Yet another accommodation thread

[andywild]

Hi all, just a quickie,
My friend is near Leon and has fallen into the booking . Com panic as he doesn't want to risk not getting a bed. The word on the street is that beds are few and far between. I'm thinking he should have a walk around and try and find out the municipal situation but he doesn't speak Spanish and therefore won't ask.
I had a look ahead on booking . Com and there's still beds available (at 5.30pm) (albergues and private) in Leon, Astorga, villafranca Del Bierzo, Trabadelo etc. makes me wonder that if there's beds on that site then there are very probably beds in the places that aren't on there.
It'd be good if someone currently out there could find out the non-bookable bed situation and allay a few fears.
It doesn't take much to start a vicious circle of bed panic, I wonder if it's as simple to break that circle with a bit of "on the Camino" knowledge.

 

[CWBuff]

Within reasons why allay fears? You should know by now that once the panic sets in - it is there to stay. You may recall when roughly a month ago someone was posting here threads on daily basis telling us that they were getting bunks with no reservations at any given time of the day ..
and 10 minutes later there would be another new thread started by Peregrinos Verdas about every single place booked from sea to shiny sea!
Your friend is panicking and your fast check revealed that accommodations are available? Let them book!
It will give them peace of mind and relieves you of any "responsibility" so to speak
I came to conclusion long time ago that try as I may I cannot and will not save the World. Hence I personally wouldn't want to try and break any circles too many people won't listen anyway

 

[trecile]

. I'm thinking he should have a walk around and try and find out the municipal situation but he doesn't speak Spanish and therefore won't ask

He doesn't need to speak Spanish in order to follow a map and walk over to Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas which has 96 beds and inquire if one is available.

Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas | Albergue de Peregrinos en León | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas, en León: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

 

[andywild]

He doesn't need to speak Spanish in order to follow a map and walk over to Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas which has 96 beds and inquire if one is available.

Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas | Albergue de Peregrinos en León | Gronze.com

Información del albergue de peregrinos Albergue del convento de las Carbajalas, en León: Precio, plazas, características, etc...

www.gronze.com

It's not so much to help him, it was more about my curiosity.. he's happy with private places.
The point I was (failing) to make is that I'd like him to ask but he won't. If they had a bed he wouldn't want it and have to try and explain that he was only asking to satisfy a nosey person sat at home in the UK.
Luckily I'll be over there in less than two weeks so I can don my Sherlock Holmes hat and do my own asking. (I'm happy to risk it and go off the cuff).
It's quite a strange Camino for me this time. I don't know where I'm starting and, with a dodgy knee not sure how far I'm going each day. I'm even considering not blogging it.. I've never walked and not written about it! Usually I have to spend an hour each evening sat Infront of my phone..

 

[diggidan]

I am at Sarria right now, this is kind of the most crowded part of the CF I guess. But I had no problems at all to book like one or max two days in advance. Even lots of bunks are available. I am a private room guy, so prices are increasing right now but I can’t feel any shortage. If b.com says it’s full, look up places on google maps and contact the hotels/whatever directly by mail or WhatsApp.
Cheers from a relaxed pilgrim

 

[J Willhaus]

Some news from hospis on the ground from Najera where beds can't be reserved (sorry, that is as close as I could get to Leon with my limited connections). Since reopening (from updates), the Najera municipal has been full the past few days sending the overflow to sleep at other local albergues, the local Fronton gymnasium, or ahead to Azofra. The wave is headed west...

 

[Vacajoe]

Wife is currently in Tosantos, stayed in Grañon yesterday - busy, but beds available without reservations.

 

[Felice]

Andy, I quite understand your curiosity and confusion. Last May, I got a bit sucked in by the bed panic when I walked from Pamplona and booked as far as Najera. It really took the edge off my journey to be hemmed in by bookings, especially since several became uncancellable a couple of days before.

In September, I booked the first 2 stops, then winged it. Much better experience.

I'm starting again in Leon on May 21st. First night booked, nothing more. I'll soon know what the situation is. Sounds like the wave will hit just as I arrive. If it's bad then I'll go elsewhere.

 

[FriendsoftheNHW]

Hi all, just a quickie,
My friend is near Leon and has fallen into the booking . Com panic as he doesn't want to risk not getting a bed. The word on the street is that beds are few and far between. I'm thinking he should have a walk around and try and find out the municipal situation but he doesn't speak Spanish and therefore won't ask.
I had a look ahead on booking . Com and there's still beds available (at 5.30pm) (albergues and private) in Leon, Astorga, villafranca Del Bierzo, Trabadelo etc. makes me wonder that if there's beds on that site then there are very probably beds in the places that aren't on there.
It'd be good if someone currently out there could find out the non-bookable bed situation and allay a few fears.
It doesn't take much to start a vicious circle of bed panic, I wonder if it's as simple to break that circle with a bit of "on the Camino" knowledge.

The Spaniards are very nice, if your friend just tries a bit.. Good luck.

 

[Lurch]

Just came thru the Camino F, from Logrono to Ponferrada. No problems with hostels at all, in 2 instances I was the only occupant. Yes, you can worry, but your friend should be OK.

 

[Christopher Hegan]

The Franciscan albergué in Léon is huge and not particularly popular because it is super-modern and rather soulless. I'd be astonished to see it fully booked, ever.