First night in Pamplona

[Jill T]

Hello!
This is my first posted question but I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contributed to all the posts I have read so far while planning for my first Camino I have found this forum very helpful.
I leave in just under 3 weeks and will be starting in Pamplona...should I book my first night's stay? It seems like there are a lot of albergues to choose from here, and I plan to arrive around noon from Barcelona. Any favourites or ones to avoid? Is booking.com the best way to do this?
Thanks!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

Arriving at noon at the end of September you will be fine, as long as you do nkt have your heart set on a particular albergue. The Jesus & Maria has 100+ beds, and super well located, sells credenciales, and is a beautiful example of old turned into new. It opens at 11 am. So no need to reserve.

Here is a link to other albergues into Pamplona:
http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/etapa-de-zubiri-a-pamplona

Also popular is Paderborn at the entrance of town, with 26 beds. If you want to stay there, or other small albergues, then I would reserve.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

It seems like there are a lot of albergues to choose from here, and I plan to arrive around noon from Barcelona. Any favourites or ones to avoid?

Casa Ibarrola in Pamplona is a new albergue right on the camino just after the entrance into the old city. It is near the cathedral. It has cubbyholes for the bunks with a locker, light and curtains for each. Their website is http://www.casaibarrola.com/ The site is in Spanish but their is a widet that will provide a translation into English.

May I suggest that you walk the camino in reverse (to Roncevalles) until you get outside the walls of the old city. When you turn around you will see an impressive start to the camino. http://www.caminomyway.com/on-the-camino-de-santiago-pamplona-spain

 

[Mark Lee]

Casa Ibarrola in Pamplona is a new albergue right on the camino just after the entrance into the old city. It is near the cathedral. It has cubbyholes for the bunks with a locker, light and curtains for each. Their website is http://www.casaibarrola.com/ The site is in Spanish but their is a widet that will provide a translation into English.

May I suggest that you walk the camino in reverse (to Roncevalles) until you get outside the walls of the old city. When you turn around you will see an impressive start to the camino. http://www.caminomyway.com/on-the-camino-de-santiago-pamplona-spain

That's a good albergue. Clean and quiet and no curfew (pass-code to get in). The hospitalero is a really cool guy, too. There was also breakfast the next morning included.

 

[C clearly]

I agree with @Anemone del Camino 's suggestions. At Jesus y Maria you will meet many people, and get immersed in the Camino! Excellent location.

 

[Jill T]

Thank you for your replies!