Reservations in private albergues

After a "no room at ANY inn" experience I felt the same as you---though it was in a town that had less available accommodation than some, it unnerved me as I was hurting, over extended and was actually in a tricky spot.

I found almost exclusively that hospitaleros were willing to call ahead--even with good advice when I was looking for a private for a rest day. I usually did just the day ( max 2) before and it was never an issue. ( this past May)

Even with limited Spanish I was able to call places myself and successfully reserve when I needed to. Another time I would learn how to pronounce letters in Spanish as sometimes it got interesting, but got done. Amazing what you can do when you need to. I did have a cell phone. I tried to remember...they are expecting these calls and do it all the time.

Some private albergues, pensions etc do use some online services like booking.com and I used that a few times.

Just my experience. Buen Camino.

I found that many of the private ones are advertised well ahead at junctions, on telephone poles etc and we would ring ahead while on the road. Other times people from the private albergues would travel back along the track and hand out leaflets advertising their places. Any time we rang ahead it all worked out except in Ciruena but thats a whole other story. Learn a few phrases saying sorry for your poor Spanish and for booking a private room etc, as I did, and you will be fine

Lise T said:

I rang ahead the day before. Normally about 3.30-4pm each day.

For me it was peace of mind as well. All I had to do was walk and then arrive.

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ghostinyou said:

Hello! I am curious how far in advance I can make a reservation at a private albergue. Is it typical to just call the day before? Or email? we aren't looking to book the whole thing in advance as we want some flexibility day to day. Starting from Leon in mid-August. The concern is that my friend and I walk slow. I am fine with that! Not looking to start at 3am each day to "beat" other pilgrims for beds! But I think having a reservation may give a bit of peace of mind so we can enjoy the day's walk at whatever pace is feeling good. thank you.

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Hi my friends have a Pension/Albergue in Brea near Pedruzo. They tend to get bookings during the morning or the day before and usually are able to accommodate people. However they have only just opened and I don't know how busy things get in August. For more information see theway.org.es From what I have heard it is the Council Albergue's that get full.

This year was the first time I ever called and made on-the-road reservations (first time carrying a phone, actually). I called the morning of the day I needed a bed. My Spanish is quite limited but generally I was able to make myself understood with only one hilarious misunderstanding -- They got my phone number right, but my name and gender completely wrong. Go figure.