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arrogant monopolists
Lexicos,Doesn’t surprise me in the least.
There is a new place opened up apparently, just a few kilometres further on. It’s been mentioned in this forum a few times. Sorry I can’t remember what it is called. My experience of Orisson, three years ago, mirrors yours in some respects, unfortunately. They had a monopoly then. They don’t now.
I just looked it up and found it, the new one. It’s called BORDA, Albergue or Hostel BORDA should bring it up. Try them as an alternative. It looks good in the pictures and some pilgrims have posted good reports.
I stayed there on my first Camino seven years ago, and enjoyed it - since then I’ve started in Zuberi/Pamplona. I didn’t want the uncertainty of securing a reservation. I think another albergue has recently opened nearby?I have been seeing similar posts about Orisson since I first saw online posts on the Camino, about 20 years ago.
I stayed at Orisson my first time, and did not sleep well at all. great experience with the communal dinner and meeting other pilgrims. I have since stayed 2 nights in SJPP, taxi down to hotel and in the morning taxi back to where I stopped. there is also a bus to the Virgin. I'm using the bus to/from SJPP start of sept.I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
Indeed , competition is good for consumers, I should say at last...Doesn’t surprise me in the least.
There is a new place opened up apparently, just a few kilometres further on. It’s been mentioned in this forum a few times. Sorry I can’t remember what it is called. My experience of Orisson, three years ago, mirrors yours in some respects, unfortunately. They had a monopoly then. They don’t now.
I stayed there the 6th of July and they were in business. The guy there was very helpful and hard working actually. I was surprised because I had read so many bad reviews and was going there prepared for bad service and was very surprised to see how hard working they were. Very helpful. I’m sorry you’re having a bad experience. Maybe something changed since. Good luck!I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
On Booking.com it is listed at about $50US (about the same and has a rating of 9.6 out of 10. Not too shabby.Auberge Borda is 1 kilometer further along the Route Napoleon. Google Maps has 35 reviews, all 5 star. Gronze has the shared dormitory, half board costing 40€.
View attachment 105945
I have found that most albergues only respond to phone calls for making reservations.I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
I've always been told it's best to phone them.I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
I call them very busy. I experienced the same non response, but once arriving there, everything was in order. Family run and very busy.I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
Not everybody loves technology.Thank you for the tip about Albergue Borda. Already booked it, took me 2 minutesAnd it looks and sounds wonderful. Plus I don’t have to change my plans ..hehe.
The Refuge Orisson is a fantastic place too, and their new dormitories (under that outdoor platform bar) are great. I loved staying there every time, one of the main reasons for that was the communal dinner with the detailed rounds of introduction, so you already have 64 more or less familiar faces which you might or not see again and again during the rest of your Camino.
I am just angry and frustrated about their lack of care and responsiveness. It can’t be that difficult, especially when you force people to use a “reservation website”.
Or try the farm at Huntto about 2 or 3 km below Orisson. Stayed there when I couldn't get into Orisson one year and found it to be very nice. Dinner (repas) is also served in addition to breakfast the next morning and it was very good.I just looked it up and found it, the new one. It’s called BORDA, Albergue or Hostel BORDA should bring it up. Try them as an alternative. It looks good in the pictures and some pilgrims have posted good reports.
My experiences with contacting Orisson years ago was the same. Only when I sent multiple requests in French did I receive an answer… a glib one! Once there, I learned from a staff member who listened attentively to my experience, that Orisson in such in high demand that good customer service is NOT a priority. Next time, I will bypass Orisson entirely and do the full climb in one day. If you start in SJPP at 6 am, you will have a great walk up the Pyrenees.I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
Strange Orison is closed as I’ve paid to stay there beginning Sept and good communication with them last week.Orisson, Orisson, Orisson. So much has been written about Orisson in this forum about its communication failings. Have you tried a phone call?
I fully understand, by the description how this is key to planning. But I must ask, if there is any idea of how quiet the Camino Frances is right now? When I have been there, no reservations were needed. Now, the Path is desolate. A friend started at SJPdP 2 weeks ago and up to Belorado, had only seen 50 Peregrinos. Honestly, there is no need for reservations. And there seems to be sufficient flow to ensure that there are enough places open to ensure accommodation.
Finally, let us say Orisson is presently closed. Valcarlos is open. It can allow your itinerary to remain on time. Another option would be to take a cab up to where the path leaves the road at the Iron Cross. Doing this could save a day's walking but the first cielo would be Roncesvalles.
Hope seeing the options is a help.
Orisson is not closed.Strange Orison is closed as I’ve paid to stay there beginning Sept and good communication with them last week.
As I thought. A post above indicated so. Perhaps just how the poster writes.Orisson is not closed.
It's a hypothetical closure, as in let us say Orisson is presently closed then you can walk via Valcarlos. Orisson is not closed. In fact, I saw a videoclip from someone who stayed there last night and left Orisson for Roncesvalles after breakfast at 7 am. Fantastic weather and views today, too.Strange Orison is closed as I’ve paid to stay there beginning Sept and good communication with them last week.
As I thought. A post above indicated so.
Exactly. @MichelleElynHogan said "let us say..." As in "for argument's sake let's assume that... "It's a hypothetical closure,
Finally, let us say Orisson is presently closed
There certainly is a need for making reservations at the moment. The albergue at Roncesvalles was totally full last Sunday with 140 beds occupied, even the winter albergue was full. The last weeks we regularly filled up to nearly the maximum capacity (which is 91 beds now due to the Covid regulations) and last Sunday we filled up to much more than this maximum because there were groups and families who did not have to keep the required distance, so we could use more beds. Then we opened the winter albergue with 20 beds, some people went to the hotel and even then pilgrims had to be taken by car to Espinal! It is unexpected crowded at the moment, so please make reservations for a bed!But I must ask, if there is any idea of how quiet the Camino Frances is right now? When I have been there, no reservations were needed. Now, the Path is desolate. A friend started at SJPdP 2 weeks ago and up to Belorado, had only seen 50 Peregrinos. Honestly, there is no need for reservations.
Try contacting them on Signal. If you don't know it, it's an alternative to WhatsApp. They definitely have an account as it shows in my list of signal contactsI am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
True. But then they should set up their own reservation site, expect you to use only that (the owner’s daughter is supposed to be running it), habe it “under maintenance” for days at a time, not read or respond to the booking requests coming in….Not everybody loves technology.
I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
No need for insults.I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck, all of these or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
Yes! You email them. I have a reservation there next year!Lexicos,
Is that new place the Albergue Borda?
Auberge Borda | Albergue de Peregrinos en Auberge Borda | Gronze.com
Información del albergue de peregrinos Auberge Borda, en Auberge Borda: Precio, plazas, características, etc...www.gronze.com
Yes, that’s it! I nade a reservation for bext year.Lexicos,
Is that new place the Albergue Borda?
Auberge Borda | Albergue de Peregrinos en Auberge Borda | Gronze.com
Información del albergue de peregrinos Auberge Borda, en Auberge Borda: Precio, plazas, características, etc...www.gronze.com
Thank you.No need for insults.
Well if they had to stay in Espinal lucky them! Hostel Hazei is amazing. We have scheduled our walk to ensure an overnight there once again.There certainly is a need for making reservations at the moment. The albergue at Roncesvalles was totally full last Sunday with 140 beds occupied, even the winter albergue was full. The last weeks we regularly filled up to nearly the maximum capacity (which is 91 beds now due to the Covid regulations) and last Sunday we filled up to much more than this maximum because there were groups and families who did not have to keep the required distance, so we could use more beds. Then we opened the winter albergue with 20 beds, some people went to the hotel and even then pilgrims had to be taken by car to Espinal! It is unexpected crowded at the moment, so please make reservations for a bed!
arrogant monopolists, disorganized, stupid, just suck,
Is it just me or am I out of touch but €40 does seem a tad expensive?Auberge Borda is 1 kilometer further along the Route Napoleon. Google Maps has 35 reviews, all 5 star. Gronze has the shared dormitory, half board costing 40€.
View attachment 105945
Perhaps, but it does looks pretty snazzy. Maybe they consider themselves a gîte (it still being France). I wonder if the €40 is the Demi-pension price (bed, delish dinner and small breakfast).Is it just me or am I out of touch but €40 does seem a tad expensive?
It’s one of, now, only two options. It’s the free market.Is it just me or am I out of touch but €40 does seem a tad expensive?
I love it when we get a response direct from the source! Thank you @Ianinam, it is very useful for members to know this.There certainly is a need for making reservations at the moment. The albergue at Roncesvalles was totally full last Sunday with 140 beds occupied, even the winter albergue was full. The last weeks we regularly filled up to nearly the maximum capacity (which is 91 beds now due to the Covid regulations) and last Sunday we filled up to much more than this maximum because there were groups and families who did not have to keep the required distance, so we could use more beds. Then we opened the winter albergue with 20 beds, some people went to the hotel and even then pilgrims had to be taken by car to Espinal! It is unexpected crowded at the moment, so please make reservations for a bed!
Great to see that your are volunteering at Roncesvalles again, @Ianinam, and thank you for letting us know what the current situation is like where you are.There certainly is a need for making reservations at the moment. The albergue at Roncesvalles was totally full last Sunday with 140 beds occupied, even the winter albergue was full. The last weeks we regularly filled up to nearly the maximum capacity (which is 91 beds now due to the Covid regulations) and last Sunday we filled up to much more than this maximum because there were groups and families who did not have to keep the required distance, so we could use more beds. Then we opened the winter albergue with 20 beds, some people went to the hotel and even then pilgrims had to be taken by car to Espinal! It is unexpected crowded at the moment, so please make reservations for a bed!
This is still France and it is more expensive than Spain. €40 for a bed, a meal and breakfast.Is it just me or am I out of touch but €40 does seem a tad expensive?
There is another thread here on the forum which I’m pretty sure is from Orisson themselves explaining their pandemic situation. I’m not going to try to quote it here but if folks use the search box they can easily find it.Strange Orison is closed as I’ve paid to stay there beginning Sept and good communication with them last week.
You are right. I am sorry and have changed that part. Would delete the whole thread, however there might be information in the thread useful to others.It's one thing to be frustrated. It's another thing entirely to hurl insults (online) towards a family-run business.
I take it that there is a typo and that the letter "r" is missing in this email address resevation@refuge-orissonI then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
Has traffic grown to this as a daily expectation or was it a bubble of pilgrims? As I mentioned, my friend had specifically kept count and had only met 50 by the time he and his partner got to Belorado. That is really pretty thin, and his report came in just a few days ago.There certainly is a need for making reservations at the moment. The albergue at Roncesvalles was totally full last Sunday with 140 beds occupied, even the winter albergue was full. The last weeks we regularly filled up to nearly the maximum capacity (which is 91 beds now due to the Covid regulations) and last Sunday we filled up to much more than this maximum because there were groups and families who did not have to keep the required distance, so we could use more beds. Then we opened the winter albergue with 20 beds, some people went to the hotel and even then pilgrims had to be taken by car to Espinal! It is unexpected crowded at the moment, so please make reservations for a bed!
You are right about a typo while writing this post!I take it that there is a typo and that the letter "r" is missing in this email address resevation@refuge-orisson
Also, on their website, under the tab for Contact us, they list refuge.orisson@wanadoo.fr as their contact email address. FWIW.
Do they provide a dinner, or are there any restaurants in the area?I stayed at Auberge Borda on July 11 this year. Very nice place. Highly recommend.
I must say, and in this I agree with you, that I don't understand their business manners, i.e. if they don't want to reply immediately for whatever reason and take their time, why not send a standard reply that says we got your email and will reply in due course. Like this, one can be certain that the email has at least arrived and has been registered.You are right about a typo while writing this post!
They have multiple email addresses, as I mentioned in my original post.
The price includes dinner and breakfast.Do they provide a dinner, or are there any restaurants in the area?
Yes, they provide dinner. There is nowhere else, you are in the middle of nowhere in the Pyrénées.Do they provide a dinner, or are there any restaurants in the area?
Omg, I cannot believe I am defending Orisson but I feel I have to.. I think the current cancellation policy at Orisson is just a little cheeky...
Myself and two other pilgrims will arrive that day as wellAs I’ve mentioned earlier, I’m returning to Orisson August 28th as I do my best to retrace my first Camino in April 2008. Will be interesting to see how things have changed, or remain the same.
Buen “Swiss Miss are you out there?” Camino
Arn
Look forward to meeting you. Where are you staying in SJPDP?Myself and two other pilgrims will arrive that day as well
Agreed. I booked (via email + PayPal) back in 2016 and had to wait a bit for a response. However, once I arrived, it was smooth sailing. The next morning I realized I should have ordered a sandwich the night before for the day's trek and panicked. They were kind enough to whip something up for me last minute, quickly and efficiently, all with a smile and buen camino.Well, after reading all these comments, I feel I have to speak up for the Orisson people, even if it is only me
Admittedly, I have only ever booked with a phone call. I had no problems. Always found them very profesionnal and what’s more, very nice.(And once there, very helpful, if needed).
I speak French but I am from Paris, just as foreign as you all are, wherever you come from.
Maybe just a few words of Basque would go a long way….
Bonjour (hello) Kaixo
Merci (thank you) Eskerrik asko
Au-revoir (goodbye) Agur
They taught me those, because I asked
I don’t disagree with you at all. All of the things you mention actually applied to me. And regardless of any planning I did, nothing turned out as I had planned. I didn’t suggest everyone will be offered a place, but I do believe that they set a few places aside. As I said there is a fairly recent posting on the forum about how Orisson was dealing w the pandemic. See belowSorry but I don’t agree with this let it just unfold advice for people who have never done “this” before, never been to the country before, are maybe jet lagged, are not sure of their cardio vascular fitness level and not sure of their endurance level. They should have a fairly clear idea of their first day out from SJPP. We, too, were offered a place once when we stopped at Orisson (didn’t accept it), so what. It doesn’t mean that everyone who sets out from SJPP today will be offered a place.
This is the same text that you currently see when you open the Orisson website, except that it no longer says We hope to open the Refuge the 19th of may; it now says REFUGE OPEN !! The text is mainly about how they are going to deal with "deposits" (less willing than in the past to give a refund voluntarily when customer wants to cancel or change dates). Perhaps it's the translation but what they call deposit actually means the full amount that you pay for bed, dinner and breakfast.As I said there is a fairly recent posting on the forum about how Orisson was dealing w the pandemic. See below
Actually, I am heartened that you’re defending them!Omg, I cannot believe I am defending Orisson but I feel I have to.
They never used to have cancellation policies - in 2012 I had booked a bed but cancelled it on the day when I arrived at 10.30 in the morning and decided to walk on…. No questions asked.
i think many people assumed (like I did) they would not be able to go any further and it turned out they could, so they cancelled.
Can you run a business that way?
A few years later, it had all changed. You booked and payed, end of story.
i couldn’t blame them, cos I had been there!
Can you let us know what Borda was like when you're back.Thank you for the tip about Albergue Borda. Already booked it, took me 2 minutesAnd it looks and sounds wonderful. Plus I don’t have to change my plans ..hehe.
The Refuge Orisson is a fantastic place too, and their new dormitories (under that outdoor platform bar) are great. I loved staying there every time, one of the main reasons for that was the communal dinner with the detailed rounds of introduction, so you already have 64 more or less familiar faces which you might or not see again and again during the rest of your Camino.
I am just angry and frustrated about their lack of care and responsiveness. It can’t be that difficult, especially when you force people to use a “reservation website”.
There are currently 27 reviews on booking.comCan you let us know what Borda was like when you're back.
It will be some time before a Camino is possible - but I'm already checking out accommodation options.
I like that it is further up the mountain, closer to Roncesvalles.
Hi Mac... perhaps my post sounded too negative. I agree with you... it's a glorious setting and what they do, they do very well. I do get very frustrated with their booking process and because of that I have to make alternative plans, not because I didn't enjoy the 5 evenings that I've already spent there.Just to avoid misunderstandings: I started this thread only because the booking process for the Refuge Orisson is so extremely frustrating and dysfunctional.
I have stayed at Orisson thrice in 5 years. I really like the place and felt very comfortable each time. Once you are there, the service is fine, the food is great, the atmosphere is nice, the views are beautiful, the family works very hard. The communal dinner is a great experience, especially for first timers.
The accommodation is OK too for a pilgrim (the new rooms under the platform are excellent). It is not an Albergue, but a mountain refuge, where water is scant and everything has to be transported up the mountain.
I regret that this has turned somewhat into a Orisson bashing thread and makes them look bad. I suggest deleting or at least discontinuing this thread now.
——— x ———
thank youAuberge Borda is 1 kilometer further along the Route Napoleon. Google Maps has 35 reviews, all 5 star. Gronze has the shared dormitory, half board costing 40€.
View attachment 105945
Glad you mentioned the Express Bourricot Shuttle - a practical solution if concerned about changing reservations. Does it operate with Covid restrictions?I stopped at Orisson for a snack and a drink and walked on to the Virgin. Then I took the Express Bourricot Shuttle back down to SJPDP. The next morning, the shuttle dropped me off at the Virgin, and I was off. I was the only non-French person in the shuttle those two days. This allowed me two days in SJPDP with access to stores in case I needed something. It was my first Camino.
The people at Orisson were very nice to me during my brief visit and I sat outside chatting with new friends on a spectacular day.
I like the idea of a spot further on. I wanted to more evenly split my two days into about the same distance. If I do this again, I would consider the albergue further along, but would probably still stop at Orisson for a rest and a snack.
Similar experience in 2019; with the greatest of expectations we got there ( after confirming ) but the chap said he had not received my Credit Card ( was going back n forth communicating for months).. so had to walk on to Roncevalles... when you have planned a half and things go balloon shaped it effects your body too ... arrived into Roncevalles limping with swollen knees.. ( no beds)... had to move to the next village ( wonderful Lady who treated my knees and what a blissful sleep).. IF I ever walk again from SJpDePort it would have to be the Valcarlos ( not the Napoleon route). Happy the monopoly is being stirred..! Buen Camino! Te Cuidas!I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, or just disorganized, or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
Just a quick note. My husband and I successfully made reservations for Orisson on the 24th of July, for the night of August 18th via their web site. Paid 1/2 now and 1/2 when we arrive, same as years prior. It did take them almost a week to respond. They ARE open. Who knows, luck of the draw getting a response. We had tried earlier to book Valcarlos who kindly sent us an email stating they were closed due to Covid. Yesterday, (August 6th) they sent my hubby another email stating that they are now open again. We would have preferred Valcarlos, but alas had already paid half for Orisson. Hopefully we will see some of you on the Camino in a week and a half. Soooo excited!Finally, let us say Orisson is presently closed. Valcarlos is open
Had the amount been charged to your credit card or not?but the chap said he had not received my Credit Card ( was going back n forth communicating for months).
If other pilgrims are in this situation in the future they can get a taxi back to St Jean from Orisson, spend the night and taxi back to Orisson in the morning.Similar experience in 2019; with the greatest of expectations we got there ( after confirming ) but the chap said he had not received my Credit Card ( was going back n forth communicating for months).. so had to walk on to Roncevalles... when you have planned a half and things go balloon shaped it effects your body too ... arrived into Roncevalles limping with swollen knees.. ( no beds)... had to move to the next village ( wonderful Lady who treated my knees and what a blissful sleep).. IF I ever walk again from SJpDePort it would have to be the Valcarlos ( not the Napoleon route). Happy the monopoly is being stirred..! Buen Camino! Te Cuidas!
My experience with Orisson mirrors your own, Domigee. I e-mailed them with my details then phoned a few days later from my home in Washington State. The person with whom I spoke was friendly, and when I arrived on April 22, 2017, I was shown to my quarters and made to feel welcome. A great first day on the Camino. So, thank you, good people of Orisson, for making it so.Well, after reading all these comments, I feel I have to speak up for the Orisson people, even if it is only me
Admittedly, I have only ever booked with a phone call. I had no problems. Always found them very profesionnal and what’s more, very nice.(And once there, very helpful, if needed).
I speak French but I am from Paris, just as foreign as you all are, wherever you come from.
Maybe just a few words of Basque would go a long way….
Bonjour (hello) Kaixo
Merci (thank you) Eskerrik asko
Au-revoir (goodbye) Agur
They taught me those, because I asked
I think there have been a number of posts about several caminos that beds are tight due to covid restrictions. I don’t think anyone should assume there will be a surplus of beds on any route, especially since this is vacation season and covid isn’t getting any quieter.Orisson, Orisson, Orisson. So much has been written about Orisson in this forum about its communication failings. Have you tried a phone call?
I fully understand, by the description how this is key to planning. But I must ask, if there is any idea of how quiet the Camino Frances is right now? When I have been there, no reservations were needed. Now, the Path is desolate. A friend started at SJPdP 2 weeks ago and up to Belorado, had only seen 50 Peregrinos. Honestly, there is no need for reservations. And there seems to be sufficient flow to ensure that there are enough places open to ensure accommodation.
Finally, let us say Orisson is presently closed. Valcarlos is open. It can allow your itinerary to remain on time. Another option would be to take a cab up to where the path leaves the road at the Iron Cross. Doing this could save a day's walking but the first cielo would be Roncesvalles.
Hope seeing the options is a help.
I am considering doing the same thing. I understand there is a shuttle too. How do you find out the bus / shuttle schedules….or will the taxi pick you up whenever you call? Which is the easiest / best?I stayed at Orisson my first time, and did not sleep well at all. great experience with the communal dinner and meeting other pilgrims. I have since stayed 2 nights in SJPP, taxi down to hotel and in the morning taxi back to where I stopped. there is also a bus to the Virgin. I'm using the bus to/from SJPP start of sept.
Express Bouricott runs this serviceI am considering doing the same thing. I understand there is a shuttle too. How do you find out the bus / shuttle schedules….or will the taxi pick you up whenever you call? Which is the easiest / best?
1/I am starting my 6th Camino next week from StJPdP. I have stayed three times at Orisson and the reservation experience was very very poor …
however this time it is the worst.
- I entered a reservation request in their web-based reservation system 3-4 weeks ago. No response at all.
- I went to their reservation website very day the past 10 days, it is permanently “under maintenance”
- I then wrote via their resevation@refuge-orisson …. eMail address, no response since days
- I wrote to the wanadoo email address they list on gronze, no response.
Are they out of business, closed, or just disorganized, or is there some other reason?
Has anyone stayed there these past 4 weeks? Was it full?
My problem is that if I don’t stay in Orisson, my first 4-5 daily etappes will be different, and I would have to cancel the reservations Inhave made for the first 3 nights and replan.
I am considering doing the same thing. I understand there is a shuttle too. How do you find out the bus / shuttle schedules….or will the taxi pick you up whenever you call? Which is the easiest / best?
My mind keeps going back to the Codex Calixtinus. I never came across a section on reservations, except those of going on such a long journey on foot.I think there have been a number of posts about several caminos that beds are tight due to covid restrictions. I don’t think anyone should assume there will be a surplus of beds on any route, especially since this is vacation season and covid isn’t getting any quieter.
is this a reason to panic—I think not, but I also think everyone’s plans/bank book should be able to deal with needing a few nights in more expensive accommodations than originally planned.
And I never came across a section in the Codex Calixtinus that praises the supposedly beneficial and liberating effect of not booking ahead. Let's face it: the Codex Calixtinus is neither for nor against booking ahead. We have the choice, they didn't: We can choose to fly to SJPP and book a night in Orisson; they could not do either of the two.My mind keeps going back to the Codex Calixtinus. I never came across a section on reservations, except those of going on such a long journey on foot.
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