Ronscesvalles accommodation

[adrianm4492]

Hi. Long time reader, first time poster. I will be starting my Camino in a week from Ronscesvalles after deciding it's too much of a risk starting from SJPDP as I'm not the fittest of people, to say the least! My question is, do I need to book in Ronscesvalles or can I just turn up? I will be arriving from Madrid and will probably arrive after most walkers do. Also, I don't have a credentiale yet, will they let me check in an albergue without one? I will be getting it in Ronscesvalles. Thanks for your help.

 

[mspath]

How excited you must be as you finalize your plans!

There should be no need to book ahead at Roncesvalles albergue at this time of the year; just show up at the open albergue office. You can obtain your Credential on site. Take warm layers since the temperature may be well below freezing.

Buen camino!

 

[jsalt]

Take warm layers since the temperature may be well below freezing.

Hi Margaret, just curious, as I haven’t stayed at Roncesvalles albergue for 4 years, but do they still not provide blankets, even in winter?
Jill

 

[mspath]

Hi Margaret, just curious, as I haven’t stayed at Roncesvalles albergue for 4 years, but do they still not provide blankets, even in winter?
Jill

The last time I stayed mid-October 2015 there were no blankets per usual in the recently renovated big albergue. During earlier visits staying in the 'hidden' (opposite the cloister entrance ) ad hoc tiny winter albergue there definitely were no blankets. Perhaps SYates can post an update on this winter's blankets.

 

[adrianm4492]

Thanks Margaret, very helpful. Yes, very excited. And a little scared, but I'm sure I'll be ok.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola - this is what SY posted for Roncesvalles:
Albergue Roncesvalles: The posh new albergue is closed during winter, so people sleep in part of the old one. To find the pilgrims reception (when coming via the Camino) cross the whole area until you reach the main entrance, go out the gate and turn immediately left and through the first door at your left. There isn't much sign posting to find it, but the people that work in Roncesvalles will point you the way. The albergue opens at 16:00 but you can leave your backpack in the entrance and have a look around until then.

It has one common area with a microwave (not that you can buy anything to heat in it and there are also no kitchen utilities whatsoever. One cramped dormitory (beds touching each other), showers, toilets, no blankets, but washing machine and dryer. For the washing machine you have to ask for soap in the office, so not sure about the price. The albergue itself costs 8 Euros.

Eating: I had a lunch snack at Casa Sabina which was excellent, but for nostalgic reasons booked the pilgrims menu this evening. If you like to eat well I suggest to skip the pilgrims menu and go in any of the restaurants for an a la carte meal or a more expensive menu.

Alternative Accommodation: La Posada has at the moment an offer at 20 Euro for a single room including breakfast (not sure about double room price). I was really tempted but again for nostalgic reasons I bunked down in the albergue which is in that part of Roncesvalles which I know from years back.

(with greatful thanks to SY for all the help she has provided to myself and countless other pilgrims). Cheers