Logrono - Winederful Hostel & Café versus Albergue Albas

[JustJack]

I booked a bed at Winederful Hostel in Logrono for May. I just read on another thread that this place isn't exclusive to pilgrims, and therefore can be a bit of a party place.

I mainly booked it because they have privacy curtains around the bunks, which I like.

I see on booking.com that Albergue Albas is also available that night, but they've just got the standard old-school bunks.

Question - for those that have stayed at Winederful, was the fact that it's not exclusive to pilgrims cause any issues? If you've stayed at both, which did you prefer?

 

[CWBuff]

Stayed at Albergue Albas during my Camino. Yes its mostly bunk beds but IIRC there is 1 or 2 private rooms.
I actually liked it a lot - restaurant next door, in residential area away from noisy tourist area (yet 15 mins walk to Calle Laurel)... and you get a code for the electronic lock so no worries about being locked out at 10PM
Here are some pics (not a lot) Albergue Albas)
BTW, be it as I mentioned away from touristy places hence referring to 'quiet' - that night was the football game between (IIRC) Spain & Belgium so as you can imagine there was no quiet to be had anywhere

 

[Tincatinker]

You're willing to pay an extra €14 for a curtain? There are two excellent, exclusive, pilgrim hostels in Logrono priced at €10 a night and no rules against hanging a towel or a scarf to provide a bit of extra privacy. Most habitual pilgrims are well practiced in "custody of the eyes" - they'll not see you and you'll not see them.

For all available (pilgrim) accommodations in Logrono see: https://www.gronze.com/rioja/logrono

 

[J Willhaus]

Some posted about this place just the other day. Said that it was noisy with people wandering in late. I have not stayed here though.

 

[JustJack]

You're willing to pay an extra €14 for a curtain? There are two excellent, exclusive, pilgrim hostels in Logrono priced at €10 a night and no rules against hanging a towel or a scarf to provide a bit of extra privacy. Most habitual pilgrims are well practiced in "custody of the eyes" - they'll not see you and you'll not see them.

For all available (pilgrim) accommodations in Logrono see: https://www.gronze.com/rioja/logrono

The price difference for what I booked is closer to 7 euros, not 14. And it's not just for a curtain. The beds look to be a bit more like the "pods" you see in some albergues. It's also the location, being right in the centre. However I wasn't aware that Logrono is considered a party town, so perhaps being in the centre isn't the best idea...

Another reason I like the pods/curtains - it allows me to be up using my phone once the lights are out without disturbing others.

Thanks all for the feedback.

 

[Orujo]

I booked a bed at Winederful Hostel in Logrono for May. I just read on another thread that this place isn't exclusive to pilgrims, and therefore can be a bit of a party place.

I mainly booked it because they have privacy curtains around the bunks, which I like.

I see on booking.com that Albergue Albas is also available that night, but they've just got the standard old-school bunks.

Question - for those that have stayed at Winederful, was the fact that it's not exclusive to pilgrims cause any issues? If you've stayed at both, which did you prefer?

I stayed at Winederful – it was very nice as I recall, but my sleep was disturbed at 4am by a particularly selfish pilgrim who decided she would get up, clatter about in the adjoining bathroom turning on lights, and getting all her bags packed ready for her noisy 5am departure. No bother from anyone else and don't recall it being a party atmosphere. But then I was sampling the amazing tapas and crianza that night with my fellow pilgrim friends so my memories may be slightly hazy...

 

[Ianinam]

You're willing to pay an extra €14 for a curtain? There are two excellent, exclusive, pilgrim hostels in Logrono priced at €10 a night and no rules against hanging a towel or a scarf to provide a bit of extra privacy. Most habitual pilgrims are well practiced in "custody of the eyes" - they'll not see you and you'll not see them.

Thank you for mentioning this phantastic phenomene which I cannot explain to people who have never walked a Camino ....

 

[Tincatinker]

The price difference for what I booked is closer to 7 euros, not 14. And it's not just for a curtain. The beds look to be a bit more like the "pods" you see in some albergues. It's also the location, being right in the centre. However I wasn't aware that Logrono is considered a party town, so perhaps being in the centre isn't the best idea...

Thanks all for the feedback.

I've always enjoyed Logrono. The Calle Laurel is tapas heaven. Unless its a weekend or one of the regular Fiera is occurring it is a pretty tranquil sort of place. That said, and speaking personally, I will always seek a bed in one of Gronzes' "Exclusivo para peregrinos: Sí" places. That way I figure most of us will be in bed by 10:00pm and, with luck, no prat is going to get up much before 06:00.

Buen camino

 

[stevepjq]

I stayed at Winderful last April (probably April 8-9). There were 4 other staying there but I got a 6 bunk room all to myself - absolutely awesome The beds were great by the way. - So was the bathroom. I awoke early to get o teh way - probably 30 minutes before breakfast was to be served. The woman in the kitchen said "you can't leave without a bite to eat so she made me something quick and easy. Maybe a 5 minute walk to Calle Laurel.
I will definitely stay here again!!

 

[ginniek]

I haven't stayed there, but I have walked past it a few times (in 2019 and 2022), in both the early and late evenings, and it wasn't noisy. That would likely depend upon the day of the week, the season and any special events, etc. The location is very convenient to all of the restaurants, but it is a couple of blocks off the main drag. It looks nice from the outside, and I was thinking about dropping in to have a glass of wine.

 

[JustJack]

I've always enjoyed Logrono. The Calle Laurel is tapas heaven.

Good to know! I will plan accordingly and take a break from pilgrim menus...

 

[Former member 94614]

I booked a bed at Winederful Hostel in Logrono for May. I just read on another thread that this place isn't exclusive to pilgrims, and therefore can be a bit of a party place.

I mainly booked it because they have privacy curtains around the bunks, which I like.

I see on booking.com that Albergue Albas is also available that night, but they've just got the standard old-school bunks.

Question - for those that have stayed at Winederful, was the fact that it's not exclusive to pilgrims cause any issues? If you've stayed at both, which did you prefer?

i had a terrible time at winderful last year over a couple nights with rude non-pilgrims who were drunk and loud all night long and some even locked themselves in the bathrooms so there was no place to go! the staff were nice when they were there and it seemed like a good place except for the drunk patrons those nights. it may have been a weekend. i'm sorry i wouldn't stay there again as logrono seemed like a happy and fun party town and that hostel would be a cheap downtown location to have a place to crash. that was the vibe when i was there.

 

[Sacha]

Last year I stayed at Winederful and had a good night sleep. Comfy beds, loved the pods. No problem with other pilgrims.

This year I will be staying there again in May. On a Tuesday. If you end up there in the weekend it might be busier with non pilgrims?

Definitely check out Calle Laurel! Love that street! There is a bar that only sells one “pinxo” their famous mushroom montadito.. cant remember the exact name.. Soo good!

 

[stevepjq]

@Sacha , that would be Bar Soriano. Thee best!!!

 

[Ghost Rydurrrr]

I stayed at winederful and liked it. They have different size rooms to stay in. I was in a 6-bed (3 bunks) and my friend was in a 10-bed (5 bunks). Each room has its own bathroom and i think the price difference was like $2 euro for each change in size. There are also drawers beneath the bottom bunk to lock your stuff away if you want to head out.

If i remember correctly, aside from the curtain, each bunk also has its own outlet and light.

The rooms are supposed to be quiet spaces so if people are making noise, just ask them to go to a common area. If someone is locked in the bathroom, just knock if its been a while. Its a shared soace so this can happen at any albergue and shouldnt be a knock against any particular albergue.

I havent stayed at the other place but I am willing to oay extra for cleanliness and newer/more modern facilities. Its a choice.

 

[Former member 94614]

lol i did knock and there was no way to get anyone to leave the room. of course these might have been isolated situations- i guess the fact that no one was there to help late at night is an issue.

 

[Jodean]

Just stayed in Winederful in April for the 2nd time. Womens dorm. Our own bathroom which was nice for 6 women. It was quiet. 21€ for the night & includes linens & towels.

 

[Maple Leaf Walker]

You can have a terrible night pretty much anywhere on account of noisy pilgrims or any other among countless factors. Can’t predict these things. The best experiences happen when we stop trying to anticipate or second guess our choices. It sounds like an interesting place to stay.

As a personal note: I‘ve always regarded a bunk with the 4-point combo of curtains, outlet, light and personal shelf as a Michelin 3-star equivalent of albergues. A simple but rewarding standard that gets fulfilled surprisingly often.

 

[JWST]

I stayed at Winederful over May long weekend and shared a room with 5 young men there to party, in and out at all hours, shared bathroom small and not very private…wont return, can’t recommend

 

[JustJack]

Thanks for all the great feedback, and I fully appreciate that experiences can vary based on a lot of factors. I'll be at Winderful on a Monday night, so hopefully I won't find myself with a bunch of hardcore partiers. That said, it wasn't that long ago that I would have been seen as a hardcore partier, so I try not to be judgmental.

 

[Sacha]

As a personal note: I‘ve always regarded a bunk with the 4-point combo of curtains, outlet, light and personal shelf as a Michelin 3-star equivalent of albergues.

Totally!

 

[Ellewren]

I booked a bed at Winederful Hostel in Logrono for May. I just read on another thread that this place isn't exclusive to pilgrims, and therefore can be a bit of a party place.

I mainly booked it because they have privacy curtains around the bunks, which I like.

I see on booking.com that Albergue Albas is also available that night, but they've just got the standard old-school bunks.

Question - for those that have stayed at Winederful, was the fact that it's not exclusive to pilgrims cause any issues? If you've stayed at both, which did you prefer?

I’ve stayed at Winderful twice, a few years apart, and I’d stay again. It was perfect, and no party atmosphere at all. I stayed once in early Sept and once late Oct. I guess if it’s a weekend it could be different (I don’t recall which day I stayed) but as it’s a little more expensive, it generally gets nice people! It’s also very classy so don’t feel it would attract party people, and Logrono doesn’t strike me as a party city!
The bathroom is en suite to the dorm, and I think I had the bed by the bathroom twice - and it was no problem at all.
It’s a really lovely place, very nicely done, friendly, and a nice quiet atmosphere to sit in the lounge area and relax.

 

[David Tallan]

As a personal note: I‘ve always regarded a bunk with the 4-point combo of curtains, outlet, light and personal shelf as a Michelin 3-star equivalent of albergues. A simple but rewarding standard that gets fulfilled surprisingly often.

I have stayed at a number of albergues that have had all of these and really appreciated them.

On the other hand, I've also had some of my best albergue experiences at albergues that had none of them.

It never fails (at least for me) that as soon as I think I've found a basic criterion I find the exception that disproves the rule.

 

[Ellewren]

Further to my last comment, the worst nights I recall were Fri and Saturdays in the pilgrim-only hostels in Sept, when it seemed locals dig out their credential and did a few days walking. It was the municipal in Zubiri so perhaps they stayed in Pamplona and walked a couple of days. Perhaps they weren’t locals at all - but the point being, it can happen at any hostel and I sometimes think the cheaper the hostel, the worst you’ll sleep.
Of course there’s nothing worse than when you upgrade to a nicer hostel and find yourself sharing a dorm with a volcanic snorer!
So really good ear plugs are a must. And useful for the 5am plastic bag rustlers too!
I don’t think it’s the privacy curtain that makes those pod bunks so nice - it’s that they are often modern, clean, set longways along a wall with no one opposite, and the top bunks are stable, don’t move when you pr the person below moves, and they are not too high either, with wider ladder rings! Far easier to get in and out of when your feet hurt!
But of course, nothing wrong with a traditional Albergue when you’re all packed in tight - if there’s no snorers or speakerphone reel/youtube enthusiasts, you’ll sleep fab anywhere!!

 

[TracyP]

The price difference for what I booked is closer to 7 euros, not 14. And it's not just for a curtain. The beds look to be a bit more like the "pods" you see in some albergues. It's also the location, being right in the centre. However I wasn't aware that Logrono is considered a party town, so perhaps being in the centre isn't the best idea...

Another reason I like the pods/curtains - it allows me to be up using my phone once the lights are out without disturbing others.

Thanks all for the feedback.

I just spent the night at Winderful last evening. I noticed no noisy or late arriving guests - it was very peaceful. They provide lovely sheets, pillowcase and blanket along with a nice large towel. The bed is very comfortable and I loved having the privacy curtain. I’d recommend it.

 

[lt56ny]

I've always enjoyed Logrono. The Calle Laurel is tapas heaven. Unless its a weekend or one of the regular Fiera is occurring it is a pretty tranquil sort of place. That said, and speaking personally, I will always seek a bed in one of Gronzes' "Exclusivo para peregrinos: Sí" places. That way I figure most of us will be in bed by 10:00pm and, with luck, no prat is going to get up much before 06:00.

Buen camino

I couldn't agree more. If a municipal is clean I would always prefer to stay there. Although anywhere there could be a rude person waking early and causing a disturbance I would much prefer to stay in a pilgrim only hostel. After all what does a pilgrim need besides a bed to sleep and hopefully a warm shower to get clean and a place to dry your clothes?

 

[Rita Flower]

Sounds like weekend/ fiestas are the times to avoid this hostel. And to avoid accommodation in the cite centre anywhere. I had my worst night’s sleep in Leon, fiesta time when
I booked into a pension in the centre of town for a night alone. The partying outside my window finished at 4.00 am. The street sweeper came through at 5.00 am. I left town at 6.00 am.
PS the pilgrims in municipal albergue out of the city centre said it was really quiet and they had a wonderful night sleep.

 

[SusanH]

Stayed at Albergue Albas during my Camino. Yes its mostly bunk beds but IIRC there is 1 or 2 private rooms.
I actually liked it a lot - restaurant next door, in residential area away from noisy tourist area (yet 15 mins walk to Calle Laurel)... and you get a code for the electronic lock so no worries about being locked out at 10PM
Here are some pics (not a lot) Albergue Albas)
BTW, be it as I mentioned away from touristy places hence referring to 'quiet' - that night was the football game between (IIRC) Spain & Belgium so as you can imagine there was no quiet to be had anywhere

Stayed at Albergue Albas during my Camino. Yes its mostly bunk beds but IIRC there is 1 or 2 private rooms.
I actually liked it a lot - restaurant next door, in residential area away from noisy tourist area (yet 15 mins walk to Calle Laurel)... and you get a code for the electronic lock so no worries about being locked out at 10PM
Here are some pics (not a lot) Albergue Albas)
BTW, be it as I mentioned away from touristy places hence referring to 'quiet' - that night was the football game between (IIRC) Spain & Belgium so as you can imagine there was no quiet to be had anywhere

Loved this place!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I had my worst night’s sleep in Leon, fiesta time when
I booked into a pension in the centre of town for a night alone. The partying outside my window finished at 4.00 am. The street sweeper came through at 5.00 am.

A similar story...
On my first Camino in 2015, we booked a private hotel room (third floor) near the cathedral in Leon on the May 1st weekend and had no idea it was a national holiday. I woke up to use the bathroom about 3:00am and opened one of the room shutters. Young people were down below outside a bar partying on the street, with napkins all strewn about. I was surprised as in the US bars close at 2:00am. I looked out again at around 4:00 out of curiosity and they were all still there. By 5:00 they were gone and then the street sweepers came by and cleaned up the big mess an hour later; I'd never seen anything like it before.
The best thing was that our room shutters literally blocked out all the loud noise; we didn't even know what was going on with the shutters shut and slept well.

 

[Rita Flower]

The best thing was that our room shutters literally blocked out all the loud noise; we didn't even know what was going on with the shutters shut and slept well.

That first Camino - I was a real newbie- I didn’t look for or notice that there were shutters till the morning.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

That first Camino - I was a real newbie- I didn’t look for or notice that there were shutters till the morning.

That first Camino- I had no idea those shutters were going to be the miracles they were.

 

[auburnfive]

We happened to be in Oia ( Portuguese Coastal), at the time of the festival. The owner of our accommodations warned it could be noisy. At 9, hordes of teenagers gathered under our windows and celebrated noisily. At 11 my friend and I gave up, got dressed and went out to join in, there was a great concert going on, the locals having a lot of fun, and it ended up being a memorable evening. The next morning as we left town, the leftover fireworks were being set off.