I must say, it is heartbreaking when messages like this are received.
I too cancelled my booking at Casa Liceiro and received a response. I kind of wish I had left it and considered it a donation, but with 40+ bookings, that would have been a lot. I will definitely try to stay there for 2 nights (I'll schedule a rest day there) next year. This was the response...
Dear XXX,
Here at Casa Licerio we understand that COVID-19 is a cause of great concern for all of us and therefore we confirm the cancellation of your reservation for Saturday, August 15, 2020.
We would also like to offer you the possibility to reschedule your booking without a fee as we are already are open for bookings 2021. We look forward to hosting you next time you plan your Camino!
Stay safe, best regards
Cecilia
New response :
Hi Michael!
Thank you so very much, that was really nice of you! And yes, we are all well so far, thank God, trying to follow recommendations as much as possible. Hope you and your loved ones are healthy too!
I'm still in Sweden, my home country, after coming to spend the winter here.
Right now I'm thinking it's not possible for me to open Casa Licerio this year. At the time being I have read so much contradictory and incomplete information on procedures applied by Spain as opening up. I mean, the fact that authorities will take away the 2 weeks of quarantine for European travelers from July 1st does not necessarily imply that they - or any other other foreigners - can travel freely to and within Spain from July 1st. I'm really confused about the freedom of travel and I know that many feel the same. From what people are posting on bloggs, on FB and other media, I fear the majority of my guests will wait before coming back to the Camino and are choosing to come in 2021 instead.
On the other hand, there is the issue of sanitary regulations, and those are one of the most important reasons why I will wait until next year to reopen for reservations. Not only would I have to use specific expensive cleansers and disinfectants, but also time-consuming sanitation routines, and I doubt I can afford either. Then there is the bigger issue of limiting the maximum occupancy to 50% of the house's capacity, which is still in force. Having only 4 rooms in total to rent out, I do not think it is feasible nor profitable to open 2020 for just 2 rooms a day, and that is if I get full occupancy !
I am really really sorry for this, and I truly hope we all are able to return to Spain and the Camino as soon as possible. For me and Casa Licerio that means March 1st 2021.
Wishing you all the best, hoping to see you soon and sending my best wishes of health and well-being to you all!
Best regards,
Maria Cecilia Widell-Bauder
Casa Licerio
