No room at the inn?

[bethbear]

Hi everyone

I am a 25yr old woman starting the camino alone from St Jean Pied de Port in July and realise that this is peak season as well as it being a holy year. I have heard a lot about the albergues being exceedingly crowded at this time and that they may even all be fully booked. I am a bit worried about arriving and either having to shell out a fortune for a hotel room or not having anywhere to stay at all. Can anyone tell me whether this is common?

Thanks

[Oak Hill Walkers]

I'm new to the Camino forums but I think that I can advise you that the church-run alburgues cannot be pre-booked, only the private ones can be. But even if the beds are full, it is most likely that a space could be found on a floor somewhere. Just be sure to bring a sleeping pad. More experienced hands like Leslie or Covey will be sure to offer better advice.

For our September/October Camino, we're planning on an average maximum daily mileage of 10 miles so that we can finish between 1200 and 1400 so that we can increase our chances of getting a bed -- and to rest our 60+ year old feet.

[Sil]

The various Regions through which the camino Frances passes, will be providing extra accommodation such as tent towns and gymnasiums to cater for the large numbers of pilgrims expected this year.

Many of the albergues are now regulated and have compulsory insurance cover (especially in Galicia) which means that they are not allowed to exceed their insured capacity and have people sleeping on the floor. This is also considered a fire risk.

A number of small hotel chains and pensions are offering discounted prices for the Holy Year and many pilgrims are booking ahead rather than risk sleeping in army tents.

You can book ahead at some of the private albergues. Check this website for a list:
www.redalberguessantiago.com/ - Click on Folettos.

[Gazza]

Sil

Interesting point with the extra "rooms"/gyms..... Will they be putting beds in these or will they be floor sleepers lol

We are starting in late June from Burgos

Gaz

[Sil]

Yep - mattresses on the floors, and you'll be paying to stay there! But hey, it beats sleeping in a bus shelter or doorway!

[Oak Hill Walkers]

Come to think of it, sleeping on the floor may be good protection from bedbugs, especially if you avoid the mattress.