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If I wouldn't be injured, highly pregnant or over 70 years old, I would never dare to ask for a swap. Because almost everyone prefers lower beds. And it is not so nice either to have to say 'no, sorry' or to give up your lower bed to someone who would just feel more comfortable in a lower bed, but not really need it.If you really have problems with sleeping in an upper bed it would be nicer to ask fellow pilgrims to change beds.
I somehow agree with the lottery aspect. And you appreciate a lower bed more when you get it just because you won the lottery ;-)I prefer a lower bed too but I like the “lottery” aspect of it, and if another pilgrim asked to swap because they couldn’t manage the upper bunk I would oblige.
I think in some cases the hospitaleros “gauge” us as we arrive and thus assign us a lower or upper bunk.
This is interesting. We could do a camino version of Dr. Milgram's subway experiment:If I wouldn't be injured, highly pregnant or over 70 years old, I would never dare to ask for a swap. Because almost everyone prefers lower beds.
This is interesting indeed! I am sure I would feel the same strong reluctance as the students had shown to ask a fellow pilgrim if I could get his or her bed. That is actually why I slept in an upper bed while injured in Roncesvalles....This is interesting. We could do a camino version of Dr. Milgram's subway experiment:
68% of NY subway riders gave up their seats to healthy-looking individuals. How generous are pilgrims compared with NY subway riders?'Excuse Me. May I Have Your Seat?' (Published 2004)
Two New York Times reporters do unscientific re-enactment of Dr Stanley Milgram's experiment of 30 years ago in which he sent graduate students into crowded New York City subway cars to ask riders to give up their seats; 68 percent of riders asked by Milgram's students gave up their seats; Times...www.nytimes.com
I guess that I was lucky. When I was there last summer I was on a dorm with all single beds - no bunks.That was on the Norte in the albergue of Guemes. They have bunks of three beds high
L mijn ervaring als oudere 65+ is dat wij in de meeste gevallen het onderste bed toebedeeld krijgen, waarschijnlijk uit eerbied!?I guess that I was lucky. When I was there last summer I was on a dorm with all single beds - no bunks.
One of the things I love most about this forum is how people bring in such interesting related information! Really interesting.This is interesting. We could do a camino version of Dr. Milgram's subway experiment:
68% of NY subway riders gave up their seats to healthy-looking individuals. How generous are pilgrims compared with NY subway riders?'Excuse Me. May I Have Your Seat?' (Published 2004)
Two New York Times reporters do unscientific re-enactment of Dr Stanley Milgram's experiment of 30 years ago in which he sent graduate students into crowded New York City subway cars to ask riders to give up their seats; 68 percent of riders asked by Milgram's students gave up their seats; Times...www.nytimes.com
That is the first thing I look at when entering a dorm. The type of ladder. And yes, most of the time you need something firm underneath your feet to climb up or down without hurting your feet.My top tip is to keep a pair of SOMETHING (shoes, sandals, flip flops, whatever) with me on the top bunk. Those ladder rungs are too painful on bare feet especially after a few days on the Camino!
My bad luck is that I am always estimated younger than I am in southern European countries... ;-)L mijn ervaring als oudere 65+ is dat wij in de meeste gevallen het onderste bed toebedeeld krijgen, waarschijnlijk uit eerbied!?
My next camino I am going to rest my feet here only because of the beds: http://www.alberguelafinca.es/el-albergue.php
Years ago when i was in a hostel in amsterdam a guy fell off the top bunk and was taken to hospitalthat always stayed with me tho only with top bunks with no side safety rails of course!! Which there is plenty of on the camino! Ime sure the guy who fell off was drunk but it still sticks in my mind!!
La Finca is the best! And the restaurant there is very good too. They also let you use the washing machine for free.I have always thought that if I would ever start an albergue I would probably design some type of pods instead of bunks. My next camino I am going to rest my feet here only because of the beds: http://www.alberguelafinca.es/el-albergue.php
Too funny when I stayed at the “singing nun” albergue in Carrion i was in bottom bunk with a large man on top. Every time he moved the bunk moaned, groaned and squeaked and I thought” OMG is this how it ends, death by bunk bed!”I sympathize with what you are saying. As an older male, bigger guy, getting up and down those bunks can be a chore as they have small, or no ladders. Sometimes the ladder rungs are small diameter and kind of painful to step on. Sometimes I just grab the top bunk and step up on it using the edge of the lower for assistance. Works, but a bit invasive to whomever is on the lower. Also once when I jumped all 100 kilos of me to the top bunk I guess the bunk rattling, initially tilting and the springs sagging downwards frightened the small Asian female pilgrim in the lower bunk because she let out a sort of shriek and egressed quickly. We were both laughing as I apologized.
Still, I probably would not pay extra for a lower. I do think it does somewhat spoil to some degree pilgrims being equal in an albergue setting. Dormitory rooms, that is.
I would stop an hour earlier, but that is as far as I would go. In dozens of caminos, I have had an upper bunk only a couple of times (or a few times, if that is more than a couple of times).but I would without any doubt pay 1 or 2 euros more to be sure to get a lower bed.
Most are bunks. I had one next to Typhoid Mary one trip. I caught a week-long virus. A single bed would not have helped if it had been next to her.I also recall a donativo run by nuns in Carrión de los Condes with single beds.
I've never fallen off any bed, so I don't know why I would be more inclined to fall off a top bunk.
I havent fallen out of bed myself either ☺ thus far!! However the post itself and discussion presents all options as to why one would prefer a lower bed for many different reasons hence the discussion and replies!!
Just wondering. I have never seen it, but would it be profitable for albergues to ask 1 or 2 euros more for a lower bed? And would you pay for that? The question came to mind because I always fear to be assigned to an upper bed. Which (of course) happens in about half of the cases ;-)
I have to go to the toilet once or twice a night and I struggle with climbing down. Maybe it is just my clumsiness or it is because I prefer to only wear a nightgown and want to come down without flashing... For the pilgrims feeling I definitely prefer staying in albergues, but I would without any doubt pay 1 or 2 euros more to be sure to get a lower bed.
Or would it spoil the pilgrims experience of all being equal?
Proving that there are always strategies for obstacles.The neuropathy in my right foot makes it impossible for me to climb a ladder. I try to check in early and always ask for a bottom bunk. If that ends up being an issue I take the mattress from the top bunk and sleep on the floor.
Thats a good point maybe the option of people just lifting the mattress from the top bunk and putting it on the floor would solve the issue if possible!! If there is room and not troubling othersSadly, that doesn't really solve the nature of your specific need. If extra is charged for a lower, that presumes that if a young and healthy person is willing to pay, they get the bottom bunk, thereby still taking it away from those who really benefit from having the bottom bunk.
I do not consider myself self-pitying and I did not attempt to argue her into anything. However, she had been informed that the best way to guarantee a lower bunk was to book in advance and claim a physical need. I am perfectly capable of sleeping out overnight and reasonably capable of climbing in and out of a top bunk (although I am likely to need to do so several times per night). But I preferred to see what would occur if I kept silent and let the young woman talk our situation out. I did not consider her to be a millennial, but a fellow pilgrim. We ended the evening with a long conversation about the meaning of our pilgrimages for two Protestant Christians walking a Catholic pilgrimage route.Proving that there are always strategies for obstacles.Even with a poster sized list of reasons why I prefer a lower, I will always make choices that do not require the sympathy of a millennial. When I become that self-pitying, I will stop walking.
Good point. But that is also the case when an exhausted or injured pilgrim arrives and the albergue is fully booked by pilgrims who made reservations or just arrived earlier. I would never suggest that municipal albergues let pilgrims pay more for a bottom bed. In these kind of albergues it would be best if they always have one or two emergency beds for emergency cases.Sadly, that doesn't really solve the nature of your specific need. If extra is charged for a lower, that presumes that if a young and healthy person is willing to pay, they get the bottom bunk, thereby still taking it away from those who really benefit from having the bottom bunk.
Good point. But that is also the case when an exhausted or injured pilgrim arrives and the albergue is fully booked by pilgrims who made reservations or just arrived earlier. I would never suggest that municipal albergues let pilgrims pay more for a bottom bed. In these kind of albergues it would be best if they always have one or two emergency beds for emergency cases.
But actually I was just wondering why no private albergue does this. From a more commercial perspective. As the poll shows, there seems to be a market for it ;-)
I will think of that the next time I'll have to sleep in a top bunk!Probably because, thankfully, the albergues do not think like the airlines?
Albergues will give lower beds to old/needing people if you ask, and if necessary, swap some young folks up. Personally, when I arrive,I ask: Estoy jubilado. Puedo conseguir una cama abajo? (I am retired. Can I have a low bed/bunk?)Just wondering. I have never seen it, but would it be profitable for albergues to ask 1 or 2 euros more for a lower bed? And would you pay for that? The question came to mind because I always fear to be assigned to an upper bed. Which (of course) happens in about half of the cases ;-)
I have to go to the toilet once or twice a night and I struggle with climbing down. Maybe it is just my clumsiness or it is because I prefer to only wear a nightgown and want to come down without flashing... For the pilgrims feeling I definitely prefer staying in albergues, but I would without any doubt pay 1 or 2 euros more to be sure to get a lower bed.
Or would it spoil the pilgrims experience of all being equal?
Best post of the day. Indeed, thankfully!Probably because, thankfully, the albergues do not think like the airlines?
Exactly. I vote a resounding no. It just amounts to a penalty for legitimate need, and the spaces may not be available anyway.Sadly, that doesn't really solve the nature of your specific need. If extra is charged for a lower, that presumes that if a young and healthy person is willing to pay, they get the bottom bunk, thereby still taking it away from those who really benefit from having the bottom bunk.
The hospis have to look at your passport when they sign you in. They will know how old you are.My bad luck is that I am always estimated younger than I am in southern European countries
Oh yes!! I was horrified when I saw those 3 bunks. Luckily I got a low one and the young lads were happy up thereAh wait, I remember one more time I asked for a different bed... That was on the Norte in the albergue of Guemes. They have bunks of three beds high and they gave me the highest bed. As having fear of heights I had no idea how to climb out of that bed. When I told them they gave me a bed on the 'second floor'.
Am I the only one who acually prefers the top bunk?
I wonder if that might be a policy to prevent people from buying up all the beds to save them for their friends who arrive later. (Effectively the beds would cost twice as much, which would be a definite disincentive.)The person at the desk promptly said no and said they had to pay,
Am I the only one who acually prefers the top bunk? I like to have a view, to be able to sit up without bumping my head all the time (I am kind of stupid with the remembering thing sometimes) and to not have anyone above me. It's a lot lighter too up there.
I would pay more for the top bunk..clearly, I never had to. Now I understand why I had so many friends on the camino...
I have done the same thing. Once on the Via Francigena,I was allocated the last bed, it was a top bunk but no bed guard on either side and it was not against a wall. It was also very wobbly! I don’t normally mind a top bunk but this one was a ‘no, no!’. Better safe than sorryThe neuropathy in my right foot makes it impossible for me to climb a ladder. I try to check in early and always ask for a bottom bunk. If that ends up being an issue I take the mattress from the top bunk and sleep on the floor.
Alexwalker, did you try this on Via de la Plata? Cannot remember anybody gave you a bed, it was always first come, first choice! And as a slow walker (old,yes) there was never a choice! I guess this is the situation on all caminos these days.
But that makes no difference with the story of the 20-year-old @Albertagirl told about, does it? You ask for a lower bed while you don't really need it.Albergues will give lower beds to old/needing people if you ask, and if necessary, swap some young folks up. Personally, when I arrive,I ask: Estoy jubilado. Puedo conseguir una cama abajo? (I am retired. Can I have a low bed/bunk?)
Edit: I may be old, yes, but more fit than many, at least some, youngsters. But I prefer a low bunk...
The ones that have no advantages of the upper or lower bunks and the disadvantages of each. Maybe the albergues should discount those bunks.But most importantly, you forgot to ask about a MIDDLE bunk...yes, they DO exist!!!!
I disagree here. Not sure how it is on the Camino as this April will be my first ever ... but I myself and most people I know very strongly prefer upper beds in shared accommodation! For the added peace and privacy, for not having other peoples' feet in your nose while they climb up ... just to name a few advantages.If I wouldn't be injured, highly pregnant or over 70 years old, I would never dare to ask for a swap. Because almost everyone prefers lower beds. (...)
LOL!!! I had the same experience ! I didn't sleep all night thinking I was going to my death by being smashed. In the very same alburgue in Carrion, there was a couple in the bunk set next to me. The young woman would climb to the top bunk with her young man and 'engage' ...it was in no way a covert mission as the springs were squeaking and the entire bunk was shaking...yet they carried on in Carrion.Too funny when I stayed at the “singing nun” albergue in Carrion i was in bottom bunk with a large man on top. Every time he moved the bunk moaned, groaned and squeaked and I thought” OMG is this how it ends, death by bunk bed!”
Just wondering. I have never seen it, but would it be profitable for albergues to ask 1 or 2 euros more for a lower bed? And would you pay for that? The question came to mind because I always fear to be assigned to an upper bed. Which (of course) happens in about half of the cases ;-)
I have to go to the toilet once or twice a night and I struggle with climbing down. Maybe it is just my clumsiness or it is because I prefer to only wear a nightgown and want to come down without flashing... For the pilgrims feeling I definitely prefer staying in albergues, but I would without any doubt pay 1 or 2 euros more to be sure to get a lower bed.
Or would it spoil the pilgrims experience of all being equal?
Yes indeed. I stayed at this one, and decided to splurge the additional 2€. The albergue was quite busy, but I was the only person to "upgrade" and had that entire dormitory to myself (there were about a dozen single beds).I think that Albergue Jaques de Molay in Terradillos de los Templarios had two different types of dorms - standard with bunk beds, or for a couple of euro more dorms with all single beds.
You are right, that would be a good way to ask for a swap! But I am sure that if you would do that, you would get several offersIn any case if you ask "Hey, anyone who prefers an upper bed? I would swap mine for a lower." ... no one would feel pressed or annoyed, but people like me and my lot would happily agree to swap with you. What can you lose by asking?
Many of those bunk bed setups are questionable at times for the weight of just one adult pilgrim, let alone two adult pilgrims engaged in physical activity. There were several times I saw couples pair up on one bunk bed. Sometimes they just slept, sometimes they did not.LOL!!! I had the same experience ! I didn't sleep all night thinking I was going to my death by being smashed. In the very same alburgue in Carrion, there was a couple in the bunk set next to me. The young woman would climb to the top bunk with her young man and 'engage' ...it was in no way a covert mission as the springs were squeaking and the entire bunk was shaking...yet they carried on in Carrion.
Youth overrides fatigue I suppose.But how are they not just too tired?
I suspect when that was written there was a definite risk of the bushel catching fire and making a much bigger light.
First off, I LOVE the top bunk because I’m less likely to get “lighthoused” by all the zero-dark thirty pilgrims using their headlights to pack their bags in the dark! But most importantly, you forgot to ask about a MIDDLE bunk...yes, they DO exist!!!!
View attachment 53412
that third bunk at Guemes. It feels like a long way up. https://flic.kr/p/egcjTa
Great idea. Carrying it a bit further I wonder how many pilgrims I can get to pay me to stay home this year so that there will be one more bunk free every day of their camino.Another way to "monetize" this problem is that if I arrive early enough to secure me a lower bed I could ask a few euros to change beds.
What I was too polite to say. Agree entirely. (But I actually do not think the OP was serious, so neither should we be.)Most certainly not -- indeed the whole idea is entirely obnoxious IMO
Why on Earth should those of us actually needing the lower bed for health reasons be forced to pay extra for it ???
The whole idea sounds like just one more scam to try and touristify the Camino entirely.
Whether the OP was serious or not, it was a good question that I didn't find obnoxious. The responses made me think a bit and change my initial reaction.What I was too polite to say. Agree entirely. (But I actually do not think the OP was serious, so neither should we be.)
Ah, @C clearly, you're just less opinionated than I or @JabbaPapa , bless your heart. Fair enough.Whether the OP was serious or not, it was a good question that I didn't find obnoxious. The responses made me think a bit and change my initial reaction.
No one has ever accused me of being less opinionated that someone else. But you know, I think you might be right in this case! I am really mellowing!Ah, @C clearly, you're just less opinionated than I or @JabbaPapa ,
Ha! There is always a first time.No one has ever accused me of being less opinionated that someone else.
The thing about albergues, though, is that they already are affordable.I favour the "paying for perks" on flights. It makes flying much more affordable than it used to be.
No one has ever accused me of being less opinionated that someone else.
I suggest you not worry about the judgement of people like that. Think like Groucho Marx:It would leave me out of the judgement of somebody else whether I really need that lower bunk or not.
I like the lower bunk so just leave early and you’ll get one.Just wondering. I have never seen it, but would it be profitable for albergues to ask 1 or 2 euros more for a lower bed? And would you pay for that? The question came to mind because I always fear to be assigned to an upper bed. Which (of course) happens in about half of the cases ;-)
I have to go to the toilet once or twice a night and I struggle with climbing down. Maybe it is just my clumsiness or it is because I prefer to only wear a nightgown and want to come down without flashing... For the pilgrims feeling I definitely prefer staying in albergues, but I would without any doubt pay 1 or 2 euros more to be sure to get a lower bed.
Or would it spoil the pilgrims experience of all being equal?
but......there is always a first time for everythingI've never fallen off any bed, so I don't know why I would be more inclined to fall off a top bunk.
La Finca is the best! And the restaurant there is very good too. They also let you use the washing machine for free.
This is interesting. We could do a camino version of Dr. Milgram's subway experiment:
68% of NY subway riders gave up their seats to healthy-looking individuals. How generous are pilgrims compared with NY subway riders?'Excuse Me. May I Have Your Seat?' (Published 2004)
Two New York Times reporters do unscientific re-enactment of Dr Stanley Milgram's experiment of 30 years ago in which he sent graduate students into crowded New York City subway cars to ask riders to give up their seats; 68 percent of riders asked by Milgram's students gave up their seats; Times...www.nytimes.com
The only way to answer this question is to put a large group of pilgrims on the NY subway and ask them to give up their seats to healthy-looking individuals.This is interesting. We could do a camino version of Dr. Milgram's subway experiment:
68% of NY subway riders gave up their seats to healthy-looking individuals. How generous are pilgrims compared with NY subway riders?'Excuse Me. May I Have Your Seat?' (Published 2004)
Two New York Times reporters do unscientific re-enactment of Dr Stanley Milgram's experiment of 30 years ago in which he sent graduate students into crowded New York City subway cars to ask riders to give up their seats; 68 percent of riders asked by Milgram's students gave up their seats; Times...www.nytimes.com
Whenever I have fantasized (or actually drawn out) the model albergue, there are no "top bunks" - at least not those accessed by ladder; stairs improve the situation. I think it's fair to say I hate top bunks - for the reasons you stated and maybe more. I remember at one albergue I was given permission to put the top bunk mattress on the floor. But, I think as long as there are top bunks, it would probably cause more problems to not distribute them randomly and without regard to fee. And, I always hesitate to ask someone to change with me - in fact I have never done so - cause I don't think I ever heard anyone say they prefer a top bunk.Just wondering. I have never seen it, but would it be profitable for albergues to ask 1 or 2 euros more for a lower bed? And would you pay for that? The question came to mind because I always fear to be assigned to an upper bed. Which (of course) happens in about half of the cases ;-)
I have to go to the toilet once or twice a night and I struggle with climbing down. Maybe it is just my clumsiness or it is because I prefer to only wear a nightgown and want to come down without flashing... For the pilgrims feeling I definitely prefer staying in albergues, but I would without any doubt pay 1 or 2 euros more to be sure to get a lower bed.
Or would it spoil the pilgrims experience of all being equal?
I definitely prefer the top bunk at Albergue La FincaWhenever I have fantasized (or actually drawn out) the model albergue, there are no "top bunks" - at least not those accessed by ladder; stairs improve the situation. I think it's fair to say I hate top bunks - for the reasons you stated and maybe more. I remember at one albergue I was given permission to put the top bunk mattress on the floor. But, I think as long as there are top bunks, it would probably cause more problems to not distribute them randomly and without regard to fee. And, I always hesitate to ask someone to change with me - in fact I have never done so - cause I don't think I ever heard anyone say they prefer a top bunk.
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