Space at hostels last two weeks in April 2011?

[onthemove]

I plan to walk alone from Leon to Santiago de Compostela from mid to end of April 2011. Seeing as Easter falls right in the middle of my dates I was wondering if someone can advise me if it would be a problem getting accomodation along the route. Is it necessary to book in advance/is this a possibility at all or are the hostels on a first come first served basis each day? Any advice would be much appreciated!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Municipal and parochial albergues are first come, first serve. Private albergues may take reservations. Hostals and hotels usually take reservation. It generally is reported that the "Camino provides" and a bed is always available. That has been my experience, but it is no guarantee. Many beds were added last year to take advantage of the Holy Year crowds. This year it should become excess capacity. Still, it is no guarantee.

Have fun!

 

[onthemove]

Thanks for the tip. Yes, seeing as last year was a Holy Year it would make sense that there will be extra options to find a bed even this year, especially around Easter, which I presume is one of the busiest times of the year. I'll book my trip today and throw caution to the wind;-) Can't wait to get started now, have been meaning to do this walk for years!

 

[skilsaw]

I walked the Via de la Plata in April and May of 2006.

on the Saturday of the Easter weekend I got caught in a city with, my guidebook said, no albergues (pilgrims hostals) I walked around town from 5:00pm until 7:00 pm and found no room in hotel after hotel. My guidebook said their was an albergue in the first village, 17 kms up the camino.

Rather than walk another 3 hours and arrive very late, I jumped in a taxi and found a bed in the next village. Problem solved. In talking with the pilgrims there, I found out there was an albergue in Merida. But it was no big deal.

Everything will work out.
David, Victoria, Canada.

 

[Hedwig]

Oh dear... now I am worried. I just decided to leave my sleepingmat at home. I read somewhere on this forum that it is not a big problem on de Camino Frances in the villages. That the problem can be in the bigger city's. I am planning to stay in the Refugios but a hostal or hotel is also an option, and if I follow my schedule I will be in Ponferrada on Saturday the 23th of April. Is it wise to book a hotel?

 

[skilsaw]

I wouldn't want to tie my whole Camino to one hotel reservation in the middle. It sort of kills spontenaity. My personal choice would be to go without a reservation, so I didn't have to arrive in a particular city on a certain day.

I'm a firm believer that everything will work out. Heard stories of pilgrims spending a night in the door alcove of a church. It's not so bad and makes a good story when you get home. I've heard lots of summer stories of sleeping under the stars because the weather was so beautiful. Haven't seen it, or done it inperson though.

 

[Alan Pearce]

I start the Via de la Plata on March 31st. I have reserved a room at Hotel Don Juan [love the name] in Salamanca for Easter Thursday and Easter Friday. I booked this some months ago, and found that most of the hotels there wanted at least a 3 day booking before they would accept a reservation at Easter time. I do not feel my camino is compromised because I have a set date to be in Salamanca, as I have days either side of that time that are flexible as to whether I walk or not. I am looking forward to Salamanca immensely. I am comfortable with my decision.

buen camino

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous

 

[camino07]

Alan, will you be doing a blog on your Via de la Plata? It would be so good to read about your trip.
I am hoping to walk that Way in April/May 2012 All info gratefully accepted.
Buen Camino
Heather

 

[Alan Pearce]

Hi Heather

I doubt that I will do a blog of my journey. Laurie has done a very good one and I would defer to her and others I will certainly keep a diary of the days doings and if anything of note occurs, I may post it on the forum after I get home.

buen camino

Alan

Be brave. Life is joyous.

 

[Hedwig]

I wouldn't want to tie my whole Camino to one hotel reservation in the middle. It sort of kills spontenaity. My personal choice would be to go without a reservation, so I didn't have to arrive in a particular city on a certain day.

I'm a firm believer that everything will work out. Heard stories of pilgrims spending a night in the door alcove of a church. It's not so bad and makes a good story when you get home. I've heard lots of summer stories of sleeping under the stars because the weather was so beautiful. Haven't seen it, or done it inperson though.

Yes, afcourse you are right! I will take it as it comes.
Thank you!