Hi!
I'm starting in the same point just a little bit earlier and ending one day before!
I also start from Madrid - my plane arrives in the evening, so I booked one room in booking.com that was cheaper and recommends was alright. Unfortunately I booked the room little bit away from the train station but that's ok, just means I have to take a metro in the morning. Like I understand in Madrid there is the airport and Chamartin region is quite near - I booked my room about 15 minutes metro ride away, but it cost 25 euros and I saw in booking.com in Chamartin region there were about 48 eurs a night. I recommend to check out places in booking.com - always have helped me.
So - I bought my train ticket from Madrid-Chamartin train station to Ponferrada. The same one, 10:30 that arrives to Ponferrada 15:05 so I'm planning to stay a night in there. Don't know yet how it works out but that's the plan
I had just one trouble with the renfe page - it went from english to spanish now and then but then I just started again and paid for the ticket and now it waits when I print it out.
I ordered a silk bag - but I don't know if that makes to me before I fly away. Still crossing my fingers! They say that bed bugs don't like silk that much, also it keeps you warmer if colder and cool when warmer. And that there are many people with us in the room so it may get hot in sleeping bag. I'm gonna take ma chances - if I get cold, I can put layers on, use my poncho or buy myself a sleeping bag if needed.
I booked a room in Santiago here:
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/abrente.et.html
Just because of the recommendations.
This is my first Camino also and maybe we'll see in Santiago. Buen Camino!