To book or not to book ?

[BoyRoger]

I am starting my Camino on 24th March from Porto, I have until 7 April. I like to have a single room with an en suite, I've done the Albergue but I'm getting too old now. I've booked my first and last nights but am wondering if I need to book any more instead of just turning up on the day, I don't know how far I'll be able to walk each day so would prefer not to have to book. Any advise please.

 

[trecile]

I am starting my Camino on 24th March from Porto, I have until 7 April. I like to have a single room with an en suite, I've done the Albergue but I'm getting too old now. I've booked my first and last nights but am wondering if I need to book any more instead of just turning up on the day, I don't know how far I'll be able to walk each day so would prefer not to have to book. Any advise please.

Since you want a single room with ensuite, I would book a day or two ahead, unless you are okay with occasionally ending up in a dorm.

 

[musicman]

Nowhere will be over crowded, that time of year,but like you I need en-suite and so I always book everything in advance. Nothing worse than having to seek out a room at the end of a day’s walk.
Even worse if it’s raining!
Bom Camino

 

[VictorE]

I am starting my Camino on 24th March from Porto, I have until 7 April. I like to have a single room with an en suite, I've done the Albergue but I'm getting too old now. I've booked my first and last nights but am wondering if I need to book any more instead of just turning up on the day, I don't know how far I'll be able to walk each day so would prefer not to have to book. Any advise please.

I did it and booked

 

[Walking Lover]

I am starting my Camino on 24th March from Porto, I have until 7 April. I like to have a single room with an en suite, I've done the Albergue but I'm getting too old now. I've booked my first and last nights but am wondering if I need to book any more instead of just turning up on the day, I don't know how far I'll be able to walk each day so would prefer not to have to book. Any advise please.

If you use Booking.com, you can book a day prior.

 

[VictorE]

In some cases on Booking.com you have free cancelation. I have mixed both systems and prefer booking In some cases I book the full 10 days and other times one and two days ahead Age 80

 

[Terry Callery]

I walked the Portuguese in February and March from Lisbon. It was so deserted from Lisbon to Porto that I saw just one other pilgrim couple from France the entire two weeks!
After Porto, it changes and there were other pilgrims to walk with. While most of my walking partners stayed in Albergues, I got private accommodations as I was 66 at the time.
When I stayed at the Paradore in Tui they may have been only 15 % booked. There was the Quinta Casa do Rio with just one other guest (not a pilgrim). I stayed in several pensions where I was the only one there. The busiest place I stayed was nice hotel in Coimbre which seemed more than half full - but none I saw were pilgrims. The hotel Conde de Agueda was fairly busy however I was arriving at these places around 2:30 - 3pm when people are just beginning to check in - so always plenty of rooms. Pilgrims do not arrive at these place at 8 pm!
The big Hotel Imperio in Ponte de Lima must have over 100 rooms and I remember there being just 3 people at breakfast buffet when it opened first thing in the morning. I would guest it was only a quarter full.
So unless the place has just four rooms, I do not think you need to book, particularly if there are multiple options in town for accommodations and you are getting there at 3 pm. I really like the "adventure" of not knowing where I am staying each night.
When you book, they always tell you you are getting the last room, you get there and the place is empty!
Marketing Scam!
Bom Caminho

 

[BoyRoger]

Thanks everybody for your advise. I think I will leave just the first and last booked for now and see how it is when I get there. Booking one or two days ahead seems like the best plan but if I find it very quiet I won't bother to book.

 

[camino.ninja]

I am starting my Camino on 24th March from Porto, I have until 7 April. I like to have a single room with an en suite, I've done the Albergue but I'm getting too old now. I've booked my first and last nights but am wondering if I need to book any more instead of just turning up on the day, I don't know how far I'll be able to walk each day so would prefer not to have to book. Any advise please.

It will be quite busy. If you want private rooms book for sure!

Buen Camino!
Andy