Question..Donativo/Muni albergues OR Private lodgings?

[Camino Chrissy]

I have walked many Caminos and I have mixed feelings about this topic.
I usually try to book private lodgings in recent years when I walk on less traveled Caminos as I prefer to feel confident I have a place to stay at the end of the day since I am a slower walker. Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.
OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.
There seem to be no clear rules. Are these merely opinions to be heeded or disregarded, and we all should do what "feels good and right" in our own thoughts and life?

 

[TravellingMan22]

I have walked many Caminos and I have mixed feelings about this topic.
I usually try to book private lodgings in recent years when I walk on less traveled Caminos as I prefer to feel confident I have a place to stay at the end of the day since I am a slower walker. Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.
OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.
There seem to be no clear rules. Are these merely opinions to be heeded or disregarded, and we all should do what "feels good and right" in our own thoughts?

Well I have done 5 caminos and tend to stay in private dorms. I am a very slow walker and do long days so need to have late check in. I always pre book where I can. I don’t want to carry a sleeping bag and have no ability to put up a tent! I guess I regard a dorm on the Camino as quite luxurious as I have stayed at a lot of dorms in non Camino places and the quality and the ‘behaviour’ is very different. I think many folks who stay in albergues probably don’t stay on dorms in normal life so really treat it with respect. I am used to lots of poor behaviour and bed bugs and no sleep off Camino, bit behaviour is largely exemplary on Camino.

Re Donativos. I like the concept, it’s lovely of course, but I am very outgoing and pretty much talk to everyone and have yet to come across folks who are struggling with funds. In my 5-10 donativo stays, mainly it has been folks looking for a cheap night who probably don’t need it. Put €5 in the tin or forget to pay. I don’t doubt people on low funds exist of course but they seem a very small number so I wouldn’t be concerned about taking a bed away from someone who can’t afford a private dorm. For me it’s a small number. Even my partner who was with me in Fisterra today and Santiago last week commented on how relatively affluent folks seem to be versus her expectation - maybe I had convinced her it was a tougher gig than it is!!

Just my take and view. Nowadays I would put in €25 for a bed and €15 dinner as that in what I pay private, so it’s not a financial decision. It’s a double edge sword as am not too keen on funding free loaders, but of course want to support the infrastructure!!!

 

[Tincatinker]

I have walked many Caminos and I have mixed feelings about this topic.
I usually try to book private lodgings in recent years when I walk on less traveled Caminos as I prefer to feel confident I have a place to stay at the end of the day since I am a slower walker. Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.
OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.
There seem to be no clear rules. Are these merely opinions to be heeded or disregarded, and we all should do what "feels good and right" in our own thoughts and life?

Yep. It’s one of those really good topics for discussion among any assemblage of pilgrims anywhere any time.

Yes, a generous donation helps keep a donativo alive. Yes, your custom keeps those little family owned and run hotels and hostales alive.

Do as you would be done by. Do what “feels good and right”.

 

[J Willhaus]

We work in donativos and love them. The ones where we work are always special in some way with great memories, so that is where we choose to stay when there is an opportunity to do so. They are usually quite simple with no frills (some exceptions, of course). Private albergues can also be wonderful. I find private rooms to be really isolating, although nice once in a while. I am not fussy about having my own bathroom or silence at night. This summer I camped my way around Alaska and parts of Canada and some nights walked up to a quarter of a mile to reach a simple latrine/pit toilet and was quite satisfied. Each pilgrim is different and although I am happy with my choice, I know it isn't for everyone.

 

[trecile]

I know that you plan to walk the Invierno next, and the donativo albergue Casa Rosa in Puente de Domingo Flórez is a MUST. They aren't on Gronze, but their information is on the Wise Pilgrim app, and their Instagram account. You can reserve via WhatsApp +34648417406

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https://www.caminodesantiago.me/camino-guides/en/accommodations/camino-de-invierno/puente-de-domingo-florez/albergue-casa-rosa

BTW, this is a private donativo albergue.

The breakfast should convince you

 

[henrythedog]

Whilst my days of sleeping in donativos are largely behind me that doesn’t preclude making a donation whilst passing. I’ve often asked if I might have a coffee if I’m passing round the end of breakfast time and I pay generously if I can.

It’s a while ago, but I recall only a handful of the residents who were there by necessity.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The breakfast should convince you

@trecile, that breakfast does convince me, but since we are staying overnight in Las Medulas first, Casa Rosa is too close, being only approx.10km beyond and we already have plans to stay the following night in Sobredelo. I will try to stop in though, take look around and say hello as I have heard wonderful things about it.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.

Chris I think you should stay at albergues of any type otherwise you would be depriving pilgrims of the pleasure of your company.

Spoiler

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Chris I think you should stay at albergues of any type otherwise you would be depriving pilgrims of the pleasure of your company.

Spoiler

Thanks, Rick.
I have stayed almost exclusively at municipal and donativo albergues on my first, second, and third Caminos in the past, knowing nothing else.
My question now relates more to if I avoid them, which leaves beds for the needy, or if I use them and pay generously, it helps keep donativos afloat, but at the same time takes a bed away from a more needy pilgrim. It is a quandary to me with seemingly no perfect answer.

 

[trecile]

My question now relates more to if I avoid them, which leaves beds for the needy, or if I use them and pay generously, it helps keep donativos afloat, but at the same time takes a bed away from a more needy pilgrim.

Obviously, if there are empty beds in the donativo then your presence and Euros will be appreciated!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

My question now relates more to if I avoid them, which leaves beds for the needy, or if I use them and pay generously, it helps keep donativos afloat, but at the same time takes a bed away from a more needy pilgrim.

You raise a valid point.
As others have pointed out without business (and the more generous donations of some) these Donativos would struggle, perhaps cease to exist.
So perhaps the easiest way to resolve this is: when it is busy book privately. When it is quieter, stay at the Donativos.

mainly it has been folks looking for a cheap night who probably don’t need it. Put €5 in the tin or forget to pay. I don’t doubt people on low funds exist of course but they seem a very small number

I couldn't agree more, that has been my experience too.

I've always used the opportunities that have arisen either on trail, at dinner, or just in casual conversation of an evening to try and educate people. On more than one occasion individuals felt that they only needed to leave a small amount because they believed the D. Albergues were supported by either 1/ the community or 2/ the church. They considered it to be equivalent to leaving a tip.

 

[J Willhaus]

I will say that in September, I have heard of a lot of the albergues on the stage towns on the CF being full or having a lot of pilgrims (through my sources.) That being said it isn't every day and mostly related to waves. Some, as an example, Arrés on the Aragones was reported empty tonight by a forum member who is serving there. For us, it boils down to making a donativo our first choice and taking something else if it isn't available. It is the same with Xunta Albergues. I love them, but others don't. I have never not found a bed, but I don't walk in the busiest times on purpose. I know what to do if the place I want is full.

 

[good_old_shoes]

I'd say, if a donativo seems to be almost full and you know there are still many pilgrims on the way, you can still just leave a donation and walk on to a private albergue, hotel, ect.

You can also always ask the hospitaleros if they are very busy / expect to be full that day. If yes, you can walk on and only leave a donation.

If it is not very busy and you are not likely to take away a bed from someone who needs it, why not stay in a donativo? The great thing about them is that anyone can stay

When I walk with my tent and for a change want to stay in a donativo or municipal (inside), but it seems very busy, I always tell the hospitaleros: should someone arrive later who needs a bed, I am happy to move on, or sleep outside in the garden / on the terrace/ on the floor (since I have a sleeping mat), ect.

I rarely walk to exhaustion. So if someone arrives late and needs a bed, usually I'd still be fine to walk another 5-10km to the next place with a bed or campsite.

Was never necessary so far.

Even this spring, when there was a lot of drama around beds, it never happened.

The Zubiri municipal still had beds when it closed for night, despite rumours that Zubiri was fully booked. Granon was extremely busy, and the hospitaleros seemed a bit shocked how many pilgrims arrived, but still, two mattresses were still available in the end.

 

[LTfit]

On my first Camino in 2010 I only stayed in municipal or parish albergues, some of which were donativos run by volunteers, others charged a mere €5. I was grateful for whatever I was offered. As I've often mentioned, that experience prompted me to become a volunteer hospitalera. 13 years on, I still prefer to stay in donativos although my pocketbook now allows me to stay in private albergues. For me the donativos are the heart and soul of the Camino and I want to support the amazing traditional as best I can. I've never felt guilty taking the bed of someone in need and in fact I hope that my contribution helps to pay forward.

If you have the choice, stay where your heart leads you.

 

[Tom Conklin]

Yes, a generous donation helps keep a donativo alive. Yes, your custom keeps those little family owned and run hotels and hostales alive.

This is a good point. Whatever you do, you are helping someone.

 

[CWBuff]

@trecile, that breakfast does convince me, but since we are staying overnight in Las Medulas first, Casa Rosa is too close, being only approx.10km beyond and we already have plans to stay the following night in Sobredelo. I will try to stop in though, take look around and say hello as I have heard wonderful things about it.

YEah... just stop over for breakfast. Say you heard wonderful things about it

 

[CWBuff]

I did private albergues because I was pushing stuff forward via transport co so that was that. I also would like to point out that private ALBERGUE does not necessary mean private ROOM; there are plenty of private albergues with common dorms (Quatro Cantones in Belorado come to mind - 4 floors of various rooms!!!)
I go with the general flow of what @Tincatinker said - if you stay at public donativo you help to run that, if you stay on a private albergue - you help to run that, so at the end in some way it all evens out.
Do what you feel is best for you!!!!

 

[trecile]

I did private albergues because I was pushing stuff forward via transport co so that was that. I also would like to point out that private ALBERGUE does not necessary mean private ROOM; there are plenty of private albergues

And there are donativo albergues that are private, such as the one in Puente de Domingo Flórez.

 

[David Tallan]

I have walked many Caminos and I have mixed feelings about this topic.
I usually try to book private lodgings in recent years when I walk on less traveled Caminos as I prefer to feel confident I have a place to stay at the end of the day since I am a slower walker. Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.
OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.
There seem to be no clear rules. Are these merely opinions to be heeded or disregarded, and we all should do what "feels good and right" in our own thoughts and life?

I think we all should do "what feels good and right" in our thoughts and life. I also think being better informed can help point those feelings in the right direction. ;-)

I think giving a generous donation to donativos is a good thing, and can coincide with staying at said donativo albergue or not.

In my experience, staying at donativos on less traveled Caminos is unlikely to take beds away from pilgrims who need them. When I was walking the Madrid, two thirds of the time I was the only pilgrim in the albergue, and in the other third of the nights, no one was ever turned away from a full albergue. In the same vein, I wasn't too worried about beds at these albergues not being available. But I did like to phone or text or WhatsApp ahead so that the hospitalero would be expecting me.

 

[Rita Flower]

Like @LTfit I stay in donativos because of the ‘vibe’ and tradition amongst other things.
One of the other things is around budget. Staying in donativos, municipal and parochial Albergues is often a bit cheaper than private albergues and makes the Camino more affordable for me. We are not all as well off as some of the responders to this thread seem to be, but also not as poor as seems to be implied.
I pay the ‘going rate’ at a donativo according to what is provided and occasionally more depending on the circumstances.
I don’t think we can really judge what anyone can afford by how they look or act. Last Camino I walked with a young woman who looked quite affluent on the outside but was on a tight budget due to her current life’s circumstances.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I have walked many Caminos and I have mixed feelings about this topic.
I usually try to book private lodgings in recent years when I walk on less traveled Caminos as I prefer to feel confident I have a place to stay at the end of the day since I am a slower walker. Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.
OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.
There seem to be no clear rules. Are these merely opinions to be heeded or disregarded, and we all should do what "feels good and right" in our own thoughts and life?

Chrissy, this really WAS a problem about eight or ten years ago. The donativo albergues were full of people who could afford to sleep elsewhere, and the needier pilgrims were sometimes pushed out.
IMHO, times have changed. The people with money have a lot more options now, and they book up the "Instagram-worthy" places months in advance. THey go online and warn newbies they "need not suffer the municipal albergue horrors" when for a nominal cash payment they can sleep somewhere suitably "cute."
Most munis are not nearly as full as they were in the past. Some have even disappeared. The pilgrims don't want to "suffer" them any more.

 

[SabsP]

Chrissy, this really WAS a problem about eight or ten years ago. The donativo albergues were full of people who could afford to sleep elsewhere, and the needier pilgrims were sometimes pushed out.
IMHO, times have changed. The people with money have a lot more options now, and they book up the "Instagram-worthy" places months in advance. THey go online and warn newbies they "need not suffer the municipal albergue horrors" when for a nominal cash payment they can sleep somewhere suitably "cute."
Most munis are not nearly as full as they were in the past. Some have even disappeared. The pilgrims don't want to "suffer" them any more.

To me it is not a question of not wanting " to suffer " but the fact I have the money to pay for a private room. Suffering is very much optional in my books the recent years.
I always book directly and try to avoid the booking companies. On top of that I go to local restaurants, give donativos when churches are open, buy products in the local shops and farmacia.
I still think of myself as a pilgrim when using private places.

 

[J Willhaus]

I personally don't see it as suffering.

Growing up we all shared one bathroom and my father snored so loud you could hear him no matter where you were in the house. We even had bunk beds for a while and so did my kids.

I have also stayed is some pretty uncomfortable private rooms. It is all a matter of perspective.

 

[henrythedog]

To me it is not a question of not wanting " to suffer " but the fact I have the money to pay for a private room. Suffering is very much optional in my books the recent years.
I always book directly and try to avoid the booking companies. On top of that I go to local restaurants, give donativos when churches are open, buy products in the local shops and farmacia.
I still think of myself as a pilgrim when using private places.

I’m sure, like you, I think the concept of ‘pilgrimage’ is in your head, not your wallet.

I still hesitate to refer to myself, and many others, as pilgrims.

With respect to funding; on some parts of (e.g) the Madrid, and I’m sure elsewhere the only option in some places is a municipale. I treat that as I do (although rarely these days) a donativo. I’ll pay what it would cost me in any other albergue.

My reality is that being on Camino isn’t in addition to normal life; it is a part of life. The only extra is a cheap flight and Henry the (actual) dog’s boarding - which is usually more expensive than mine.

I’m pleased to support the basic concept of donativos, and have no opinion of or influence over those of substantial means who treat them as a cheap option. That’s for their conscience, not mine. The principle is unique to Camino routes in my opinion and in an increasingly materialistic world is worth preserving.

I stand in awe of those like Janet and Phil who will fly from the US to Spain to work unpaid in a donativo, and quite obviously do a great job.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I don't see staying in donativos and munis as suffering either. I try to now stay in a combination of all types of lodging and I like the variety, although high on my priority is the comfort of knowing I definitely have a bed waiting for me each night, which the donativos and munis cannot guarantee. On the lesser walked Caminos I am no longer willing to walk 26+ km if I miss out, nor willing to taxi forward and then back again as I see that as a big nuisance.

 

[Pafayac]

OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.

I do not agree.
Donativos do not cost less than private albergues: cleaning costs the same price, cooking also, welcoming also and so on...
In order that they can welcome from time to time pilgrims who really cannot afford private accommodation (or even municipal albergues), we should go in donativos and pay for them.
The real added-value of donativos is the atmosphere that they generate, especially during common meals.
As an example, I would like to tell about my accommodation of this year, on the camino del Norte:
Izarra in Caborredondo on the Norte
Thanks again Giulia and Pascal !

 

[Camino Chrissy]

As an example, I would like to tell about my accommodation of this year, on the camino del Norte:
Izarra in Caborredondo on the Norte

It looks like a great place, and there are many lovely ones peppered along many of the Camino routes. Thanks for sharing a personal favorite of yours.

 

[CWBuff]

The pilgrims don't want to "suffer" them any more.

Perhaps it is not a true Pilgrimage if one does not suffer .... but, after all it is MY Pigrimage and I dont want to suffer!

For the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'

 

[Camino Chrissy]

The only suffering I experience on the Caminos relates to extremely adverse weather conditions or huffing and puffing up a steep hill..."but this too shall pass".
Staying indoors with a roof over my head, and waiting my turn for a shower is not suffering either. However, climbing ladder rungs up and down a top bunk is suffering...just ask my feet.

 

[CWBuff]

However, climbing ladder rungs up .... is suffering...

Reckon you aint going to attempt a Tour Mont Blanc Pilgrimage then

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Reckon you aint going to attempt a Tour Mont Blanc Pilgrimage then

Are your feet full of calluses?

 

[CWBuff]

nope but I never got to them (Laurie got hurt and we cut the trek short...unfortunately....)

you know.... speaking of... so she had a pretty rough going at it and at 8:30PM we grabbed the last 2 bunk beds at Col de Bonhomme Croix Albergue. Small dorm only 6 bunks. I did take the top one much as I love it (probably as good as you do, but there is no way I was gonna let her take the top for her very 1st time ever)
Oh Yea - thats the point - my wife's 1st time ever in communal albergue (On our SdC --> Finisterre stint she traveled in style in private albergues and private rooms! ). I was somewhat 'worried' when booking the trip .... she didnt care about anything in the world, not other 4 strangers in the room (all men, not that it matters probably) nor the communal bathrooms and showers nor the pillow nor the blanket (I did get her the same Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner like the one I used on CF)
She was done and gone in 5 sec flat and had no complains about her sleep.

So.... "suffering" is in the eyes of the beholder I say.... (we did suffer the next 3 nights in absolutely AWESOME Hotel in Courmayeur, private room with balcony and stupendous view and breakfast buffet to DIE for included!) She had to recuperate.....

 

[David Tallan]

I still think of myself as a pilgrim when using private places.

I don't think there is any contradiction between using private places and considering oneself a pilgrim. Pilgrims have been staying at private places for many centuries. I certainly didn't consider myself less a pilgrim for staying at private places on my first pilgrimage (albeit it was because I really wasn't aware of the alternatives at the time). If you look at many of the earlier pilgrim accounts, people were staying in private places.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@CWBuff, I'm sorry to hear your TMB was cut short due to your wife's injury. I hope your travel insurance reimbursed the remainder of your trip, knowing that the TMB is a rather expensive route to plan.

 

[CWBuff]

@CWBuff, I'm sorry to hear your TMB was cut short due to your wife's injury. I hope your travel insurance reimbursed the remainder of your trip, knowing that the TMB is a rather expensive route to plan.

actually.... in "dispute" with these folks... will let you know how it all works out.
truly begin to hate all insurance co's no matter who they are. clear open and shut case and they have to play stupid games....

But lets not hijack the thread.....

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Pilgrims have been staying at private places for many centuries.

I am glad that I stayed almost exclusively at albergues on my first three Caminos, naively thinking it was the only way we were supposed to embrace it, having watched "The Way". For me, it actually made the uniqueness I experienced all the more special as I'd never stayed in a hostel before, nor "rubbed shoulders" with and met so many interesting people from so many countries.

 

[David Tallan]

I am glad that I stayed almost exclusively at albergues on my first three Caminos, naively thinking it was the only way we were supposed to embrace it, having watched "The Way". For me, it actually made the uniqueness I experienced all the more special as I'd never stayed in a hostel before, nor "rubbed shoulders" with and met so many interesting people from so many countries.

I agree. I prefer to stay in albergues whenever possible for a number of reasons. But being more of a pilgrim isn't one of them.

 

[mattythedog]

I have walked many Caminos and I have mixed feelings about this topic.
I usually try to book private lodgings in recent years when I walk on less traveled Caminos as I prefer to feel confident I have a place to stay at the end of the day since I am a slower walker. Some say I should stay in donativo albergues when possible because if I pay at least an equivalent to private lodgings it actually helps keep them alive for pilgrims who walk with less funds.
OTOH, I sometimes hear it takes beds away from pilgrims who rely on donativos to help them make it to Santiago on a shoestring budget.
There seem to be no clear rules. Are these merely opinions to be heeded or disregarded, and we all should do what "feels good and right" in our own thoughts and life?

Interesting considerations that frankly never crossed my mind. I usually walk a long day and pick whatever albergue is at hand when I choose to stop. Sometimes the donativo is the only place with beds available, but after 12 Caminos, I don't think I have ever taken the last bed in a donativo; plus I pay a fair price or more if it's a nice place/nice hosts/great experience/etc.

 

[mattythedog]

Interesting considerations that frankly never crossed my mind. I usually walk a long day and pick whatever albergue is at hand when I choose to stop. Sometimes the donativo is the only place with beds available, but after 12 Caminos, I don't think I have ever taken the last bed in a donativo; plus I pay a fair price or more if it's a nice place/nice hosts/great experience/etc.

Forgot to add, if there were rules, they would be posted.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Forgot to add, if there were rules, they would be posted.

Good point, @mattythedog. I've personally not seen any rules posted, but sometimes there are unspoken rules in life, and can be different for each person.
I "think" I've read @J Willhaus has posted before that she has had to turn a few people away when being a hospi at a particular donativo, due to some situation or rule on who can stay, but I can't recall the details. Maybe she will see this and respond.

 

[mattythedog]

Good point, @mattythedog. I've personally not seen any rules posted, but sometimes there are unspoken rules in life, and can be different for each person.
I "think" I've read @J Willhaus has posted before that she has had to turn a few people away when being a hospi at a particular donativo, due to some situation or rule on who can stay, but I can't recall the details. Maybe she will see this and respond.

True enough. I have only heard complaints from pilgrims saying booking.com Albergues or various municipal and private Albergue’s were full. I have not heard complaints that donations were full, although I guess it happens.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

True enough. I have only heard complaints from pilgrims saying booking.com Albergues or various municipal and private Albergue’s were full. I have not heard complaints that donations were full, although I guess it happens.

I don't believe the people being turned away by @J Willhaus was because the donativo she served at was already full. OTOH, my memory is sometimes prone to error.

 

[J Willhaus]

Yes during high season some of our albergues were full. San Miguel in Estella doesn't have many beds and was full in July several nights in 2019. Caldazilla de los Hermanillos where Phil worked in 2021 was full a few nights, but COVID restrictions limited the number of beds to 50%. At Grañón we were instructed to NEVER tell pilgrims we were full. If you ran out of space they could be housed (without mattresses) in the choir loft or even the church if necessary.

I do know that the Najera municipal has been full the last few weeks and was full during the big after Easter rush. They have 50 beds now instead of the 90+ beds they had several years ago.

Yes, we have occassionally turned people away, but always try to help them find a bed. In Najera, for example, the hospis can alert the Guardia Civil to open the sports hall. We have also turned a few people away due to albergue restrictions. Some are "pilgrim only" so we've turned away hikers in Canfranc who where hiking in the area and not pilgrims. In Grañón, we are told never to turn people away as long as they are not bothering other pilgrims. We have had to eject one man who was drunk and threatening other pilgrims.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Some are "pilgrim only" so we've turned away hikers in Canfranc who where hiking in the area and not pilgrims.

Thanks, @J Willhaus, for replying and listing a few varying scenarios.
I'm sure that this is the particular instance I had remembered you mentioning on the forum in the past.