- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances
SJPP to SdC, 2023
CF, 2024
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
The reservation form on the website is accepting reservation requests for next summer. For those who don't know, reservations at the albergue can only be made through their own website.context?
Did you get an answer that they are full or is booking not possible yet because it's to early? For me it sounds highly unlikely that the albergue is already full 7 month in advance.
Also i would strongly advise against walking 39km on day one. I did it on day 2, knew what i was getting into, felt prepared and did regret it.
Booking 7 months ahead is winging it? I think we must have different dictionaries!I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
It would certainly help us help you, if you would tell us what/how/where you are getting your "information", instead of just giving a sensational headline.I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
It seems to be “the way” these days.It would certainly help us help you, if you would tell us what/how/where you are getting your "information", instead of just giving a sensational headline.
In addition there's the option of spending two nights in SJPDP and using Express Bourricot's Mountain Shuttle to split the first stage.Hola, I am still trying to figure this out. So bare with me. You do not have to walk from St Jean to Roncesvalles in one day. You have the Orisson or Valcarlos day one options. Orison will most likely be closed for the winter - but you should be able to make a booking for April 2023 onwards from early Feb 2023. Not sure if booking available at Valcarlos.
If Roncesvalles still booked out then your day 2 option is Espinal - 7 or 8 km away. Cheers
The Rolling Stones first farewell (are any of us still alive?) tour
Not only can I book at least 30 beds at the pilgrim albergue of Roncesvalles for May 27, 2023 but also for May 28, May 29, and May 30. Plenty of albergue beds available seven months out. So it's time for another reality check, and I hope people read the whole thread and not just the title with the result that not only will they go into a tailspin as they will ""know"" there are are no beds in 2023 but also subsequently alert others to this ""fact""Just for fun, I initiated a booking at the pilgrim albergue of Roncesvalles for the 27th of May 2023. Their reservation system would easily let me book 30 beds
Katharina might be right (assuming that that is what happened): there's nothing wrong with using Booking.com. Just don't rely on it as your only source of information....If I had a guess as to what happened I'd think that you had a look at Booking.com and saw that there were no beds on Booking.com.
Katharina might be right (assuming that that is what happened): there's nothing wrong with using Booking.com. Just don't rely on it as your only source of information....
Consider Orison at a good first start day and then a second day to Roncevalles, it eases you into the Camino and fun place to stay.So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
I find it hard to believe that the monastery has no space for the next 7 months you need to make some form of contact .web address www.alberguederoncesvalles.com .So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
IkrIf I understand the initial post correctly might I suggest:
Calm down - it’s only a walk.
Start in Pamplona.
I usually walk to Orisson and back; then I take an early taxi (Taxi Napoleon) back to Orisson in the morning. I sleep in Burguete which is a pleasant 3 k from Roncesvalles and has nice accommodation.So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
That is what we did this last fall.I usually walk to Orisson and back; then I take an early taxi (Taxi Napoleon) back to Orisson in the morning. I sleep in Burguete which is a pleasant 3 k from Roncesvalles and has nice accommodation.
A bit less and great little village to spend a night. Your historical recommendation added bonus being Hemingway's haunt.Only 3 KMs more to Burguete: https://www.hotelburguete.com/
Brierley says 3.1k but one way or another, it is a lovely part of the Camino at the end of a long day. Flat and through a beautiful, shaded area. I had to ship my bag to Roncesvalles because that is as far as the French transport will take them, so I did not have sleeping bag etc but I was able to rent sheets, blanket and towels at my albergue, the Lorentz Aterpea. I stopped at Roncesvalles to re-label my bag for shipping the next day to my next destination.A bit less and great little village to spend a night.
I'm being positive!Brierley says 3.1k but one way or another, it is a lovely part of the Camino at the end of a long day. Flat and through a beautiful, shaded area. I had to ship my bag to Roncesvalles because that is as far as the French transport will take them, so I did not have sleeping bag etc but I was able to rent sheets, blanket and towels at my albergue, the Lorentz Aterpea. I stopped at Roncesvalles to re-label my bag for shipping the next day to my next destination.
What about staying at Orisson or Borda, and then Espinal?So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
i would think that if Roncesvalles is fully booked, so would Orison and they don't give refund for cancellation.What about staying at Orisson or Borda, and then Espinal?
Yes, but Roncesvalles is not fully booked.i would think that if Roncesvalles is fully booked, so would Orison and they don't give refund for cancellation.
I thought I could wing it in 2019. Missed a bed in Roncesvalles even though arrived by 2.30pm. Walked on to Espinal but was almost ready to go home then. Continued to SDC but missed out on too many beds to wing it very much after that. That " completo" sign was too common.So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
What I find discouraging are people who think what works for them is what everyone should do. What you describe would not be freeing for me. Instead, it would cause me constant anxiety as I walked, worried about where I would sleep. So I will pre-book and enjoy the freedom of walking with that issue removed from my mind, recognizing that I am trading some level of spontaneity for peace of mind. I know for some that would ruin the essence of the Camino but it is best for me.Sigh. Not only is Roncesvalles not booked, but I am discouraged that so many new pilgrims find the need to pre-book at all! There's something so freeing about just walking with a pack and stopping when you feel ready, have found companions you'd like to hang out with, or a tiny little town with one charming Albergue. I have never booked ahead and have always found a bed. That said, I prefer to walk in the shoulder months when things aren't so busy. May should be fine to do that way unless you need a private room. With the exception of Orison which does fill.
Sad isn't it!!It seems to be “the way” these days.
First: I notice that the OP has not acknowledged any replies, or did I flick too fast through all the contributions in this thread? I have been in the wings - is that winging it?So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
Make an appointment at the R Hotel.So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
I think you have misinterpreted the post from bks. His comment was not about booking in Roncesvalles, it was about the needless, sensationalist headline from the OP. However, I’ll let him comment, if he wishes.I find something else sad but I rarely feel the need to share my feelings here: It is the advice that is given by people who have already walked x Caminos to people who have walked zero Caminos and who start in SJPP.
I understand that frequent Camino walkers regard locations merely as interchangeable staging posts - if they can't find a bed here then they just walk to there, it does not matter to them, Roncesvalles or Burguete or Espinal or Zubiri, it is all the same to them. I have learnt to understand that, on Camino, what matters to me a lot, does not matter to others one bit. So be it and I am not trying to impose my views on others but I wish that others would do the same. Suffice it to say that I, too, do not regard the "never book mantra" as particularly liberating no matter how many times it is posted here.
Roncesvalles is a special place for more than one reason but I'll only address the logistics aspect. At certain times of the year, the albergue is full and dozens if not hundreds of first time walkers have to walk on, or if they are physically not able which is likely if they have not yet walked 1000s of Camino kilometers in earlier times and are simply not able to walk more than 24-26 km a day they will be put on a taxi to Pamplona or to elsewhere by the hospitaleros. That is by now a well-known fact. So, with respect to Roncesvalles and to first time Camino walkers: What on earth is so liberating if they don't book an albergue bed for their first night on Camino? Roncesvalles is the place they want to stay and where it is reasonable for them to stay. It is not sad - it is just silly and thoughtless to tell them not to book a bed at one of the hotels or at the albergue of Roncesvalles.
Thanks. I have now edited a few words in my earlier post and I have removed the quote from another post. The essence of what I wrote remains, however: it makes eminent sense for first time Camino walkers who start in SJPP to book their bed in Roncesvalles and there is no need to admonish them when they do.I think you have misinterpreted the post from bks. His comment was not about booking in Roncesvalles, it was about the needless, sensationalist headline from the OP. However, I’ll let him comment, if he wishes.
I read the original post and did what??!!and booked my night in Roncevalles for late April at 1am this morning.
Spain's calendar week starting on Monday caused me to book a train on the day after we wanted. Luckily I caught the mistake right away. Rather than go through the trouble of rebooking the tickets it gave me the opportunity to book us for an extra night in Barcelona.Something to bear in mind for those who are not overly familiar with European calendars ...
If you are using Booking.com for Roncesvalles (except for the Monastery where you can only reach them through email) or any other location along the Camino, please note that albergues, hostels and private altergues only provide a small amount to available beds to be listed through Booking.com as albergues need to pay a fee for their listing. Better to wait until early March to reach albergues directly by phone or email. They are very good at responding to emails.So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
MODERATOR NOTE: Please read the replies below before becoming misled or taking any quick action.
The original title of this thread was misleading.
I have used "bookings" for rooms and hotels, throughout the world with great success. What concerns me is that their service will book "Non-Pilgrims" into albergues. This makes "Reservation-Pilgrims" scramble and the race begins. "Wing It" it's part of the adventure, Public (No Reservations) albergues are fantastic.So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
MODERATOR NOTE:
Please read the replies below before becoming misled or taking any quick action.
The original title of this thread was misleading.
I never thought of that. Some travelers will get quite a surprise.What concerns me is that their service will book "Non-Pilgrims" into albergues.
Dear AnneO —- I completely respect this anxiety management perspective. I do hope for your own sake that what you pre-book is also free to cancel. At least more often by a long shot than not.What I find discouraging are people who think what works for them is what everyone should do. What you describe would not be freeing for me. Instead, it would cause me constant anxiety as I walked, worried about where I would sleep. So I will pre-book and enjoy the freedom of walking with that issue removed from my mind, recognizing that I am trading some level of spontaneity for peace of mind. I know for some that would ruin the essence of the Camino but it is best for me.
Indeed, a very nicely outfitted albergue in which I stayed in September in Leon prior to starting on the Salvador was filled mostly with tourists who found pilgrims to be a very strange surprise even though the hospitaleros were very well-versed in the different caminos one could arrive to/from via Leon.I never thought of that. Some travelers will get quite a surprise.
On the Frances, anyway, the simple solution would be to take a cab or bus part or all of the way to one’s accommodation.Dear AnneO —- I completely respect this anxiety management perspective. I do hope for your own sake that what you pre-book is also free to cancel. At least more often by a long shot than not.
Why?
Because there is a different anxiety many first-time walkers encounter that they had not anticipated in the “I need to know I won’t sleep outside” approach and that is this:
”I know I have 5 blisters on my feet and my knee is shot. I haven’t had more than 5 hours of sleep a night in over a week and I really did not anticipate how hard today’s trail is turning out to be, but I have 10 more KM to go for my reservation and so I have to be there!”
I have run into this particular aspect of challenge more times than I care to count… And it is made worse if the poor pilgrim has also sent baggage forward. On my most recent trip I encountered two women who had, for different reasons, brought suitcases with them and had booked the entire trail to follow their luggage from place to place or else risk losing it. One ended up with bursitis in her hips and the other with feet wrapped in white blister tape. Both lost the ability to enjoy the days as they came…
So, yes, pre-book to feel better, but allow yourself an exit strategy for those days when you just can’t go any further and there’s a great option almost where you are standing.
Buen Camino
If one has the budget for that… People often don’t, at least not to do it more than once. That said, I once needed a taxi due to injury on one of my caminos, and my pension host refused to allow me a taxi and insisted I take the baggage shuttle. He was *livid* about the cost of taxis… and called the baggage carrier for me… it was a difference of something like 6 euros verus 30….On the Frances, anyway, the simple solution would be to take a cab or bus part or all of the way to one’s accommodation.
I returned home from the Camino Frances a few weeks ago - I used the Wise Pilgrim app to find beds along the way and make reservations directly with the albergues. The app includes phone number, whatsapp number & email for albergues (and casa rurals, hotels & hostals) in basically every city. It's a great resource!So, found a spot in Espinal! Do I really have to "hightail" it there AFTER (somehow) actually making it to Roncevalles? Sheesh! I'm trying to "wing it", good people of the Forum, but I'm definitely getting a little "squirrelly"!
MODERATOR NOTE:
Please read the replies below before becoming misled or taking any quick action.
The original title of this thread was misleading.
Wise Pilgrim app is helpful as is Buen Camino and the Camino Ninja apps. for making direct reservations.I returned home from the Camino Frances a few weeks ago - I used the Wise Pilgrim app to find beds along the way and make reservations directly with the albergues. The app includes phone number, whatsapp number & email for albergues (and casa rurals, hotels & hostals) in basically every city. It's a great resource!
Re Orisson, Bookings opened mid December 2022. I reserved only yesterday and waiting confirmation. It takes a little while apparently for confirmation. So am keeping fingers crossed that I get a bed for my mid April start. Booked Roncessvalles and paid, no problem. I'm winging it from thereon.Hola, I am still trying to figure this out. So bare with me. You do not have to walk from St Jean to Roncesvalles in one day. You have the Orisson or Valcarlos day one options. Orison will most likely be closed for the winter - but you should be able to make a booking for April 2023 onwards from early Feb 2023. Not sure if booking available at Valcarlos.
If Roncesvalles still booked out then your day 2 option is Espinal - 7 or 8 km away. Cheers
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?