Technology/Hostel Changes Since 2009?

[Ginny Bartolone]

Hi all! I hiked the Camino Frances in September/October of 2009, and am headed back this July. We were right on the cusp of smart phones when I went back then, and I am assuming there have been a good deal of technological changes in the Camino world. My biggest concern is booking hostels ahead of time--is this commonly necessary in the busy season of summer? And if so, are hostels primarily booked by calling? Thank you so much for your help!! Can't wait to go back!

 

[SYates]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Pretty much all of the albergues have now wifi and many also there own website with booking/reservation facilities. Quite a lot of them are also on booking.com. As for booking ahead - I am pretty much in the "wing it" camp on that one. The number of albergues has increased tremendously, so finding a bed shouldn't be a problem, but it might not be in the albergue you fancy. Personally I would book the first night and then max a day ahead. Buen Camino, SY

 

[Ginny Bartolone]

Hi and welcome to the forum. Pretty much all of the albergues have now wifi and many also there own website with booking/reservation facilities. Quite a lot of them are also on booking.com. As for booking ahead - I am pretty much in the "wing it" camp on that one. The number of albergues has increased tremendously, so finding a bed shouldn't be a problem, but it might not be in the albergue you fancy. Personally I would book the first night and then max a day ahead. Buen Camino, SY

All so helpful to know, SY--Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Camino Chris]

All so helpful to know, SY--Thank you so much for your help!

Hello Ginny, I am a newbie on this site, too. I had the same concerns for my upcoming spring 2017 Camino, especially since I will be a group of 4 family members. I recently used booking.com to reserve our first few days and noticed many albergue type lodgings were already getting filled up. Since I do not know Spanish, I cannot look at other website options. On my 2015 Camino, I had the reception desk call ahead for me a couple of times when needed, but basically thought everyone on pilgrimage took it "one day at a time" like in the movie, The Way. Ha, I assumed wrong!

 

[Anemone del Camino]

In July, and unless you plan on finishing your days early afternoon I would book. Of course if day after day you realise you are not walking in a wave of people, then you can stop.

Any person picking up a phone in an albergue has a good idea of what English speaking pilgrims are calling for: a bed! You don't need perfect grammar or vocab. "Una cama para manana por favor" will do it.

 

[dougfitz]

Last year I used a combination of www.gronze.com for contact phone numbers to ring, and booking.com for online bookings. We used Corazon Puro on the night before arriving in SJPP, and started booking after Pamplona. I normally only booked for the following day, but after Sarria, booked several days ahead.

 

[Ginny Bartolone]

In July, and unless you plan on finishing your days early afternoon I would book. Of course if day after day you realise you are not walking in a wave of people, then you can stop.

Any person picking up a phone in an albergue has a good idea of what English speaking pilgrims are calling for: a bed! You don't need perfect grammar or vocab. "Una cama para manana por favor" will do it.

I will definitely remember that phrase, thank you so much! We usually tried to finish (when it was within out control) by 1ish when I went in 2009, so like you said, I guess we'll play it by ear. Thanks for your help!

 

[Ginny Bartolone]

Hello Ginny, I am a newbie on this site, too. I had the same concerns for my upcoming spring 2017 Camino, especially since I will be a group of 4 family members. I recently used booking.com to reserve our first few days and noticed many albergue type lodgings were already getting filled up. Since I do not know Spanish, I cannot look at other website options. On my 2015 Camino, I had the reception desk call ahead for me a couple of times when needed, but basically thought everyone on pilgrimage took it "one day at a time" like in the movie, The Way. Ha, I assumed wrong!

Very good to know, and have a wonderful trip this Spring! The one-day-at-a-time deal worked for us back then, so who knows, I'm sure there are plenty of factors that change that depending on your group. But it's really nice to know there is this option now, especially when you're hiking with your family. Thanks for your help!

 

[Ginny Bartolone]

Last year I used a combination of www.gronze.com for contact phone numbers to ring, and booking.com for online bookings. We used Corazon Puro on the night before arriving in SJPP, and started booking after Pamplona. I normally only booked for the following day, but after Sarria, booked several days ahead.

All excellent to know, thank you!

 

[movinmaggie]

All excellent to know, thank you!

Just a reminder that Corazon Puro will be closing and are not talking reservations. They've had to cancel many who were booked.