Hello dlr47,
One thing I have learned at many CSJ of SA workshops and meetings is that everyone has a different idea of what the 'best' albergues are.
For some, the best are the most up-to-date, modern, all mod cons type of albergues.
For others, the best are the most basic, no running water, no electricity, dinner by lamplight type albergues.
For what it's worth, these are my favourites - most fall into the 2nd category.
My Top 10 list of basic/spiritual albergues:
*Eunate – meal by candlelight – walk around the church in the moonlight (Check opening times – sometimes is closed if there is no hospitalero)
*Granon – sleep on mattresses in the bell tower of a church – sing for your supper (Open all year)
*Tosantos – sleep on mattresses - pilgrim blessing in the attic chapel – pray for pilgrims who have left a prayer request (not sure of opening times)
*Arroyo San Bol - Run by Francisco, a Knight Templar – no running water, 1000yr old medicinal spring at the back, no electricity, no toilet –.(Open April – mid October)
*Convento San Anton – basic albergue in the ruins of the San Anton convent (Open to end of September)
*San Nicolas - magical sleep in the loft of a restored church – communal meal cooked by Italian hospitaleros, pilgrim blessing includes washing of pilgrims feet (late June to mid-September)
*Bercianos – ancient straw and mud house, watch the sunset before being allowed to have a communal dinner
*Manjarin – Atmospheric albergue run by Tomas the Templar - basic, no running water, electricity or toilet. Sleep in a stone barn on mattresses – stay for the Templario blessing and ceremony at 11am. (Open all year)
*Villafranca del Bierzo - Ave Fenix run by the Jato family for almost 30 years – Jesus Jato is a healer. (Open all year)
*La Faba – Albergue Vegetariano run by a German hippie who sells incense and Eastern jewellery: pick the vegetables in the field next door and help cook the dinner.
Go to this website if you would like a list of the more up-market, private albergues
http://www.redalberguessantiago.com