Albergue Etiquette

[Juspassinthru]

I've seen a lot of posts about etiquette generally and after 3 Camino's I've spent a fair number of nights in albergues so, I'd like to focus on light/noise etiquette in albergues. Remembering that these rooms are shared spaces, it's kind/thoughtful/important to remember that we're sharing space with some number of our closest friends that we've probably never met. So, a few thoughts.

1. Quiet times are generally posted, often it's 22:00 - 06:00 or something very similar. Honoring these hours is our responsibility, a shared responsibility. Coming in at 22:00 and rattling around for an hour violates the rule and spirit. Deciding to get up at 04:45 does as well. If you're going to leave early, have your pack ready to go the night before, please. Moving out of the dorm to a common area is also thoughtful. Opening the door to provide light, provides it for everyone...not just you.
2. Lights. Turning on the lights while everyone is still sleeping is selfish and thoughtless, sorry, those are the only words I could come up with that would clear the Mods. Using your headlamp is almost as bad. They're bright and very focused for a reason and finding your stuff in a dark room is not one of them. And, the red light is not to make it less bright, it's not, it's to help preserve night vision for the wearer. Having it on your head, as you look around only makes sure that you will shine your very bright light on as many people as possible. I have a small personal light from Nebo, a 50 lumen light which clips on to my pack and has a magnetic base. Enough light to find something without lighting the entire room and the mag base frees my hands. You may consider this type of light. If not, put your lamp on low power, shield it with your hand and point it down.
3. Carrying on conversations during quiet times, please see #1. No matter how quiet you think you are...you're not!

I'm not big on rules, I think we all should be capable of regulating ourselves, the Camino kind of depends upon that. Be kind, think of others. Be organized and aware. Be thankful every day.

 

[trecile]

And no audible alarms!
I was planning to wake up by 6:30 this morning and have an alarm app which only plays through my earbuds that I wear at night. But the guy in the bed next to mine had an alarm that went off at 5:15, followed by extensive bag rustling because many of his things were monopolizing the shared table between us.

Fortunately, I had booked a private room for tonight where I was able to have a nice nap this afternoon, and don't have to worry about alarms or bag rustlers in the morning.

The lights don't bother me because I wear a good eye mask, but I know that others aren't comfortable in them. The problem in many dorms is that if you need to get up to use the bathroom the hall lights are on motion sensors and come blazing in as soon as the door is opened. I would encourage anyone who is really light sensitive to learn to wear a sleep mask.

 

[Juspassinthru]

And no audible alarms!
I was planning to wake up by 6:30 this morning and have an alarm app which only plays through my earbuds that I wear at night. But the guy in the bed next to mine had an alarm that went off at 5:15, followed by extensive bag rustling because many of his things were monopolizing the shared table between us.

Fortunately, I had booked a private room for tonight where I was able to have a nice nap this afternoon, and don't have to worry about alarms or bag rustlers in the morning.

The lights don't bother me because I wear a good eye mask, but I know that others aren't comfortable in them. The problem in many dorms is that if you need to get up to use the bathroom the hall lights are on motion sensors and come blazing in as soon as the door is opened. I would encourage anyone who is really light sensitive to learn to wear a sleep mask.

My Garmin watch vibrates on my wrist ‍

 

[J Willhaus]

Lessons and tips:
1. Don't converse in the bunk room. Take your conversations to the common area even when it isn't quiet hours.
2. In the morning gather all your things in the middle of your sleeping bag and carry it and your backpack to the common area to pack.
3. Don't put your pack on the bed. If possible, avoid a bunk that is touching a wall and try not to let your things touch a wall. Bedbugs climb wood and walls easily and can also climb down from the ceiling. I prefer Spartan rooms without soft decorations where bedbugs can hide. Metal frames or frames with a slick plastic bases are harder to climb.
4. Mop up after yourself if there is a mop bucket in the bathroom. Also try to manage your hair so you are not leaving it all over the sink and shower.
5. As mentioned above, save the headlamp for your walking. In the summer months you will rarely need one.
6. Dont eat other people's food unless it is clearly marked something like "Free, please eat." At a minimum check wwith the hospitalera first on what is leftovers or what belongs to the albergue or another pilgrims.
7. Be kind to each other. A bed crunch can make people scared and crabby. Try to help each other. If you see an older person or someone injured, offer them your bottom bunk. They may refuse or be extremely grateful. Either way, you're a hero.

 

[Kiwi-family]

@GuyA you’re not going to have any fun graphing this thread! All the posts are on topic. It seems my mistake in looking for folks’ ideas was to *invite* ideas. I should have just posted some rules and then the conversation gets going!

 

[Birdchest]

I've seen a lot of posts about etiquette generally and after 3 Camino's I've spent a fair number of nights in albergues so, I'd like to focus on light/noise etiquette in albergues. Remembering that these rooms are shared spaces, it's kind/thoughtful/important to remember that we're sharing space with some number of our closest friends that we've probably never met. So, a few thoughts.

1. Quiet times are generally posted, often it's 22:00 - 06:00 or something very similar. Honoring these hours is our responsibility, a shared responsibility. Coming in at 22:00 and rattling around for an hour violates the rule and spirit. Deciding to get up at 04:45 does as well. If you're going to leave early, have your pack ready to go the night before, please. Moving out of the dorm to a common area is also thoughtful. Opening the door to provide light, provides it for everyone...not just you.
2. Lights. Turning on the lights while everyone is still sleeping is selfish and thoughtless, sorry, those are the only words I could come up with that would clear the Mods. Using your headlamp is almost as bad. They're bright and very focused for a reason and finding your stuff in a dark room is not one of them. And, the red light is not to make it less bright, it's not, it's to help preserve night vision for the wearer. Having it on your head, as you look around only makes sure that you will shine your very bright light on as many people as possible. I have a small personal light from Nebo, a 50 lumen light which clips on to my pack and has a magnetic base. Enough light to find something without lighting the entire room and the mag base frees my hands. You may consider this type of light. If not, put your lamp on low power, shield it with your hand and point it down.
3. Carrying on conversations during quiet times, please see #1. No matter how quiet you think you are...you're not!

I'm not big on rules, I think we all should be capable of regulating ourselves, the Camino kind of depends upon that. Be kind, think of others. Be organized and aware. Be thankful every day.

This one isn’t about noise, but don’t let that stop me! I have done the Camino 3 times, twice the frances (2014-2015) and the del Norte (2023). First two times I was very impressed by the consideration the pilgrims had for bathroom cleanliness. Regret to say that on my third Camino I TWICE sat on toilet seats which had been urinated on. It’s no fun to have to take an unplanned shower at zero-dark-thirty because some inconsiderate man didn’t want to bother touching the seat. Plus the noise it makes.

 

[happypilgrim]

I've seen a lot of posts about etiquette generally and after 3 Camino's I've spent a fair number of nights in albergues so, I'd like to focus on light/noise etiquette in albergues. Remembering that these rooms are shared spaces, it's kind/thoughtful/important to remember that we're sharing space with some number of our closest friends that we've probably never met. So, a few thoughts.

1. Quiet times are generally posted, often it's 22:00 - 06:00 or something very similar. Honoring these hours is our responsibility, a shared responsibility. Coming in at 22:00 and rattling around for an hour violates the rule and spirit. Deciding to get up at 04:45 does as well. If you're going to leave early, have your pack ready to go the night before, please. Moving out of the dorm to a common area is also thoughtful. Opening the door to provide light, provides it for everyone...not just you.
2. Lights. Turning on the lights while everyone is still sleeping is selfish and thoughtless, sorry, those are the only words I could come up with that would clear the Mods. Using your headlamp is almost as bad. They're bright and very focused for a reason and finding your stuff in a dark room is not one of them. And, the red light is not to make it less bright, it's not, it's to help preserve night vision for the wearer. Having it on your head, as you look around only makes sure that you will shine your very bright light on as many people as possible. I have a small personal light from Nebo, a 50 lumen light which clips on to my pack and has a magnetic base. Enough light to find something without lighting the entire room and the mag base frees my hands. You may consider this type of light. If not, put your lamp on low power, shield it with your hand and point it down.
3. Carrying on conversations during quiet times, please see #1. No matter how quiet you think you are...you're not!

I'm not big on rules, I think we all should be capable of regulating ourselves, the Camino kind of depends upon that. Be kind, think of others. Be organized and aware. Be thankful every day.

I'd add: bring earplugs (test out which work best for you. Wax were perfect for me, foam did nothing for me) and a simple sleep mask (if you fly in to wherever you start just use the one from the plane). I think personal responsibility goes both ways. Personally, it is very had for me to fall asleep with loud snorers so I had earplugs to block them out (again, wax ones worked like a charm). Same for light and a sleep mask. My philosophy is that I can only control what I can control and that is my own behavior.

 

[K_Lynn]

Ugh loud phone alarms. I made sure before to set my alarms to vibrate and placed my phone by my pillow to wake me up.

On the topic of phones: some people are unaware they can change settings on their phones to silent mode for keyboard clicks and sent or received notifications. tap tap tap tap WOOSH! DING DING DING tap tap tap WOOSH! Candy Crush can also be played without any noise at all!
GAHHHHHHHHH!

 

[Undermanager]

Always use a spotlight, pack plastic bags a few times, set alarms, talk in a normal voice especially in the morning, answer phonecalls from your bed, switch on the light at 5.00am, take 30 mins to pack in the dorm and don't leave until you are packed:

I've seen it all on this trip. Some call it cultural differences. Others call it born in a barn. Take your pick.

 

[trecile]

Always use a spotlight, pack plastic bags a few times, set alarms, talk in a normal voice especially in the morning, answer phonecalls from your bed, switch on the light at 5.00am, take 30 mins to pack in the dorm and don't leave until you are packed:

I've seen it all on this trip. Some call it cultural differences. Others call it born in a barn. Take your pick.

Don't forget to videocall your boyfriend/girlfriend from your bunk. Everyone in the dorm will be interested in your conversation.

 

[GuyA]

@GuyA you’re not going to have any fun graphing this thread! All the posts are on topic. It seems my mistake in looking for folks’ ideas was to *invite* ideas. I should have just posted some rules and then the conversation gets going!

Oh my that was funny! You are correct…maybe someone can move these great responses to your thread to help you out and allow me to update….

 

[rogersoncharles1951]

I've seen a lot of posts about etiquette generally and after 3 Camino's I've spent a fair number of nights in albergues so, I'd like to focus on light/noise etiquette in albergues. Remembering that these rooms are shared spaces, it's kind/thoughtful/important to remember that we're sharing space with some number of our closest friends that we've probably never met. So, a few thoughts.

1. Quiet times are generally posted, often it's 22:00 - 06:00 or something very similar. Honoring these hours is our responsibility, a shared responsibility. Coming in at 22:00 and rattling around for an hour violates the rule and spirit. Deciding to get up at 04:45 does as well. If you're going to leave early, have your pack ready to go the night before, please. Moving out of the dorm to a common area is also thoughtful. Opening the door to provide light, provides it for everyone...not just you.
2. Lights. Turning on the lights while everyone is still sleeping is selfish and thoughtless, sorry, those are the only words I could come up with that would clear the Mods. Using your headlamp is almost as bad. They're bright and very focused for a reason and finding your stuff in a dark room is not one of them. And, the red light is not to make it less bright, it's not, it's to help preserve night vision for the wearer. Having it on your head, as you look around only makes sure that you will shine your very bright light on as many people as possible. I have a small personal light from Nebo, a 50 lumen light which clips on to my pack and has a magnetic base. Enough light to find something without lighting the entire room and the mag base frees my hands. You may consider this type of light. If not, put your lamp on low power, shield it with your hand and point it down.
3. Carrying on conversations during quiet times, please see #1. No matter how quiet you think you are...you're not!

I'm not big on rules, I think we all should be capable of regulating ourselves, the Camino kind of depends upon that. Be kind, think of others. Be organized and aware. Be thankful every day.

Yes just finished doing my Camino this year 20 th time and honestly no rules or conditions respected now what a difference from 15 years ago when curfews were respected and nearly all pilgrims obeyed and respected unwritten rules law .sign of the times now I suspect I think albergues should be clamping down on this selfish behaviour but realise they can't govern 24 hrs.sad to say but I have decided that this was my last Camino ever feel something has changed and definitely don't think main reason for completing Camino's now is spiritual the physical challenge has taken over main reason for doing so now or maybe I've just became 2 old at 73 years young anyway Buen Camino to anyone doing or planning of doing it.whst a wonderful experience it's been over years so keep faith and God bless all pilgrims

 

[witsendwv]

This one isn’t about noise, but don’t let that stop me! I have done the Camino 3 times, twice the frances (2014-2015) and the del Norte (2023). First two times I was very impressed by the consideration the pilgrims had for bathroom cleanliness. Regret to say that on my third Camino I TWICE sat on toilet seats which had been urinated on. It’s no fun to have to take an unplanned shower at zero-dark-thirty because some inconsiderate man didn’t want to bother touching the seat. Plus the noise it makes.

It is not necessarily an "inconsiderate man" who soiled the seat. I have been in many Ladies Rooms that have had urine on the seat. Women will try and stand to urinate rather than sit and it makes a terrible mess.

 

[Vancouver Rose]

I would add three more etiquette faux pas: Don’t run to get the bunk next to the window, in the midst of a heat wave, and immediately close the open window providing the only source cool air in a room of 20 people. And then, when it’s cooler, don’t help yourself to the blanket on the bed of someone who is sleeping there, who might have been planning on using it as the night cooled. Finally, don’t steal all the toilet paper in a stall, in the morning, so you’ll be all set for using the bushes during the day, but everyone left in the albergue finds themselves with none as they get up and on their way in the morning.

 

[Dilbin]

Hi folks. With all due respect to tips and suggestions we are only responsible for our own behaviour. Collective responsibility is getting harder and harder to find in the Albergues so I don't ever stay now in an albergue expecting sleep. However in my own gentle way I do remind or offer tips and advice to first timers whenever appropriate. Remember when said with a smile you can reach many hearts. Daniel

 

[henrythedog]

Those most likely to look at a thread on the topic of Albergue Etiquette are - IMHO - those most likely to observe it without needing to be told what it might be.

 

[Louise Comacchio]

Having worked shift work my whole working life, ear plugs and sleep/eye masks are my thing. Most days I would wake up and the room was empty. I'd panic and would jump up and check my phone for the time, thinking I'd slept in, only to roll over for another 20mins or so. I am so grateful I can sleep through all the noise and goings on.

 

[David Tallan]

Don't forget to videocall your boyfriend/girlfriend from your bunk. Everyone in the dorm will be interested in your conversation.

Unless you are walking with your boyfriend/girlfriend/nbfriend, in which case you can have a different kind of communication in your bunk, which everyone in the dorm will also be interested in.

 

[Mandy Walker]

Currently in a bunk, next to me is a woman who has no idea her phone can be muted, the click click click click is constant . Feel I might say something wrong if I say anything at all. She was also in last nights albergue and same issue, except tonight she’s directly beside me

 

[Molly Cassidy]

Currently in a bunk, next to me is a woman who has no idea her phone can be muted, the click click click click is constant . Feel I might say something wrong if I say anything at all. She was also in last nights albergue and same issue, except tonight she’s directly beside me

Honestly some people don't know. My mum was grateful when I showed her how to turn off the vibrate notifications. She thought she had put it on silent and that was all that could be done.

 

[eils]

Always use a spotlight, pack plastic bags a few times, set alarms, talk in a normal voice especially in the morning, answer phonecalls from your bed, switch on the light at 5.00am, take 30 mins to pack in the dorm and don't leave until you are packed:

I've seen it all on this trip. Some call it cultural differences. Others call it born in a barn. Take your pick.

Always use a spotlight, pack plastic bags a few times, set alarms, talk in a normal voice especially in the morning, answer phonecalls from your bed, switch on the light at 5.00am, take 30 mins to pack in the dorm and don't leave until you are packed:

I've seen it all on this trip. Some call it cultural differences. Others call it born in a barn. Take your pick.

Do you mention it to them?

I would. Because in a way you're being the spokesman/woman for others (younger, less experienced, little English) who have been equally upset but are too shy to say anything.
Repressed rage will only come out on others later.

Part of me doesn't blame you for saying anything, however, because once on the Norte, an American man - part of a middle-aged couple - snored loudly (so loudly that wax earplugs were no use) the whole night in a dorm of about 20 and EVERYONE was affected.
So I decided to say something to him because maybe he was unaware and in my experience, most Americans are polite...
His reaction was to laugh and scoff.
Several things can be done for snoring, including staying in hostals/pensions which for most middle-aged and elderly people should not be too expensive.

Ruining the day for 20 people - and all of us had a descent and a busy road the next morning which both required focus - is absolutely no laughing matter.
I wonder how many cyclists' accidents are caused by sleepless nights and lack of concentration next morning

 

[eils]

Currently in a bunk, next to me is a woman who has no idea her phone can be muted, the click click click click is constant . Feel I might say something wrong if I say anything at all. She was also in last nights albergue and same issue, except tonight she’s directly beside me

If I were you, I would wait until you're feeling calm (i.e later) and then say something if you meet here later tomorrow or the next day.

 

[TravellingMan22]

I can’t remember if muting your phone mutes the WhatsApp ‘ping’. I always mute the WA ping via the app itself. Anyone know?

 

[trecile]

I can’t remember if muting your phone mutes the WhatsApp ‘ping’. I always mute the WA ping via the app itself. Anyone know?

Muting the phone muted WhatsApp on my Android.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Muting the phone muted WhatsApp on my Android.

Ah thank you. I maybe need to check my settings. I think I mute my iPhone but WA still pings. More likely I am mistaken!!

 

[WGroleau]

Rule #1: Expect to be in a room with people who did not read the rules and would not follow them if they had read them.

 

[falconbrother]

Folks came into the albergue in Legrono last night partying like it’s 1999. Very loud. They quieted down about 1115 or so. Big celebration in town last night. Lots of drinking.

 

[trecile]

Folks came into the albergue in Legrono last night partying like it’s 1999. Very loud. They quieted down about 1115 or so. Big celebration in town last night. Lots of drinking.

Sounds like most Friday nights in Logroño.

 

[sambajammer]

Let us not start this discussion again! It always ends badly.

 

[cronnik]

Currently in a bunk, next to me is a woman who has no idea her phone can be muted, the click click click click is constant . Feel I might say something wrong if I say anything at all. She was also in last nights albergue and same issue, except tonight she’s directly beside me

(Her) It’s time to start telling people directly. You are probably helping many other pilgrims who are annoyed.

 

[sunrise5am]

I've seen a lot of posts about etiquette generally and after 3 Camino's I've spent a fair number of nights in albergues so, I'd like to focus on light/noise etiquette in albergues. Remembering that these rooms are shared spaces, it's kind/thoughtful/important to remember that we're sharing space with some number of our closest friends that we've probably never met. So, a few thoughts.

1. Quiet times are generally posted, often it's 22:00 - 06:00 or something very similar. Honoring these hours is our responsibility, a shared responsibility. Coming in at 22:00 and rattling around for an hour violates the rule and spirit. Deciding to get up at 04:45 does as well. If you're going to leave early, have your pack ready to go the night before, please. Moving out of the dorm to a common area is also thoughtful. Opening the door to provide light, provides it for everyone...not just you.
2. Lights. Turning on the lights while everyone is still sleeping is selfish and thoughtless, sorry, those are the only words I could come up with that would clear the Mods. Using your headlamp is almost as bad. They're bright and very focused for a reason and finding your stuff in a dark room is not one of them. And, the red light is not to make it less bright, it's not, it's to help preserve night vision for the wearer. Having it on your head, as you look around only makes sure that you will shine your very bright light on as many people as possible. I have a small personal light from Nebo, a 50 lumen light which clips on to my pack and has a magnetic base. Enough light to find something without lighting the entire room and the mag base frees my hands. You may consider this type of light. If not, put your lamp on low power, shield it with your hand and point it down.
3. Carrying on conversations during quiet times, please see #1. No matter how quiet you think you are...you're not!

I'm not big on rules, I think we all should be capable of regulating ourselves, the Camino kind of depends upon that. Be kind, think of others. Be organized and aware. Be thankful every day.

As a snorer, I would suggest you take earplugs, or stay well clear of dorm accommodation. Repeatedly shaking me awake in the night doesn't change my snoring habit, as was tried on my last Camino. I take spare earplugs so in extremis I can give them away to anyone I'm infuriating. But usually I'm not the loudest in the dorm (so I use earplugs, too).

 

[Bedspring]

If pausing to check your phone, have a chat or whatever, just step to oneside and leave room to pass, and not look startled that someone is walking along the path.

 

[Opiemoore]

Honestly some people don't know. My mum was grateful when I showed her how to turn off the vibrate notifications. She thought she had put it on silent and that was all that could be done.

Ok count me in. I keep my iPhone on silent but the alarm both vibrates and rings when it goes off. How do I make it vibrate only.

Oh, and I’m waaaaay more than 12 years old…you’re gonna have to use small words.

Thanks

 

[Opiemoore]

Oh and btw…I booked private rooms on the Camino, since I’m told I snore (funny…I never hear it), but would like to know how to silence it in other situations. Thanks

 

[trecile]

Ok count me in. I keep my iPhone on silent but the alarm both vibrates and rings when it goes off. How do I make it vibrate only.

Oh, and I’m waaaaay more than 12 years old…you’re gonna have to use small words.

Thanks

This should help

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-set-a-vibrate-only-iphone-alarm/

 

[Opiemoore]

This should help

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-set-a-vibrate-only-iphone-alarm/

thanks!

 

[andylm65]

As a snorer, I would suggest you take earplugs, or stay well clear of dorm accommodation. Repeatedly shaking me awake in the night doesn't change my snoring habit, as was tried on my last Camino. I take spare earplugs so in extremis I can give them away to anyone I'm infuriating. But usually I'm not the loudest in the dorm (so I use earplugs, too).

Agreed. Snoring isn’t a lifestyle choice, it just happens to older folks, much as they’d rather it didn’t. I try to minimize my snoring as much as possible, while also being bothered by snoring and using ear plugs. Assuming an older person is well heeled enough to always find a private room is not accurate either.

 

[Mary Doll]

Agreed. Snoring isn’t a lifestyle choice, it just happens to older folks, much as they’d rather it didn’t. I try to minimize my snoring as much as possible, while also being bothered by snoring and using ear plugs. Assuming an older person is well heeled enough to always find a private room is not accurate either.

This older person certainly can’t afford private rooms every night, especially not as a solo traveller.

 

[simeon]

And no audible alarms!
I was planning to wake up by 6:30 this morning and have an alarm app which only plays through my earbuds that I wear at night. But the guy in the bed next to mine had an alarm that went off at 5:15, followed by extensive bag rustling because many of his things were monopolizing the shared table between us.

Fortunately, I had booked a private room for tonight where I was able to have a nice nap this afternoon, and don't have to worry about alarms or bag rustlers in the morning.

The lights don't bother me because I wear a good eye mask, but I know that others aren't comfortable in them. The problem in many dorms is that if you need to get up to use the bathroom the hall lights are on motion sensors and come blazing in as soon as the door is opened. I would encourage anyone who is really light sensitive to learn to wear a sleep mask.

purposes

I would encourage anyone who is really light sensitive to learn to wear a sleep mask

Or use a buff! Multiple purpose items are great for keeping weight down, doubles as hat, and scarf and identifier on pack when travelling

 

[katkins_in]

Ah thank you. I maybe need to check my settings. I think I mute my iPhone but WA still pings. More likely I am mistaken!!

I think "favorite" contacts still ping through when silenced...

They seem to on my Android phone anyway.

 

[katkins_in]

I think "favorite" contacts still ping through when silenced...

They seem to on my Android phone anyway.

If I don't need to be reached in emergency... I generally set my phone to Do Not Disturb *and* set it to Airplane mode... that keeps anything from coming through until I undo it. And it saves a lot of battery if you are distant from cell or WiFi sources (in which case your phone increases its radios power to try to reach for signals).