Should I prebook a room in Santiago?

[Stellaluna]

Hello all,
I am starting in SJPdP on the 5th of July and need to fly out of Santiago to Paris on the 8th of August. I hope to be able to spend 2 nights in Santiago (that would be around the 6-7 of August.) So my question is, do I need to pre-book? And also, what are some of your favourite places to stay there?
Thanks,
Jennifer (who can hardly wait!!!!)

 

[MaryLynn]

Twice I have stayed at the Seminario Menor, a ten minute walk to the Cathedral - once in the 'dorm' section and once I paid a few euros extra and had my own room (a very small but private 'monk's room' with a bed and sink. It was nice to retain the simplicity of the Camino to the very end. Not sure you can book ahead, but I think you can stay a second night there.

 

[mspath]

See this recent Forum thread for other posts re Santiago accommodation.

Buen camino!

 

[Mark Lee]

A lot of good places to stay while in Santiago. It all depends on your budget and taste.
It's a cool town at night. Lot's of eating and drinking places till da wee hours.

 

[traveler]

I'd book ahead now and stay at San Martin across from the Cathedral.

 

[kelleymac]

Twice I have stayed at the Seminario Menor, a ten minute walk to the Cathedral - once in the 'dorm' section and once I paid a few euros extra and had my own room (a very small but private 'monk's room' with a bed and sink. It was nice to retain the simplicity of the Camino to the very end. Not sure you can book ahead, but I think you can stay a second night there.

You can stay many nights there. I had booked a hotel in Santiago as a reward, but we arrived two days early and stayed at the Seminario Menor and we liked it so much that we ended up canceling our hotel booking. There is a great kitchen, a beautiful park for picnics, wifi, a small shop where you can buy essentials for a meal and coffee in the morning. Right across the park is Santiago, and an incredible market! We feasted with other pilgrims. It was a wonderful end to our Camino.

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hello all,
I am starting in SJPdP on the 5th of July and need to fly out of Santiago to Paris on the 8th of August. I hope to be able to spend 2 nights in Santiago (that would be around the 6-7 of August.) So my question is, do I need to pre-book? And also, what are some of your favourite places to stay there?
Thanks,
Jennifer (who can hardly wait!!!!)

Hola - you are arriving in Santiago in the busiest period of the year. I'd advise you to book well in advance

John

 

[Stellaluna]

Thanks, everyone. I booked Hospedaria San Martin. I can cancel up until the day before if my plans change. Impressive!

 

[woodswoman]

I'd book ahead now and stay at San Martin across from the Cathedral.

I totally agree. San Martin Pinario (formerly known as Seminario Major) is an excellent place to end your stay. What I learned this last time on the Camino is that if you go to their website, it says they are full. But they are also a place for full-price rooms for conferences, and THAT's what the website is for.

If you CALL them or e-mail them, tell them you are a pilgrim and you would like a room for your two nights, they will reserve one for you on the "pilgrim" levels, Level 3 and 4. Simple room with bath, and an exceptional breakfast each morning, for about 22 Euro. They have a dining room (two actually) and they also serve lunch and dinner at Menu del Dia prices, but good quality food. I've stayed there for 5-6 days after each of my Caminos. They have a large, welcoming community room with fireplace, and people relax, write, check their email (free wi-fi), etc. Just across from the "exit" entrance to the Cathedral. HIGHLY recommend it. Just don't get discouraged when you find that on the website you can't make a pilgrim's arrangement.

 

[Stellaluna]

I totally agree. San Martin Pinario (formerly known as Seminario Major) is an excellent place to end your stay. What I learned this last time on the Camino is that if you go to their website, it says they are full. But they are also a place for full-price rooms for conferences, and THAT's what the website is for.

If you CALL them or e-mail them, tell them you are a pilgrim and you would like a room for your two nights, they will reserve one for you on the "pilgrim" levels, Level 3 and 4. Simple room with bath, and an exceptional breakfast each morning, for about 22 Euro. They have a dining room (two actually) and they also serve lunch and dinner at Menu del Dia prices, but good quality food. I've stayed there for 5-6 days after each of my Caminos. They have a large, welcoming community room with fireplace, and people relax, write, check their email (free wi-fi), etc. Just across from the "exit" entrance to the Cathedral. HIGHLY recommend it. Just don't get discouraged when you find that on the website you can't make a pilgrim's arrangement.

I reserved online and included a note requesting the pilgrim's rate.
Thanks

 

[shubertj]

Thanks, everyone. I booked Hospedaria San Martin. I can cancel up until the day before if my plans change. Impressive!

Great choice !!!!!!

 

[Angie94]

I just booked my room this week at Hospederia San Martin for two nights when I arrive in Santiago in late June and I am glad I did! Reservations have been confirmed. For me, it's just one less thing to have to fret about.
(Also booked a night on my return from walking to Finisterre)
A wonderful tip from a camino angel on this forum! Thank you!!