Hello peregrina-Trueheart!
If I were you I would definitely book something in St Jean. Esprit du Chemin is a good albergue to stay the first night but you will have to find somewhere else if you want to spend two nights. Its on my list but here is the email and website - it has lots of other interesting information on it as well as other places to stay.
http://www.espritduchemin.org info@espritduchemin.org
When you arrive in St Jean, visit the Pilgrims' office - you can get your credential there at Accueil des pelerins de St-Jacques, 39 rue de la Citadelle. The office is open from 7h30 to 12h30 and then from 13h30 to 22h.
They will give you a profile map of the
Camino Frances as well as a list of albergues. I'm not sure if the list includes email addresses so, perhaps that can be your homework on the first night - or the next day, to cross check the albergues and contact details.
Favourite albergues? That is such a personal thing. At a recent workshop I asked pilgrims to make a list of their top 10 best albergues and a list of their least favourite albergues. Many of my favourites appeared on both lists!
I prefer the small, basic, traditional, spiritual albergues to the newer, modern, clean, up-market type albergues. I am going to attach the list of "Things to Know & Etiquette" which I posted a few weeks ago - just in case you didn't see it. A list of top 12 albergues is on that list.
My advice would be not to follow the stages in the guide book as they will be the busiest places. Try to head for the little places in between. If the guide book says, "Basic albergue, mattresses on the floor, perhaps no electricity, or no running water" chances are the majority of pilgrims will by-pass them. These are often the best places to stay - eg: Granon and Tosantos have no beds but do have water and electricity. Hospital San Nicolas - no running water, no electricity but the best communal meal you could have eaten by lamplight and a blessing where the monks wash your feet.
July and August will be busy but I'm sure you will be accommodated, even if it is in a Sports Hall or tent town!
Just enjoy it all, Therese!
Pilgrim hug,
Sil