Olivares
Veteran Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- May 1997 (Leon to Santiago); Sections Camino Frances: May 2011, May 2012, May 2013, October 2013, June-July 2014 (Sahagun to Santiago).
I recently had an experience while walking the Camino which I thought was unique/isolated. However, since returning from the Camino I have read similar experiences by other pilgrims. The issue is hotels who will NOT welcome pilgrims. In my specific case, the owner took my reservation but upon arrival asked me to go to another hotel as there was no room available. I was later billed by the room because I had cancelled "within 24 hours". Pretty ballsy :wink: I fought the charge but was left wondering because since then I have come across reviews for this hotel (HOTEL ENTREARCOS IN BURGOS) stating their hostility towards pilgrims.
I totally understand 100% if a business does not want to deal with muddy shoes, early risers, possibly "bed bug" carriers :shock: , but to take in the reservation with the strategy to bill for a late cancellation is crookery and an example of a very dishonest practice (Bait & Switch). I read the manager (whom I met and was a burly bully), shows the pilgrims a room the size of a broom closet (not a regular room) with a small bunk bed as their room. When the pilgrims cancel, then the Manager places the cancellation on them. What a crook.
I totally understand 100% if a business does not want to deal with muddy shoes, early risers, possibly "bed bug" carriers :shock: , but to take in the reservation with the strategy to bill for a late cancellation is crookery and an example of a very dishonest practice (Bait & Switch). I read the manager (whom I met and was a burly bully), shows the pilgrims a room the size of a broom closet (not a regular room) with a small bunk bed as their room. When the pilgrims cancel, then the Manager places the cancellation on them. What a crook.