tras do Convento just opened 2 months ago .., I am alone for the night . Here some pics of the rooms and the nice and generous apéritivo I have right now . I have a clean and modern new habitacion and they made me payonly 10€.. being the only guest of the day !!
I went on the guided tour of the monastery which is indeed gigantic and has a dramatic history and I saw the 1000 yrs old Cipress nearby. The road along the Oribio river with the chestnuts tree and the oaks is amazing and worth the detour !

 

[RENSHAW]

Mmmmmm , what if you had of arrived there 3 months ago and there was only one option. Would you have been grateful?

 

[C clearly]

it is really awful don’t gothere

Why would you make this awful statement as a blanket recommendation, based in little direct experience. Yes, it was cold - that's a good warning to give. But it is one of those special places that make the camino so interesting and a pleasure.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hmm, thank you for your recommendation of the new-ish private Albergue in Samos (other Albergues are available). The Monasterio’s reputation for cold and damp has long standing as has its reputation for the warmth of its welcome and its long history of sheltering pilgrims.
Nice photos

 

[Felipe]

Thanks for the tip.
Generally speaking, my opinions about albergues are 40% based on facilities and 60% based on hospitaleros. They make a lot of difference.
By far, my worse experience (in SJPP) was in a brand-new, very modern albergue.

 

[NorthernLight]

I have fond memories of staying in the monastery's dorm. Cold yes, quite welcome on a hot day. I recall the hospitelero was quite distressed that I chose the bed nearest the washroom when there were other, seemingly better, choices. It was a solid bathroom, fully functional. He was a darling.

 

[Bala]

I loved the monastery albergue.

My night there last fall is one of my warmest Camino memories, warmth that can only come from the heart. I arrived cold and damp and in a fair amount of pain from injured knees -- and was greeted by a generous, welcoming smile from the hospitalero that changed my day around. From that moment on I wouldn't have traded my stay for anything.

Plus, the murals are charming, the blankets were plenty, the locale outstanding, and I felt connected to 1,000 years of pilgrimage in a way no modern albergue can totally replicate. I'd very happily stay again.

 

[C clearly]

 

[Rozenn]

Mmmmmm , what if you had of arrived there 3 months ago and there was only one option. Would you have been grateful?

There is also another Albergue in Samos.. I am not delicate but I don’t want to become ill either

I have fond memories of staying in the monastery's dorm. Cold yes, quite welcome on a hot day. I recall the hospitelero was quite distressed that I chose the bed nearest the washroom when there were other, seemingly better, choices. It was a solid bathroom, fully functional. He was a darling.

Sure , in summer it is totally different but just after the long months of winter the icy damp is still there

 

[Rozenn]

I loved the monastery albergue.

My night there last fall is one of my warmest Camino memories, warmth that can only come from the heart. I arrived cold and damp and in a fair amount of pain from injured knees -- and was greeted by a generous, welcoming smile from the hospitalero that changed my day around. From that moment on I wouldn't have traded my stay for anything.

Plus, the murals are charming, the blankets were plenty, the locale outstanding, and I felt connected to 1,000 years of pilgrimage in a way no modern albergue can totally replicate. I'd very happily stay again.

In fall , the summer months have dry it all more or less .., but not now!

 

[Icacos]

We took a tour of the monastery during May when we went through Samos. (We were lucky enough to have a Spanish speaker among us to translate as we went along.) The monastery was freezing! And I was so glad I wasn’t staying there that night. Glad to hear now that things improve somewhat over the summer months.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Having stayed at Iseira monastery which felt like a fridge even in the height of summer and even had a dehumidifier running, I understand what cold damp buildings can be like. But rather than avoiding the place, I would just make sure I had a sleeping bag. Come to think of it, San Nicolas was pretty frigid too but I have no regrets and many fond memories of both places.

 

[JAMM]

We loved the monastery: we stayed before the latest renovation and yes, it may have been a bit damp in late March/early April but we got a warm welcome and the experience of staying in a truly special place. Attending vespers and sleeping in the same place where other pilgrims may have slept hundreds of years ago (ok, not in the same bunk!) connects you to the Camino in a particular way (in my view).

 

[Portia1]

I stayed over the bar across the street. I was cold and tired and the monastery albergue was not what this old body needed. I loved the worship service however. I am glad for the detour as it was a beautiful walk out. Got lost on the way to Sarria—where arrows on the road pointed in both directions at a T. Not having a map detailing where I was, I took went right. Apparently turned out to be the bike route and longer than the footpath. Wasn’t sure where I was until I actually reached the outskirts of Sarria—saw only one arrow the whole time! Thankfully an elderly woman sweeping the street in front of her cottage assured me I was ok—handed me an apple from her tree-for your spirit, she said. Her kindness turned out to be a treasured memory.

 

[J F Gregory]

We generally walk in off season because we don't do heat well. Most of the older alburgues cold that is why we travel with sleeping bags. One was so cold that we wore our long underwear to sleep in, but the people we met were wonderful. Of course this was in winter.

 

[C clearly]

just after the long months of winter the icy damp is still there

Yes, I was there in March and it was cold. No one is disputing that. We just thought that your statement was very harsh and did not represent the overall experience. If I were not feeling well, or felt I needed a higher level of comfort that night, I would seek more comfortable lodging. If I were in the mood for an interesting and iconic albergue, I would stay there again.

It is rather like saying "It rains a lot in Galicia. It is awful. Don't go there." I have had some miserable hours walking in the rain but I love them as part of the adventure.

 

[naplesdon]

I also thought it was a bit harsh. I’ve stayed there and loved the facilities. It was kind of like all the negativity the Meseta receives, in my eyes the best 1/3 of the Camino

 

[Felipe]

I respectfully suggest that threads on good and "not-so-good" albergues be introduced in a neutral way, as "Opinions on the albergue..." As you can see, experiences may vary.

 

[Mugatu]

I also thought it was a bit harsh. I’ve stayed there and loved the facilities. It was kind of like all the negativity the Meseta receives, in my eyes the best 1/3 of the Camino

I second this, it definitely holds my most fondest memories and experiences I was forunate enough to share with spectacular people

 

[Paladina]

Another vote in favour of the monasterio. I didn’t find it cold or damp when I stayed there in May 2017 - admittedly, I’m used to living in a chilly limestone farmhouse - but I did find the welcome wonderfully warm. While some of us were having breakfast in the bar across the road the hospitalero came over to wish us well, giving each of us a small gift and a big hug. I would happily stay there again.

 

[Rachel D]

I stayed there a few nights back and really liked the whole experience. It was cold, but there were extra blankets. OK, the washing machine was broken, and I had to sellotape the dryer door shut, but it forced me and my walking companion to sit at the dryer and entertain each other for forty mins lol.There were hot showers and a lovely welcome from the French volunteer. I'm not religious, but went to mass and received a pilgrim blessing. A quirky experience overall and a memorable one, I'd recommend giving it a go

 

[timr]

@Rozenn I rarely get involved in contentious threads but I have to say I dislike the heading. It's fine to give your experience and share your opinion. But I don't like being told what to do in such a bald way. I have reason to be grateful to hundreds of people showing kindness to a traveler, including the monks of Samos. I think anyone with an open heart could benefit from staying with them. I've just walked across Albania and Macedonia staying in rough accommodation provided by poor and generous people. Your message makes me want to fly tonight to Samos and knock on the monastery door. I would happily sleep on the floor. If it's not for you fine. I've no argument with that. But please don't tell me what to do. I wish you well. Maybe you would be happier in 5star hotels. And that's OK too. "The Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head."

 

[Michael; Camino-addicted]

In 2017 we slept there on a very hot day and it was wonderful. But I can well imagine that these thick walls can store the cold for a long time and make it very unpleasant. On the other hand I could reply, that this Albergue had for me much more spirit than many modern ones. Every thing has two sides.

I don't think it's wrong to point out, that it's very cold there at the moment, so everyone can make their own decision. Many feelings depend on the current situation. But for me its quite unmodern, but not awful.

I am firmly convinced that God has a lot of humour and sometimes his "origin from the Orient" comes to the top. It's like the bazaar. If I go down a bit with my demands, he comes towards me in other ways.

A few times I slept in a very unpleasent Albergue. But very often I met in those Albergues the most interesting people of my Camino. I had it in Valenca on the Camino Portugues last year. The ceiling in the sleeping room was black from mildew so no one wanted to stay longer than necessary inside. We had a fantastic evening on the terrace and in the garden with people from all over the world and everyone stayed very long outside.

When the sleeping room is big with many pilgrims, I can not sleep there at nine, because it´s to loud and busy. So I stay outside socialising with other pilgrims and have fun. When I have a privat room I´d rather go to enjoy that luxury. I like both, but there´s a time for everything. On the camino for me it´s much more important to meet people and talk to each other about God and the world. I love it to sit outside with a glase of wine, hearing different languages at every end of the table and learn, that people from everywhere in the world have the same wishes, longings and fears and I am not alone and I am not the center of the world with my, so I think often, soooo big problems. For evenings like this, I walk 30km a day, even if its hot or cold, sunny or rainy, thats why I´m camino-addicted.

Some experiences are only available as a complete package - I would book it again and again.

 

[domigee]

I respectfully suggest that threads on good and "not-so-good" albergues be introduced in a neutral way, as "Opinions on the albergue..." As you can see, experiences may vary.

So true. What appeals to one might horrify another and vice-versa...
In France last month I slept in a very cold albergue (temperature-wise). It was in the upper floor of a large renovated barn, beautiful but impossible to heat. Another pilgrim had warned me against it (and changed his itinerary to avoid it) but I loved it. Great atmosphere, very nice hospitalero, immaculately clean, cosy well equipped kitchen.... But I slept (very well) with all my layers and even my buff as a beanie

 

[timr]

In 2017 we slept there on a very hot day and it was wonderful. But I can well imagine that these thick walls can store the cold for a long time and make it very unpleasant. On the other hand I could reply, that this Albergue had for me much more spirit than many modern ones. Every thing has two sides.

I don't think it's wrong to point out, that it's very cold there at the moment, so everyone can make their own decision. Many feelings depend on the current situation. But for me its quite unmodern, but not awful.

I am firmly convinced that God has a lot of humour and sometimes his "origin from the Orient" comes to the top. It's like the bazaar. If I go down a bit with my demands, he comes towards me in other ways.

A few times I slept in a very unpleasent Albergue. But very often I met in those Albergues the most interesting people of my Camino. I had it in Valenca on the Camino Portugues last year. The ceiling in the sleeping room was black from mildew so no one wanted to stay longer than necessary inside. We had a fantastic evening on the terrace and in the garden with people from all over the world and everyone stayed very long outside.

When the sleeping room is big with many pilgrims, I can not sleep there at nine, because it´s to loud and busy. So I stay outside socialising with other pilgrims and have fun. When I have a privat room I´d rather go to enjoy that luxury. I like both, but there´s a time for everything. On the camino for me it´s much more important to meet people and talk to each other about God and the world. I love it to sit outside with a glase of wine, hearing different languages at every end of the table and learn, that people from everywhere in the world have the same wishes, longings and fears and I am not alone and I am not the center of the world with my, so I think often, soooo big problems. For evenings like this, I walk 30km a day, even if its hot or cold, sunny or rainy, thats why I´m camino-addicted.

Some experiences are only available as a complete package - I would book it again and again.

Thank you Michael. Very beautifully stated and I agree with every word.

 

[timr]

So true. What appeals to one might horrify another and vice-versa...
In France last month I slept in a very cold albergue (temperature-wise). It was in the upper floor of a large renovated barn, beautiful but impossible to heat. Another pilgrim had warned me against it (and changed his itinerary to avoid it) but I loved it. Great atmosphere, very nice hospitalero, immaculately clean, cosy well equipped kitchen.... But I slept (very well) with all my layers and even my buff as a beanie

Thanks Domigee. Exactly!

 

[Lifeisgood]

@Rozenn I rarely get involved in contentious threads but I have to say I dislike the heading. It's fine to give your experience and share your opinion. But I don't like being told what to do in such a bald way. I have reason to be grateful to hundreds of people showing kindness to a traveler, including the monks of Samos. I think anyone with an open heart could benefit from staying with them. I've just walked across Albania and Macedonia staying in rough accommodation provided by poor and generous people. Your message makes me want to fly tonight to Samos and knock on the monastery door. I would happily sleep on the floor. If it's not for you fine. I've no argument with that. But please don't tell me what to do. I wish you well. Maybe you would be happier in 5star hotels. And that's OK too. "The Son of Man had nowhere to lay his head."

Couldn't have said it in a better way! I also think it is totally fine to forward information such as "it is rather cold and humid there" which might be helpful for other pilgrims, especially those dealing with illnesses or injuries. The bottom line is: Forwarding information is okay - discrediting an albergue due to one's own opinions or preferences is a bit unfair. The volunteers and monks working at that albergue do that without profit, the place is donativo. I think they deserve some respect here for what they do. And if you don't like to stay there, there are other options and that is totally fine! Choose always what is best for you and what makes you happy - but don't choose for others what might make them happy or discredit an entire albergue or the people working there (voluntarily!). Respect and gratitude are important in my opinion.

I am very grateful that such albergues which are donativo such as the one in the monastery still exist on the Camino Frances and hope it will always be that way! I myself was relying on those albergues since I walked the Camino last year after a burnout and quitting my job - and had a low budget. Thus I was happy to pay 5 - 8 Euros in most municipal albergues, have a warm bed and a safe place to stay.

When I arrived at this albergue last year in October it was such a rainy day and yes, it was very damp and cold inside of the albergue. I didn't want to walk on in the rain though. I was greeted with a very warm welcome by one of the volunteers and very nice conversation with him - and all of a sudden it didn't matter anymore that it was a rainy day or that it was cold. Before bedtime I warmed up with a tea and a nice meal with fellow pilgrims at the restaurant just across the street. Returning to the albergue for sleeping, there were tons of warm wool blankets, thus everything was warm and fine at night Also, with so many people sleeping in this one room dormitory, the temperature rose quickly. I also second that I highly appreciated the beautiful setting with the wall paintings - it was a special atmosphere! I also recommend going to a mass/service at the church! There are masses at noon and in the evenings. It was very special!

Needless to say, this "cold and damp day" turned out to be one of the best days on the Camino actually: I met my now boyfriend that day and in this albergue. We have such good memories of it. And that is all that counts in the end Buen Camino, everyone!

 

[peregrina2000]

I have been tempted several times to close this thread, because things were getting heated on both sides. I think @timr hit the nail on the head. We certainly allow people to give their experiences and report how things went in a particular albergue, resturant, etc. These opinions are just that, and they should always be taken with the caveat that “your mileage may vary.” People have bad days, temperature and weather conditions change, the company you are with may influence your enjoyment, etc etc. There are many variables, some within our control and some not. A negative review of any particular spot is likely to motivate those who had a good experience to respond, so people can have a better idea of what is going on.

But the opinion should stop short of an exhortation, IMO. For all the reasons that this albergue’s defenders have listed, what is humid and cold to some is welcoming and hospitable to others. Cold air temp doesn’t necessarily mean cold human vibes. So, I am now going to close the thread, and hope that in the future people will try hard to limit the review to opinions and refrain from telling us what to do.

Buen camino, Laurie