- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23
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It is always worth checking directly with an accommodation listed by any booking service! Both availabilities and/or prices may differ. Such accommodation pays a fee to that service and thus their stated price on that service link reflects that fee. Furthermore all rooms are not always listed with any service. Thus for the lowest price and/or unlisted room find the accommodation website or telephone and ask directly.
We are doing a short stretch from Pamplona to Logrono in June. I booked most of our accommodation through booking.com a few months ago. Recently my daughter decided to join us, when I went to book her rooms I found that a couple of places were sold out. This year has been declared a Holy Year, so I think the Camino is going to be busier than usual, that could account for the rush on rooms, particularly on the stretch you are walking.
Good idea. I might have to hire a Spanish speaker for a day to make the bookings
Hi,
My wife and I are planning a short Camino from Sarria in mid May. (Please note we prefer private accommodation)
On the CF last year I tended to book 1 or 2 days ahead. And for the 'final 100' I actually booked all my stops 3-4 days before hitting Sarria. Many I called ahead. But I used booking.com a lot as well. It worked really well.
I'm starting to look at small hotels now. On Booking.com
And many are already booked.
I can also confirm that the hotels don't release all rooms to booking.com. Depending on the size of the place, the proprietors have to agree that they will leave a certain number of rooms available just for booking. That means they run the risk of filling up their non-booking rooms and being stuck with booking.com rooms being empty. But I think the situation is usually the reverse -- the booking.com rooms are all filled while the hotel itself still has rooms available.
Robo, I have a very cheap Spanish calling card and can call Spain for about 3 cents a minute, so I'm happy to make a few calls for you, I'll PM you. Buen camino, Laurie
Ok now you've got me concerned. I'm starting from Roncesvalles either the 27th or 28th of March. Are the munis and albs also in danger of being full, or only the privates as Robo first asked? I don't want to book ahead and be committed way in advance as to how far I'll get. Also, I'm planning to be in Pamplona before hand for Easter; has anyone been there before for holy week? And, I missed the Pope "declaring" a Jubilee year; can someone direct me to an article explaining this? And to anyone whose Camino may overlap mine: I look forward to meeting you!!
Buen Camino!
Calma, calma. You will be okay. There will always be a place to stay, especially that early in the Camino season.Ok now you've got me concerned. I'm starting from Roncesvalles either the 27th or 28th of March. Are the munis and albs also in danger of being full, or only the privates as Robo first asked? I don't want to book ahead and be committed way in advance as to how far I'll get. Also, I'm planning to be in Pamplona before hand for Easter; has anyone been there before for holy week? And, I missed the Pope "declaring" a Jubilee year; can someone direct me to an article explaining this? And to anyone whose Camino may overlap mine: I look forward to meeting you!!
Buen Camino!
I agree with the above comments.
There are other similar websites you can try, less well-known/well-used than booking.com.
www.travelrepublic.com
www.lowcostholidays.com
www.venere.com
www.trivago.co.uk
www.laterooms.com
www.hotels4u.com
I've used most of these at some point over the past few years, and usually check them against each other for the best prices.
Hi Tom,...
You need to remain flexible. Sometimes the best you can do for private accommodation is to book a place a few kilometers off the main route.
...
As regards asking someone to call a taxi, I have yet another saved Spanish script that I can show a cafe or tienda proprietor or anyone around who speaks Spanish well enough to call for a taxi to take me to (location)....
Hi Tom,
I'm just doing St Jean to Santo Domingo, consulting gronze and miam miam dodo. They seem to be comprehensive wrt places just off the main route, of which there are not many on this stretch. Is there any other reference source?
For taxis, I have memorised 'me puede pedir un taxi?'. Will this suffice?
I'm only doing St Jean to Santa Domingo this time and trying to avoid Brierley stages. Have found several places booked out, both on booking.com and direct approach. This is for mid-late April. Couldn't pass up the chance to stay in a parador in S. Domingo but the paradores site showed NO availability for dates that were on booking.com. Might be some kind of glitch.
Hi Tom,
I'm just doing St Jean to Santo Domingo, consulting gronze and miam miam dodo. They seem to be comprehensive wrt places just off the main route, of which there are not many on this stretch. Is there any other reference source?
For taxis, I have memorised 'me puede pedir un taxi?'. Will this suffice?
I'm only doing St Jean to Santa Domingo this time and trying to avoid Brierley stages. Have found several places booked out, both on booking.com and direct approach. This is for mid-late April. Couldn't pass up the chance to stay in a parador in S. Domingo but the paradores site showed NO availability for dates that were on booking.com. Might be some kind of glitch.
Hi Seb, I did first try Paradores website hoping for the seniors discount, but the website showed no availability, so I had to get in on booking.com. But thanks for the tip, perhaps a phone call is needed. I know it's ridiculous in this day and age but it seems like a major undertaking to ring Spain from here in faraway Oz. I suppose they would speak English?Hi Lachance, try booking through the Paradores website. They offer discounts for pilgrims, those over 55 (just one of the people staying in the room has to qualify) and younger people. Try to find the phone number and get in touch directly. When I stayed at the Leon Parador - booked thro' Booking.com - on arrival the receptionist said it was a pity I had not contacted them directly as I would have been given the reduced rate.
We're not all big tough ex-marines who are old Camino hands and experienced in travelling to all sorts of out of the way places. I say Vaseline smells! But you've made me happy about booking 2 nights in Pamplona, thanks for that bit.One thing for sure I can recommend when walking the Camino is to let go of all the ridiculous fears and worries we have at home.
Not hard to imagine reasons. I'm somewhat tentative about rocking up to reception in a backpack all sweaty and dishevelled. But it's at the end of my first Camino, so wth.I stayed in that one. Had to try one at some stage
It was lovely...........but felt a bit odd for some reason
Not hard to imagine reasons. I'm somewhat tentative about rocking up to reception in a backpack all sweaty and dishevelled. But it's at the end of my first Camino, so wth.
I would suggest getting hold of the local phone number of the Paradore and calling them direct just start with Hablas Ingles? and they will put you on to someone who speaks English. Also It might be worth signing up for their Amigos card. Good luck/Buen Camino!Hi Seb, I did first try Paradores website hoping for the seniors discount, but the website showed no availability, so I had to get in on booking.com. But thanks for the tip, perhaps a phone call is needed. I know it's ridiculous in this day and age but it seems like a major undertaking to ring Spain from here in faraway Oz. I suppose they would speak English?
I would suggest getting hold of the local phone number of the Paradore and calling them direct just start with Hablas Ingles? and they will put you on to someone who speaks English. Also It might be worth signing up for their Amigos card. Good luck/Buen Camino!
Ha ha, too cute. By the way, I did get a wee bit nervous on my first CF arriving in SJPdP at about 10:00 pm or so with no reservations and no idea where to go. Probably roamed around for an hour and had just about resigned myself to sleeping on a bench for the night when I saw the light still on in the office at the Central Hotel. I could have kissed the madame when she said she had a room available. I was jet lagged and tired.We're not all big tough ex-marines who are old Camino hands and experienced in travelling to all sorts of out of the way places. I say Vaseline smells! But you've made me happy about booking 2 nights in Pamplona, thanks for that bit.
What about trying to book through airb&bHi,
My wife and I are planning a short Camino from Sarria in mid May. (Please note we prefer private accommodation)
On the CF last year I tended to book 1 or 2 days ahead. And for the 'final 100' I actually booked all my stops 3-4 days before hitting Sarria. Many I called ahead. But I used booking.com a lot as well. It worked really well.
I'm starting to look at small hotels now. On Booking.com
And many are already booked.
So a question for those who use booking.com a lot on the CF...........
Are they appearing to be fully booked because:
- Hotels don't release rooms to Booking.com until closer to the time? 2-3 weeks before , longer, shorter? I guess the hotel owners want to try to get long term bookings at full rates before using discount sites like booking.com
- Hotels are genuinely booking out already! Which would be hard to believe. Surely
I'm looking at 25 May from Sarria and arrive Santiago 3 June. Yes I know, a very slow ramble! Are those particular dates busy or some reason? I checked public holidays....
What would be a good 'lead time' to start looking at Hotel bookings do you think? 2 months out? One month out?
And before suggesting we merely 'go with the flow' and see what we can find............ My wife with whom I am walking is not at all a 'go with the flow' person
So for my stress levels............and hers; I am booking it all ahead
No private albergues available?Hello Robo
I, like your wife, prefer to stay in private accommodations and also like to book in advance. Last year we planned to walk from St Jean de Pied Port to Santiago, booking (through Booking.com) 1-2 days ahead. We got about half way (Castrojerez) and could no longer find accommodations so we returned home.
We are returning in April to pick up where we left off and I now have rooms booked all the way to Santiago. I booked in July - ie 10 months in advance - and found rooms to be scarce towards the end of the Camino. In fact, with a few hotels we got the last room.
I do not want to discourage you but I do believe that rooms are legitimately booked well in advance.
I am curious what month that was. Did you rely only on booking.com?We got about half way (Castrojerez) and could no longer find accommodations so we returned home.
Hello Robo
I, like your wife, prefer to stay in private accommodations and also like to book in advance. Last year we planned to walk from St Jean de Pied Port to Santiago, booking (through Booking.com) 1-2 days ahead. We got about half way (Castrojerez) and could no longer find accommodations so we returned home.
We are returning in April to pick up where we left off and I now have rooms booked all the way to Santiago. I booked in July - ie 10 months in advance - and found rooms to be scarce towards the end of the Camino. In fact, with a few hotels we got the last room.
I do not want to discourage you but I do believe that rooms are legitimately booked well in advance.
Not hard to imagine reasons. I'm somewhat tentative about rocking up to reception in a backpack all sweaty and dishevelled. But it's at the end of my first Camino, so wth.
This is very correct.It is always worth checking directly with an accommodation listed by any booking service! Both availabilities and/or prices may differ. Such accommodation pays a fee to that service and thus their stated price on that service link reflects that fee. Furthermore all rooms are not always listed with any service. Thus for the lowest price and/or unlisted room find the accommodation website or telephone and ask directly.
No private albergues available?
Accommodation providers only release a limited number of their rooms to booking.com so when that service says the hotel (or whatever) is full, that is not necessarily the case. The contract requires the accommodation provide give booking.com the lowest price for that category of room, but of course there are always other categories... I was advised, even when using booking.com, not to include breakfast as a number of facilities like to give pilgrims a special discount, so they throw in breakfast for free, as they are not allowed to charge other booking.com customers more for the same room.
I think it always pays to telephone direct, provided you have some Spanish. Sometimes a place is indeed full, but they can direct you to somewhere nearby of a similar standard. I have found that generally there is co-operation between hotels and pensions if they are busy.
Hi,
My wife and I are planning a short Camino from Sarria in mid May. (Please note we prefer private accommodation)
On the CF last year I tended to book 1 or 2 days ahead. And for the 'final 100' I actually booked all my stops 3-4 days before hitting Sarria. Many I called ahead. But I used booking.com a lot as well. It worked really well.
I'm starting to look at small hotels now. On Booking.com
And many are already booked.
So a question for those who use booking.com a lot on the CF...........
Are they appearing to be fully booked because:
- Hotels don't release rooms to Booking.com until closer to the time? 2-3 weeks before , longer, shorter? I guess the hotel owners want to try to get long term bookings at full rates before using discount sites like booking.com
- Hotels are genuinely booking out already! Which would be hard to believe. Surely
I'm looking at 25 May from Sarria and arrive Santiago 3 June. Yes I know, a very slow ramble! Are those particular dates busy or some reason? I checked public holidays....
What would be a good 'lead time' to start looking at Hotel bookings do you think? 2 months out? One month out?
And before suggesting we merely 'go with the flow' and see what we can find............ My wife with whom I am walking is not at all a 'go with the flow' person
So for my stress levels............and hers; I am booking it all ahead
Hi @njhessHi everyone, this thread has been most enlightening but I must say, I am digging deep for creative solutions to this issue. I recently started rebooking to adjust my itinerary in May (7 - 22; Astorga to Leon) to avoid Santiago on the weekend and get to Madrid for a couple nights. As a result, although I was able to book several weeks ago, I am now having major difficulties finding private rooms. I am traveling with my niece who has never been to Europe and this is an important trip, so I want to get it right. I will follow advice posted here and call directly (what is most economical - maybe Viber or similar intl call app?)
The area around Portomarin and Palas de Rei are my main problems. One solution emerging in my head is to walk into town, pick up a rental car and simply drive to a location for the night. I know the area well (but this is my first Camino!)
What I like about this back up plan is that I can keep trying as I get closer to our trip and hope for cancellations. Yes, I cancelled all my originally booked rooms, so I am hoping others will follow suite when their plans change.
Saludos and Buen Camino!
nj
Hi everyone, this thread has been most enlightening but I must say, I am digging deep for creative solutions to this issue. I recently started rebooking to adjust my itinerary in May (7 - 22; Astorga to Leon) to avoid Santiago on the weekend and get to Madrid for a couple nights. As a result, although I was able to book several weeks ago, I am now having major difficulties finding private rooms. I am traveling with my niece who has never been to Europe and this is an important trip, so I want to get it right. I will follow advice posted here and call directly (what is most economical - maybe Viber or similar intl call app?)
The area around Portomarin and Palas de Rei are my main problems. One solution emerging in my head is to walk into town, pick up a rental car and simply drive to a location for the night. I know the area well (but this is my first Camino!)
What I like about this back up plan is that I can keep trying as I get closer to our trip and hope for cancellations. Yes, I cancelled all my originally booked rooms, so I am hoping others will follow suite when their plans change.
Saludos and Buen Camino!
nj
MMDD is MIAM MIAM DO DO.It's a guidebook I'm thinking about getting even though I have the Brierley guide too.Whoops....I meant Astorga to Santiago. Sorry about that confusion Thornley. What does MMDD stand for? Simple? Simple takes a lot of preparation. And I tend towards go-with-the-flow. I do not wish my hosts to do work on my behalf when I can do it myself. However, I have asked those who are booked to give me suggestions.
Thank you "Getting There", I am on it!
Whoops....I meant Astorga to Santiago. Sorry about that confusion Thornley. What does MMDD stand for? Simple? Simple takes a lot of preparation. And I tend towards go-with-the-flow. I do not wish my hosts to do work on my behalf when I can do it myself. However, I have asked those who are booked to give me suggestions.
If you want me to list the villages within 5km either side of Sarria and Palas de Rei with private chambres and meal provided NJ just say yes and i will send a private e/m as the list is extensive.
Thank you "Getting There", I am on it!
MMDD is MIAM MIAM DO DO.It's a guidebook I'm thinking about getting even though I have the Brierley guide too.
Maaate (reminder, soy mujer - but we can still be mates) I started a thread about getting into Hotel Akerreta. I must have driven them nuts. But today, oh joy, an email from Joxemari confirming.Stay there , they treat you just as well as the GANT mob and dine very close, from front d0or on the left 50m.
And please mate stay @ Hotel Akerreta , Larrasoana .
Maaate (reminder, soy mujer - but we can still be mates) I started a thread about getting into Hotel Akerreta. I must have driven them nuts. But today, oh joy, an email from Joxemari confirming.
GANT?
Maaate (reminder, soy mujer - but we can still be mates) I started a thread about getting into Hotel Akerreta. I must have driven them nuts. But today, oh joy, an email from Joxemari confirming.
GANT?
The shirts are called Gant here at headquarters. I thought GANT was some new trendy acronym. You're right about Asian sizes though. Not so sure about European. A full sized person needs American brands. Ralph Lauren (né Lifschitz) is American.Shirts normally in Henry Bucks or David Jones , if they exist in the second city......lol
However in Portugal [where they are made ] or Spain where they are more readily available then Ralph Lauren most wear.
Big sizes which you only get from european makers............can't shop in Asia mate.
Hi,
My wife and I are planning a short Camino from Sarria in mid May. (Please note we prefer private accommodation)
On the CF last year I tended to book 1 or 2 days ahead. And for the 'final 100' I actually booked all my stops 3-4 days before hitting Sarria. Many I called ahead. But I used booking.com a lot as well. It worked really well.
I'm starting to look at small hotels now. On Booking.com
And many are already booked.
So a question for those who use booking.com a lot on the CF...........
Are they appearing to be fully booked because:
- Hotels don't release rooms to Booking.com until closer to the time? 2-3 weeks before , longer, shorter? I guess the hotel owners want to try to get long term bookings at full rates before using discount sites like booking.com
- Hotels are genuinely booking out already! Which would be hard to believe. Surely
I'm looking at 25 May from Sarria and arrive Santiago 3 June. Yes I know, a very slow ramble! Are those particular dates busy or some reason? I checked public holidays....
What would be a good 'lead time' to start looking at Hotel bookings do you think? 2 months out? One month out?
And before suggesting we merely 'go with the flow' and see what we can find............ My wife with whom I am walking is not at all a 'go with the flow' person
So for my stress levels............and hers; I am booking it all ahead
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