Place to Stay in Astorga

[nanamaggie]

Hi I am starting my Camino in Astorga on Sept. 19th. Arriving by train late afternoon do I need to book a bed? Where is the best place to stay and buy a passport? Help please. :?: Nanamaggie

 

[gittiharre]

I suggest getting a passport sent from Confraternity of St James, are you in Europe? If you are not in Europe there will probably be a local Confraternity of some sort, where you can get one. You still have time to have one sent from England though. Astorga accommodation, network hostel St Javier, lovely converted historic building near cathedral, Calle Porteria 6. 110 beds. Ph 987 618 532. or La Peseta, hostal Plaza San Bartolome with award winning restaurant Maragateria Ph 987 617 275. I would say you can probably take the risk on the first option, but book if you want to stay in the hostal. Have a lovely time, Gitti

 

[viajero]

I would think that you could get a credential at either the San Javier or the municipal albergue. One of the best meals I had on the camino was at Restaurant Gaudi around the corner from San Javier--the pilgrim's menu.

 

[nellpilgrim]

If you've been en route for a few weeks and feel like pampering yourself (as we did) or decide to go for a luxurious launch to your Camino then treat yourself to a front of house room at the Hotel Gaudi - these come with great views of the Archbishops palace....and a fantastic dinner with white linen tablecloths!
But wherever you eat just remember to save some space for the delicious macaroons which are a speciality of the town. If you have the will power to save one for the next day they get even sticker and more delicious and make a welcome snack on the way up to Rabanal/Foncebadon

Nell

 

[Anniesantiago]

Be careful about staying in St. Javier! Be sure to check your beds for bugs before sleeping.

Although we loved it our first Camino, on our second Camino it was overrun with BEDBUGS and the guy admitting people KNEW IT and still took in pilgrims. When we discovered the bugs, we asked for our money back. He gave it, and down the road we met many pilgrims with bedbug bites, most of whom had stayed at St. Javier and picked them up there.

We stayed in the municipal alburgue, which was very clean and had NO bugs!

 

[twigsandribbons]

I was in Astorga this year for the World Cup and stayed at San Javier. The hospitelera was very kind, and provided a coupon for the menu del peregrino at the Gaudi restaurant. Because we wanted to watch the Cup, me and my friends ended up eating at a local bar with the TV on instead, but it was nice to have the option. San Javier provided an excellent breakfast in the morning with toast, juice, coffee, yogurt, granola, milk and fruit and overall, I had a wonderful experience there.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The top level at San Javier is newly restored. The second level was due a bed bug treatment, then restoration. Bed bugs don't start at San Javier. They come from somewhere else, so you need to vigilant everywhere.

 

[nanamaggie]

Thank you so much for your replies on places to stay in Astorga. Roll on September. I look forward to meeting some great walkers.