SJPDP - your accommodation recommendations, and why...

[Joanne P]

Ok Everyone
I would love to know your preferred accommodation in SJPDP, and why.
Thank you

 

[Robo]

There are many and varied tastes on that topic! I use Hôtel Ramuntcho.

1. I like privacy so I don't use Albergues.
2. This is very central.
3. Not too expensive.
4. Comfortable.
5. Nice breakfast

But there are loads of options in St Jean...

 

[mspath]

For me the Camino Frances could ONLY begin at the municipal albergue in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the picturesque Basque mountain town in the French Pyrenees. Excitement always started while riding there on the little train from Bayonne. Once arrived after hoisting my pack, walking uphill and through the old fortress walls to the 39 rue de la Citadelle office of the welcoming Amis du Chemin de St Jacques to obtain my Credential and bunk, I walked on.

Nearby at 55 was the famous red door of the municipal albergue. Pushing it open began each new Camino adventure. Mme Jeannine, the tireless hospitalera greeted all and serendipity prevailed. ...May it continue to be so.

Ultreia!

 

[Bradypus]

Beilari. Very warm welcome and the communal evening meal makes a great start to a camino. For complicated personal reasons I explained recently in another thread (link below) I have had the privilege of sharing that evening meal 5 times and each has been a pleasure.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...d-a-hospy-mark-your-camino.50377/#post-549921

 

[A Sime]

Beilari. Very warm welcome and the communal evening meal makes a great start to a camino. For complicated personal reasons I explained recently in another thread (link below) I have had the privilege of sharing that evening meal 5 times and each has been a pleasure.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...d-a-hospy-mark-your-camino.50377/#post-549921

I will be arriving there from LePuy route and it will be my last night's stay, not my first. I am thinking my thoughts might be different at the end of a Camino instead of at the beginning of one.

 

[domigee]

San Martin Pinario. Very central in Santiago, directly across from the back side of the cathedral. Upper floors are the old monk cells. Super clean accomodations. 40 Euro for a couple with a very nice breakfast included, single rooms available for less

VERY good advice for Santiago but... the OP wanted to know about accommodation in St Jean PdePort
I liked the Kaserna albergue... The Beilari (then Esprit du Chemin) i had booked with let me down.... Although I had given them the times of my flight to Biarritz and the time of my train Bayonne to StJean therefore my arrival time.....
Because I didn't phone to confirm ON the day, they didn't keep my booking. This was in 2012 when I didn't even use a mobile phone as we do now
Kaserna was wonderful and so were the hospitaleros.

 

[Deleted member 56069]

VERY good advice for Santiago but... the OP wanted to know about accommodation in St Jean PdePort
I liked the Kaserna albergue... The Beilari (then Esprit du Chemin) i had booked with let me down.... Although I had given them the times of my flight to Biarritz and the time of my train Bayonne to StJean therefore my arrival time.....
Because I didn't phone to confirm ON the day, they didn't keep my booking. This was in 2012 when I didn't even use a mobile phone as we do now
Kaserna was wonderful and so were the hospitaleros.

Brain dead moment, was thinking Santiago, not Saint Jean as the poster requested, but yes a very nice place to stay in Santiago.

 

[domigee]

Brain dead moment, was thinking Santiago, not Saint Jean as the poster requested, but yes a very nice place to stay in Santiago.

It is and well worth mentioning

 

[Joanne P]

For me the Camino Frances could ONLY begin at the municipal albergue in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the picturesque Basque mountain town in the French Pyrenees. Excitement always started while riding there on the little train from Bayonne. Once arrived after hoisting my pack, walking uphill and through the old fortress walls to the 39 rue de la Citadelle office of the welcoming Amis du Chemin de St Jacques to obtain my Credential and bunk, I walked on.

Nearby at 55 was the famous red door of the municipal albergue. Pushing it open began each new Camino adventure. Mme Jeannine, the tireless hospitalera greeted all and serendipity prevailed. ...May it continue to be so.

Ultreia!

Thanks mspath. Do you know if they take advance bookings .... I assume not??

 

[mspath]

Thanks mspath. Do you know if they take advance bookings .... I assume not??

No the municipal albergue in SJPdP does not take bookings.
During past years if places were available you could obtain them in situ through the Pilgrim Office at 39 rue de La Citadelle.

The office is open every day and in season from early in the morning until late at night ie after the arrival of the last bus/train. The helpful multi-lingual volunteers can provide you with a Credential and stamp if needed, as well as a list of major albergues and current weather/ trail conditions. They can also help locate a bed/bunk for the night. Most importantly the office is a great spot to meet/ greet other pilgrims. ...Do plan to stop and chat!

 

[Joanne P]

No the municipal albergue in SJPdP does not take bookings.
During past years if places were available you could obtain them in situ through the Pilgrim Office at 39 rue de La Citadelle.

The office is open every day and in season from early in the morning until late at night ie after the arrival of the last bus/train. The helpful multi-lingual volunteers can provide you with a Credential and stamp if needed, as well as a list of major albergues and current weather/ trail conditions. They can also help locate a bed/bunk for the night. Most importantly the office is a great spot to meet/ greet other pilgrims. ...Do plan to stop and chat!

Sounds like a good plan ... thank you!

 

[kdespot]

Beilari. Very warm welcome and the communal evening meal makes a great start to a camino. For complicated personal reasons I explained recently in another thread (link below) I have had the privilege of sharing that evening meal 5 times and each has been a pleasure.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...d-a-hospy-mark-your-camino.50377/#post-549921

I couldn't agree more. A year ago tonight I began my Camino at Beilari. Joseph and his wife created an ambiance that helped me feel like I was truly a pilgrim at last. The communal dinner was so yummy and supportive. They packed us a lunch the next morning and set us off feeling the spirit of the Camino. Along the way when I encountered pilgrims that I'd shared that first meal with, it was special. I highly recommend Beilari.

 

[HedaP]

This last CF I stayed at Gîte Askorria. I booked one of their private rooms but they also have small dormitories. Travelling from Australia, it's a long way and by the time I arrive I am generally very tired. I need my own space and I'm not a big fan of sharing "Why did you walk the camino?" so early on in the walk. Gîte Askorria has a very kind host, is very comforatable, is a few houses up from the Pilgrim Office, and offers an excellent shared breakfast. We all have different needs and its just a matter of finding a place that suits you best.
Buen camino

 

[pjacobi]

If you are arriving from the US or even longer flights, consider spending 2 nights in SJPDP. This give you a full day to recover from jet lag, while you enjoy this wonderful French town.

-Paul