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I stayed at Albergue Boni in Salceda (approximately 27km's from Santiago)...I had hiked from Palas del Rei and 40km's was my limit...it was REALLY hot that July afternoon and the feet just got tired and sore from 30km on. The town was VERY small, but the albuergue was fine.So if I've met a group of friends before Santiago, the where to stay question always pops up when getting close. Some people have their heart set on Monte de Gozo, affording like a 5 km walk so you can get into Santiago early, maybe even catch the morning mass.
Personally, I think the big Monte do Gozo Albergue looks like a concentration camp.
I have never stayed there, and one trusted repeat visitor to SDC who I befriended on my 2nd walk said she tried it and wouldn't do it again.
I like o pedrouzo, arca, o pino... so many names for the same place on the last night? ...So like Norte, Primitivo, Frances all come through this place. It's 20k from Santiago, so if you wake up early and walk, like let's say 5:30 am or 6 am, you are in SDC before noon...
The facilities are awesome in o ped. Your Albergue / hotel will have laundry facilities. Food/coffee available early am. In my experience.
Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
Yah that's the thing... if I am 1 hour away from the desired goal after a month or so of walking... forget that... I'm going now.I stayed at Albuergue Boni in Salceda (approximately 27km's from Santiago)...I had hiked from Palas del Rei and 40km's was my limit...it was REALLY hot that July afternoon and the feet just got tired and sore from 30km on. The town was VERY small, but the albuergue was fine.
I did hike the next day and stopped at Monte de Gozo and stayed there. It was quite functional, and it was okay for 6 euros. (I just needed a bed and a shower). I got in at 1:00...unloaded my gear and showered. In hindsight, I wish I would have just kept going as Santiago was buzzing that afternoon (I had hiked in and got my Compostela and saw the church and an afternoon mass) I then headed back to Monte de Gozo...woke up the next morning to go back into the city and then catch a train to Madrid (I wish I would have flown...cheaper, quicker, and less aggravation)
Buen Camino
by then, your legs will be in great shape too...ignore my post and "hike your hike" and get to Santiago...you'll be happy that you did.Yah that's the thing... if I am 1 hour away from the desired goal after a month or so of walking... forget that... I'm going now.
Yah... I've stayed there too. Only by accident however... there's an airport hotel there... I was walking with my sis and walked past o ped, I didn't remember to bang a left at the road... so we walked on and she was getting mad.I stayed in Lavacolla at Alberque Lavacolla.
Then had a lovely walk into Santiago in the morning and was at the Oficina del Peregrinos at 10am. Worked great for me!
So if I've met a group of friends before Santiago, the where to stay question always pops up when getting close. Some people have their heart set on Monte de Gozo, affording like a 5 km walk so you can get into Santiago early, maybe even catch the morning mass.
Personally, I think the big Monte do Gozo Albergue looks un inviting.
I have never stayed there, and one trusted repeat visitor to SDC who I befriended on my 2nd walk said she tried it and wouldn't do it again.
I like o pedrouzo, arca, o pino... so many names for the same place on the last night? ...So like Norte, Primitivo, Frances all come through this place. It's 20k from Santiago, so if you wake up early and walk, like let's say 5:30 am or 6 am, you are in SDC before noon...
The facilities are awesome in o ped. Your Albergue / hotel will have laundry facilities. Food/coffee available early am. In my experience.
Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
Who was everyone? In the 4 times I've walked into Santiago on the Francés I've never stayed there, nor have the people who I met along the way.I'd reserved a bed there because everyone said that was the traditional place to stop.
Neither have I. I've walked the Camino Frances 3 times and my last nights were in Arzua (twice) and Ribadiso. Offhand I can't think of anywhere I would be less likely to choose for my final night on a CaminoWho was everyone? In the 4 times I've walked into Santiago on the Francés I've never stayed there, nor have the people who I met along the way.
I don't have the legs for those distances. My first CF I stayed at A Rua and walked from there. When I walked my second CF with my wife, we stayed in Amenal, thinking we would walk in from there. Torrential rain set in around Lavacolla, and shortly after Monte de Gozo we found ourselves a hotel for the night, dried out, and walked in from there the next day. It was a much more pleasant experience.Neither have I. I've walked the Camino Frances 3 times and my last nights were in Arzua (twice) and Ribadiso. Offhand I can't think of anywhere I would be less likely to choose for my final night on a Camino
Where is it? Do you have contact info?Heidi's Place is the best hostel I stayed at in 5 weeks of Caminos. Great atmosphere and incredible food. Only 8 beds so reserve ahead. What a wonderful last night out on the way. 33 km to Santiago. You could get to noon mass but if you aim to get there at 1, you are behind the crowds on the trail and it was super peaceful for at least the first few hours of walking in the morning leaving at 5:30.
People I'd met, various things I'd read, all seemed to imply this was the "traditional" place to stop. I suspect from the size of the place that's not an unusual view, I certainly hadn't seen anywhere like it on my walk. After visiting it I suspect it's good marketing on behalf of whoever runs it. If I'd seen Monte de Gozo in advance I would've given it a wide berth, it's an awful place.Who was everyone? In the 4 times I've walked into Santiago on the Francés I've never stayed there, nor have the people who I met along the way.
I've stayed in O Pedrouzo twice, Lavacolla once, and Santa Irene once.
Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
I stayed at Casa de Amancio - about 10k out of Santiago £59 own room and bathroom. Outstanding food in Restaurant (not cheap)- but very very special. Locals come from miles to eat there for special occasions.Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
If I am on the CF I always stay there too. It is a nice albergue with a really nice staff. Good cooking facilities. I try to leave early and can arrive in Santiago about 10:00AM. There is a cafe about 3 or 4k. It is near the TV station. It is on your left and you can get a good cup of coffee and a some pan tostada to get you to Santiago.I stayed in Lavacolla at Alberque Lavacolla.
Then had a lovely walk into Santiago in the morning and was at the Oficina del Peregrinos at 10am. Worked great for me!
After Sarria, it really does not seem like a Pilgrimage any more due to the army of tourists crowding the paths.
Here's a thread for your considerationLast two times, I stayed in Melide and walked straight to Santiago. After the Norte or Primitivo, it is a relatively flat hike. After Sarria, it really does not seem like a Pilgrimage any more due to the army of tourists crowding the paths.
that's a helluva hike...53km's. I did a number of 40km's days (in July so hot) and my feet were wasted for the last 10km's. I've thought about hiking straight from Leon to Astorga (I believe just north of 50km's) and then taking an easy day to Foncebadon.Last two times, I stayed in Melide and walked straight to Santiago. After the Norte or Primitivo, it is a relatively flat hike. After Sarria, it really does not seem like a Pilgrimage any more due to the army of tourists crowding the paths.
I also stayed in Salceda my last night before Santiago. I mapped out my last week or so considering my fitness level and distance tolerance based on 3+ weeks on the Camino as well as availability of lodging. I found Albergue Turistico Salceda, which is a beautiful property with friendly and helpful staff, bar, restaurant, pool, and other amenities. Would stay there again.I stayed at Albuergue Boni in Salceda (approximately 27km's from Santiago)...I had hiked from Palas del Rei and 40km's was my limit...it was REALLY hot that July afternoon and the feet just got tired and sore from 30km on. The town was VERY small, but the albuergue was fine.
(Snip)
I stayed there on my first Camino and it was with probably 10 people I was close to along the Way, so it was great. It is sterile as Albergues go, but with the right people it was just right, especially for the first entry to Santiago and all day to enjoy.Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
Of our caminos coming to Santiago, the time we stayed in Monte Gozo is the most cherished. Sitting there at the statues at sunset not only provided our best photos on any camino, but rivaled any other moment on a camino for inspiration. Of course, I can't guarantee that you will get the perfect sunset! See attached, one of dozens we took that early evening.I stayed there on my first Camino and it was with probably 10 people I was close to along the Way, so it was great. It is sterile as Albergues go, but with the right people it was just right, especially for the first entry to Santiago and all day to enjoy.
I've only done it once so I have no basis for comparison, but O Pedrouzo was good. Albergue and dining options are good, including a restaurant that opens at 6 am, and a pilgrims mass at 7:00 pm that I enjoyed.Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
In late October 2017 I stayed at Albergue Turistico Salaceda. It was then one or two years old with a restaurant on the grounds.thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
Do you remember the name of the bar/cafe?I've stayed at Monte de Gozo twice, once in the early days when all the buildings were in use, and it actually had open shops on site and a frequent bus into town and back. The other more recently when only one building seemed to be in use and the whole place felt very sad.
Lots of other places - various albergues, hostels and pensionés. Always within a 20km or less range of the Cathedral.
One of the best places (and exceptional value) I've stayed was a serendipitous one. I'd just walked past the airport at Lavacolla and was exhausted. I stopped at the first bar/cafe for a drink and asked if they knew of anywhere nearby I could get accommodation. Upstairs! the barkeeper said. His family had just renovated two flats over the bar, and one was available. Fabulous. It even had a full laundry, with washing machine and dryer, so my next day into Santiago I was a clean, clean, "washed in Lavacolla" pilgrim! After that Camino there was a gap during which I tended to walk in France, so did not enter Santiago, and the next time I did the flat above the bar was not available.
I just looked on Google maps and I think it was the Porta de Santiago cafe.Do you remember the name of the bar/cafe?
I don't know how much in advance this place is booked, but my daughter and I stayed at a hotel right at the highway in Amenal. Just past an underpass as in walking. It was not specifically designed for pilgrims, but they were very accommodating, sending us off with a prepackaged breakfast, even though the kitchen wasn't open at 0530. The room was lovely, though a standard hotel. The dinner was cooked for us early. We made it in time to check in drop packs and make mass. Though this year they cut off admissions, so you must be early to get a decent spot in line to ensure you'll be admitted for the mass. You can no longer arrive early and sit in the cathedral and wait, nor can you pack yourself in a bit late.Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
I assume that you are walking towards SdeC from the east. Depending upon your budget, a very pleasant overnight stay in Lavacolla can be had at Pazo Xan Xordo...Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
I love Kilometer 15 hostel in Amenal. You guessed it,15 km day to walk in. It’s super chic and cool and reasonably priced.So if I've met a group of friends before Santiago, the where to stay question always pops up when getting close. Some people have their heart set on Monte de Gozo, affording like a 5 km walk so you can get into Santiago early, maybe even catch the morning mass.
Personally, I think the big Monte do Gozo Albergue looks un inviting.
I have never stayed there, and one trusted repeat visitor to SDC who I befriended on my 2nd walk said she tried it and wouldn't do it again.
I like o pedrouzo, arca, o pino... so many names for the same place on the last night? ...So like Norte, Primitivo, Frances all come through this place. It's 20k from Santiago, so if you wake up early and walk, like let's say 5:30 am or 6 am, you are in SDC before noon...
The facilities are awesome in o ped. Your Albergue / hotel will have laundry facilities. Food/coffee available early am. In my experience.
Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
Unfortunately, Hostal San Piao in Lavacolla is closed since 2020....used to stay there several times, it had a wonderful restaurant. Try Pension Dorotea just across the street, it is clean and reasonably priced but has no service (they message you a code to enter); there is also an Albergue at the same spot (forgot the name).I like Hostal San Piao in Lavacolla, 10 km gets you in time for the 11:00 am service. Good laundry facilities, nice to arrive in Santiago relatively clean, in keeping with the name.
Unfortunately, Hostal San Piao in Lavacolla is closed since 2020....used to stay there several times, it had a wonderful restaurant. Try Pension Dorotea just across the street, it is clean and reasonably priced but has no service (they message you a code to enter); there is also an Albergue at the same spot (forgot the name).
Lavacolla is about 30km from Arzua, a long walk but doable as it is the last Etapa; the big advantage is that you walk the next day into SdC with very little traffic, arriving well before noon.
Couldn't agree more. Heidi is a caring generous woman who cooks a beautiful home-cooked meal (proper chocolate mousse for dessert too). Unquestionably the best meal on the Camino. Greater than that though was the evening together telling stories with Heidi and two other pilgrims late into the night in the kitchen with a fire in the wood stove. It looms mythical in my mind...amazing for the last night before reaching SdC. https://taberna-vella.business.siteHeidi's Place is the best hostel I stayed at in 5 weeks of Caminos. Great atmosphere and incredible food. Only 8 beds so reserve ahead. What a wonderful last night out on the way. 33 km to Santiago. You could get to noon mass but if you aim to get there at 1, you are behind the crowds on the trail and it was super peaceful for at least the first few hours of walking in the morning leaving at 5:30.
This sounds good. Unfortunately it may have closed down or converted to a bar as I can't find it anymore.I stayed at the private albergue Santa Irene in 2018. A wonderful modern albergue in a remodeled older home. Fabulous. I am not a foodie but was served possibly the best meal I ever ate in Spain. Definitely one of my favorite albergue memories. Buen Camino
My wife and I also spent the night at Casa Tia Teresa and it was wonderful. The owners are great host and made our last night on the way memorable. The gentleman is an an absolute hoot who takes great pride in recreating you face in the foam of a cafe con leche. We will defintely spend the night there again during our 2023 Camino.Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
I merely described what I saw when walking past in 2015 and again in 2017. I did not convey any hate in my post; only that it "appeared" to be abandoned, uninviting and a depressing looking place.I booked into Monte Do Gozo without knowing anything about it. It was alright, so I don't get all the hate for it.
For those who may want to stay at Monte de Gozo, there is another albergue which is very nice. It is located between the statues of the two pilgrims and the monument. Turn left just shortly before you approach Monte de Gozo's hill, about 100 to 300 meters before the monument.
You will then see a cultural centre, which is right beside the Polish Albergue. They have private rooms and dorms, a restaurant as well. Their secluded garden is beautiful, you can rest there. There's also a chapel and a patio to sit, when it rains or it's cold.
I did not stay there, because I had already booked a room down the hill of Monte de Gozo. But I walked in there, was shown around. A very friendly place and next time I will definitely stay there!
Tried to stay @ the Polish Albergue in October 2021, it was closed. Does anyone know if it is open? Please advise.
Regards
Mark
This is sad to hear. Twice we have risen in the night to do the last 20 or so km and arrive in the morning in SDC. Some friends stopped in this albergue and we went out and had a meal with them there in the restaurant. Everything was very good. Had planned to stop there on the next trek. Hope it reopens.According to Gronze the polish albergue is closed.
This place, Centro Europeo de peregrinación Juan Pablo II is on Google Maps and has a five star review dated one month ago and so it seems to be open. Is this the one that you meant?Tried to stay @ the Polish Albergue in October 2021, it was closed. Does anyone know if it is open? Please advise.
Regards
Mark
I stayed at Lavacolla at Casa de Amancio, it was wonderful. Its a rural/appt type lodging, they offer different options. They have an amazing restaurant and offer a beautiful dinner (if you stay, do not miss the dinner, make reservations). It also has a bar and its about 10ks from the Catedral. You have to pass by to get to Santiago, we got there a bit early and just watch the pilgrims go by or stop by to get their last beers on the way to Santiago. https://www.casadeamancio.com/So if I've met a group of friends before Santiago, the where to stay question always pops up when getting close. Some people have their heart set on Monte de Gozo, affording like a 5 km walk so you can get into Santiago early, maybe even catch the morning mass.
Personally, I think the big Monte do Gozo Albergue looks un inviting.
I have never stayed there, and one trusted repeat visitor to SDC who I befriended on my 2nd walk said she tried it and wouldn't do it again.
I like o pedrouzo, arca, o pino... so many names for the same place on the last night? ...So like Norte, Primitivo, Frances all come through this place. It's 20k from Santiago, so if you wake up early and walk, like let's say 5:30 am or 6 am, you are in SDC before noon...
The facilities are awesome in o ped. Your Albergue / hotel will have laundry facilities. Food/coffee available early am. In my experience.
Any other thoughts on places to stay the night before SDC?
Ok... so the main influence for my original post was a Polish woman who insisted on staying at Monte de Gozo. I imagined the lifeless dorms and told her "no, don't do that!"This place, Centro Europeo de peregrinación Juan Pablo II is on Google Maps and has a five star review dated one month ago and so it seems to be open. Is this the one that you meant?
If so, the phone number is +34 981 59 72 22. Try WhatsApp or phoning and see for sure.
@trecile s post seems to indicate that the Gronze thinks that it is closed. I hadn't seen her post when I posted mine.Ok... so the main influence for my original post was a Polish woman who insisted on staying at Monte de Gozo. I imagined the lifeless dorms and told her "no, don't do that!"
She said there was a polish monastery there. I had never heard of or seen it before. I thought she was crazy.
Well, so on May 24, 2022 she made it there, and it was closed. She stayed at the other one, and she told me she finally understood why I said no. She said they are using the Polish monastery space to house Ukrainian refugees. Just hearsay... just check it out beforehand if you are set on staying there.
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