A caution

[Atlantic]

I've just had a look at an online guide to the Plata. It mentions that that a certain refugio has "persistent negative comments" about the hospitalero.

It's worth remembering that in most albergues, the hospitaleros change all the time, so such a comment strikes me as odd.

Treat such comments with caution, about any albergue.

[HuskyNerd]

I don't want to defend a negative comment about a hospitalero (and thanks for not repeating the specifics), but I'm pretty sure "hospitalero" is a broad enough term that it can mean anything from a day-time volunteer to a permanent part-time employee to the owner of a private albergue. There are hospitaleros on the Camino Frances I met both in 2008 and 2011 (e.g. Orisson, Cirauqui, Tosantos, Atapuerca, Mansilla, Manjarin, etc. etc.). Hospitaleros, particularly in Galician state-owned albergues, are often part-timer locals who check in for a few hours in the afternoon and then come back in the morning to clean.

[Atlantic]

I agree. And I would never repeat negative gossip about an individual (for that's how I see it), and never someone identifiable. That's why I wasn't happy about that online comment. It's irresponsible, actually.

I have met only one or two hospitaleros over the years who weren't helpful, and it's for us to let that pass. They volunteer and we should be glad. I have in my time as hosp., met one or two pilgrims who astonished me by their poor attitude, but that's part of the deal in serving. Nobody said that all pilgrims were angels (far from it) and likewise hospitaleros. If people want hotel standards they have a choice there.

I have met wonderful pilgrims and hospitaleros; these are the ones which feature most in memory. Probably everyone else's too.