This is a suggestion not a criticism. I have no way of knowing about other people's circumstances in cases like this. Moreover, I do appreciate Lydia's detailed description of what she encountered at the Parador, since they do have a contract to fulfil. It's all good to know.
However, would it not be a good idea, in general, to leave the free meals and services to the poor? I know many pretend and cajole, but I did encounter some genuinely destitute people on my Camino. Two, in particular, were quite bona fide paupers, for whatever reason, and were not trying to sponge. They were just pilgrims. (I assure you, I'm terrific at saying no to spongers.) I walked with both these men for some time. One was a Mexican friar, about to make final vows, walking the whole way from Le Puy with no money whatsoever! We worked things out.
This applies to cheap and donativo albergues at the peak season, as well as to free meals. Why not leave all the free stuff to those that need it, even if many feign or make a profession of poverty? Obviously, albergues want extra business at times - especially in the off season, when I walk - so there's no point in making a hard rule about it. One can even leave a donativo in order to eat and socialise at an albergue, but leave the bed vacant and go to a twenty euro hostal to sleep. We're not talking huge amounts here.
Obviously, if you're really low on funds, you should avail yourself of all the cheap and free stuff. That's what it's for!
Rob