Newbie here

[Tania L]

Hi, planning to walk Sarria to Santiago in September 2020. How far ahead should I book for sleeping arrangements. Slow walker here so I won’t be walking as much as those that are fit. Please advice. Thank you.

 

[henrythedog]

Depends on what kind of accommodation you want.

September is still very much ‘in season’ so virtually everything will be open. If you are stating in albergues - whether municipal or private - there is no reason to book. You will find somewhere suitable.

If your preference is for the - considerably more expensive - private guest houses or hotels, then you probably need to be a few days ahead of yourself.

Many would say that the first option is the best. It certainly is the most common.

My preference is for the second. I am walking the camino de Madrid in November and my accommodation is - totally unnecessarily - already booked.

 

[trecile]

Hi, planning to walk Sarria to Santiago in September 2020. How far ahead should I book for sleeping arrangements. Slow walker here so I won’t be walking as much as those that are fit. Please advice. Thank you.

You can book the night before.

 

[Tania L]

Depends on what kind of accommodation you want.

September is still very much ‘in season’ so virtually everything will be open. If you are stating in albergues - whether municipal or private - there is no reason to book. You will find somewhere suitable.

If your preference is for the - considerably more expensive - private guest houses or hotels, then you probably need to be a few days ahead of yourself.

Many would say that the first option is the best. It certainly is the most common.

My preference is for the second. I am walking the camino de Madrid in November and my accommodation is - totally unnecessarily - already booked.

Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. I’m a slow walker and won’t be doing the number of miles most people do. I would probably have to stay in some of the albergues in the smaller towns and book ahead to the larger cities.

 

[jefferyonthecamino]

depends. more upscale places and/or popular (eg. in the centre of town or 'on' the Camino) hostels/albergues/hotels may require booking at lest a couple days prior. Definitely the day before in any case - you cannot do this at the public ones. many of the private ones re on booking so only a click away.

 

[kelleymac]

I didn't book ahead (except for Orrison), and only had a moderately difficult time finding a bed one time on the Camino. I just had to walk another 5 km. -- Or I could have walked back 2 km. But then again, that day I walked long into the evening, and from what you wrote, you probably won't be doing that.

 

[Mettetäti]

We booked private albergues two days ahead in April. It really was needed, since we were slow walkers too and usually the last to arrive to an albergue. Once we had to walk 5 more km because all places were full and after that we booked ahead.

 

[Felipe]

September is still peak season. I'd make a reservation for the first day, see what the situation is, and reserve (if needed) every morning.
Yes, albergues in small places are less demanded. They have fewer beds, too.
The only large city after Sarria is Compostela. The rest -you go through them in 15 minutes, max.
Buen camino!

 

[Meggins]

Last time (bad knee & back) I booked Orrison and Roncevalles ahead. I saw quite a few people arriving at Roncevalles late afternoon & it was full - including their extra space camping area. One fellow reportedly slept in Church and several others got together & took a taxi to the next town. So there are options usually - bit of a bummer though when you are tired.!
Will be heading out again in September but from St Jay de P. so won't see you in Sarria to cheert you on! as I will be snailing over the Pyrenees again - same issues.
Good to know - even in the smallest of towns even if there are no taxi signs, head into the bar and ask if they have a number for taxi - they will call one for you. Usually brother, or other family member happy to make a few $$$ and happy to help out a pilgrim!
Buen Camino!

 

[Ed Aster]

You will be walking the busiest portion of the Camino during one of the busiest months. Book ahead based upon what you feel you will be able to achieve daily. Then feeling secure enjoy yourself.

 

[trecile]

Sarria to Santiago won't be as busy in September as in July and August. I remember the albergue that I stayed at in Pedrouzo in September was nearly empty.
It's SJPDP to Logroño that's busy in September