Booking Success: First Night in SJPDP at Gite Makila and the Next Day at Orisson

[SirRon]

After over a year of planning I finally have something booked. haha. I've booked my first night in SJPDP at Gite Makila and the next day at Orisson! I hope I can just wing the rest of the trip but I felt a lot better having a first night reservation and "taking it easy" on day 1.
Thanks for all who answered a lot of my questions so far!

 

[Bradypus]

I hope that you find your journey an enriching experience. You don't say when you will begin but it can be extremely busy in peak season. Once you are actually walking the Camino you can get some sense of how busy it is and make your decisions about booking ahead. I usually walk in quiet.seasons these days but your plan so far makes great sense. No point in starting your journey full of anxiety!

 

[SirRon]

I hope that you find your journey an enriching experience. You don't say when you will begin but it can be extremely busy in peak season. Once you are actually walking the Camino you can get some sense of how busy it is and make your decisions about booking ahead. I usually walk in quiet.seasons these days but your plan so far makes great sense. No point in starting your journey full of anxiety!

I am leaving in very late May. I have no other time I can go this year! I'll make the best of it!

 

[RJM]

ultreia

 

[lt56ny]

After over a year of planning I finally have something booked. haha. I've booked my first night in SJPDP at Gite Makila and the next day at Orisson! I hope I can just wing the rest of the trip but I felt a lot better having a first night reservation and "taking it easy" on day 1.
Thanks for all who answered a lot of my questions so far!

You may want to book in Roncesvalles also. Then let your body tell you when to stop. I have never stayed at Gite Makila. I have heard good things about it. I would highly recommend you checking out:

Gîte d'étape Beilari | Albergue de Peregrinos en Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Donibane Garazi | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Gîte d'étape Beilari, en Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Donibane Garazi: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

This albergue captures the spirit and heart of the camino. Especially for a new peregrino. Checking the prices of both albergues, for 10 Euros more you have a wonderful communal dinner. Believe me you will make at least one friend. Many questions you have can be answered and you might be a touch less nervous starting out the next morning after their really good breakfast.

 

[SirRon]

You may want to book in Roncesvalles also. Then let your body tell you when to stop. I have never stayed at Gite Makila. I have heard good things about it. I would highly recommend you checking out:

Gîte d'étape Beilari | Albergue de Peregrinos en Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Donibane Garazi | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Gîte d'étape Beilari, en Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Donibane Garazi: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

This albergue captures the spirit and heart of the camino. Especially for a new peregrino. Checking the prices of both albergues, for 10 Euros more you have a wonderful communal dinner. Believe me you will make at least one friend. Many questions you have can be answered and you might be a touch less nervous starting out the next morning after their really good breakfast.

That was actually my 2nd choice of places to stay at in SJPDP!

 

[DyanTX]

Many posts recommend booking through Zubiri as the beginning stages can be a large group of pilgrims vying for a small number of rooms. Definitely book Roncesvalles if you plan to stay there so that you can take your time on the trek from Orisson. It's mostly downhill but that can still be a challenge for day 2 after long travels.

 

[Former member 92300]

How exciting! In late May you should be able to get a bed in Roncesvalles - but you may want to consider booking in Zubiri the following night. I do book Roncesvalles "just because" - but after Zubiri - much easier to wing it.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I stayed at Gite Maklila the first night of my Camino last May and enjoyed it very much. I was in a room with four beds, all of them separate (= no bunks) and it wss quite comfortable, even if I remember not getting much sleep because of pre-walk excitement and jitters. There is a lovely outdoor seating area in the back of the inn with gorgeous views of the hills. I think you'll enjoy it very much! Buen Camino!

 

[SeñorJacques]

How exciting! In late May you should be able to get a bed in Roncesvalles - but you may want to consider booking in Zubiri the following night. I do book Roncesvalles "just because" - but after Zubiri - much easier to wing it.

Yes, definitely book through Zubiri. I too walked in May last year and accommodations were very tight until Pamplona - even the albergue at Roncesvalles was completely full the night I spent there (not one of my favorite experiences, to be honest) and several folks I was walking with had to keep on walking when we got to Zubiri since there were no beds available for those who didn't book ahead or get there early enough. I highly recommend the Albergue Rio Arga, right on the river as you're getting into town. It was very comfortable and the view of the river from the room I stayed in was beautiful (see photo below). No problems at all finding accommodations in Pamplona or anywhere after.

 

[SirRon]

I stayed at Gite Maklila the first night of my Camino last May and enjoyed it very much. I was in a room with four beds, all of them separate (= no bunks) and it wss quite comfortable, even if I remember not getting much sleep because of pre-walk excitement and jitters. There is a lovely outdoor seating area in the back of the inn with gorgeous views of the hills. I think you'll enjoy it very much! Buen Camino!

Thanks!