Are there Bedbugs in Villafranca?

[Kerrygold]

I have an urgent question: today I'm going to stay in Villafranca and I would like to sleep in Albergue Fenix. The only problem is that I've heard they have massive problem with bedbugs. The latest information about it is from two months ago. Do you have any up to date i fo about it?

 

[SYates]

Not first hand, but I personally would be careful, the house / albergue is really very rustic, meaning lots of old stone walls with crevices ect. Plenty of hiding places for bed bugs. If they had indeed bed bugs two months ago it would have been very difficult to eradicate them completely. Buen Camino sin chinches, SY

 

[Kanga]

I heard that the operators fumigated and even heat treated the bunks and wall surfaces, but that was a while ago. I'm sure they are doing there best they can. If you are walking in winter you will probably be OK - the cinches don't like cold weather. It is in mid summer that they become a problem. I always treat my sleeping gear with permethrin and carry a small can of pyrethrum non-aerosol spray "just in case".

 

[mountaingoat999]

Kerry

go stay at albergue de la piedra if its still open. clean sheets everyday and full deep clean from top to bottom every day..best bunks the double top right in the attic ..as you leave town cross bridge minutes on your right hand side..call them they speak English.

bedbugs are around all year in heated buildings...seen then Nov and January.

 

[jimabfalter]

I have an urgent question: today I'm going to stay in Villafranca and I would like to sleep in Albergue Fenix. The only problem is that I've heard they have massive problem with bedbugs. The latest information about it is from two months ago. Do you have any up to date i fo about it?

They are just bedbugs. I know they are a pain, but remember they mostly aren't fatal!

 

[SYates]

They are just bedbugs. I know they are a pain, but remember they mostly aren't fatal!

True, but if you take them home as a souvenir, then the real 'fun' starts SY

 

[jimabfalter]

We sprayed all our stuff down with permithrin after the walk and then just washed it all in hot water and tumble dried it. We had run into them once in Estella but we had taken precautions ahead of time and the one I found was in pretty bad shape...and then I killed it

 

[Tincatinker]

@Kerrygold, I guess you are either in Ave Fenix by now or you're not. A search of the Forum for Ave Fenix would have gained you much comment to consider. Bed Bugs do seem to have been a recurring issue in recent years as have a "party" atmosphere that has not suited all members who have stayed there. Nevertheless the Jato family have been friends of the Camino for a long time and the welcome is heartfelt even if the facilities are challenging.

If you are in Villafranca tonight then Mi Tienda, Calle Jesus Adran 6 is worth a visit. Good Tapa and excellent Bierzo wines.

Buen Camino

 

[Anemone del Camino]

If you are still trying to avoid cold alberges and cold showers this is one place I would avoid.

 

[mspath]

If you want a great meal with delicious Bierzo wine eat at the nearby Hostal de la Puerta del Pardon which faces the castle across the plaza after you pass Ave Felix. The owner is very outgoing and has often walked the CF. The Hostal also offers private rooms.
Buen camimo!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I second Albergue Piedra.
I love that place!

 

[Annette london]

They are just bedbugs. I know they are a pain, but remember they mostly aren't fatal!

Ever been bitten all over with them???!! More than just a pain! We met 2 girls in Astorga and they were in a dreadful state. Always bring hydrocortisone cream just in case!! Bed bugs can also be found in the best of hotels or pensions if infested backpacks are put on beds.

 

[Carol06]

Kerry

go stay at albergue de la piedra if its still open. clean sheets everyday and full deep clean from top to bottom every day..best bunks the double top right in the attic ..as you leave town cross bridge minutes on your right hand side..call them they speak English.

bedbugs are around all year in heated buildings...seen then Nov and January.

Yes. A lovely Albergue. I second that.

 

[Kerrygold]

We ended up in Fenix. The hospitalero said that there are absolutely no bedbugs. I will let you know tomorrow morning if they solved the problem!

 

[SYates]

Good luck! SY

 

[CaminoDebrita]

If you want a great meal with delicious Bierzo wine eat at the nearby Hostal de la Puerta del Pardon which faces the castle across the plaza after you pass Ave Felix. The owner is very outgoing and has often walked the CF. The Hostal also offers private rooms.
Buen camimo!

I absolutely love that place! The hospitality was brilliant, and the owner's wife is an absolute sweetheart. In the morning, sit and enjoy some delicious coffee while you look at the castle right outside the window.

 

[Saint Mike II]

I have an urgent question: today I'm going to stay in Villafranca and I would like to sleep in Albergue Fenix. The only problem is that I've heard they have massive problem with bedbugs. The latest information about it is from two months ago. Do you have any up to date i fo about it?

Do you mean Villafrance Del Bierzo - and Albergue Ave Fenix? If so, I stayed there on 22 September. No bedbugs back then (yes nearly 2 months ago). I stayed there on the recommendation by Brierley, but did not get any of the ambience that Brierley wrote about. Maybe it was the people who managing the place. Pilgrims I met the next day (at Laguna de Castilla) stayed at de la Piedra (I think they paid E10) and said was really good. From the map it is a bit "out of town" but is also on the way to Pereje and O'Cebeiro. Buen Camino!

 

[SYates]

One of my favourite places on the CF was http://www.albergueleo.com/ in Villafranca. True spirit of hospitality and beautifully restored old building and so clean that any bed bug would run away in fear ;-) Buen Camino, SY

PS Yes, I know, bed bugs don't care how clean a place is, they settle even in Paradores ...

 

[VNwalking]

The Hostal also offers private rooms.

I absolutely love that place! The hospitality was brilliant, and the owner's wife is an absolute sweetheart. In the morning, sit and enjoy some delicious coffee while you look at the castle right outside the window.

What Margaret and Deb said. This was a night spent as a respite from albergues, and this was such a comfortable and hospitable place to spend it!

 

[Teresa Santamaria]

I love how one could be talking about bedbugs and somehow we can weave in food and wine. Love that! Good to hear from you kerrygold and glad you feel better!

 

[nathanael]

I heard that the operators fumigated and even heat treated the bunks and wall surfaces, but that was a while ago. I'm sure they are doing there best they can. If you are walking in winter you will probably be OK - the cinches don't like cold weather. It is in mid summer that they become a problem. I always treat my sleeping gear with permethrin and carry a small can of pyrethrum non-aerosol spray "just in case".

I find permethrin is effective I sprayed all my gear including my boots..a couple of guys around me had BB but I was spared due to the spraying.

 

[Kerrygold]

So, to let you know: NO BEDBUGS! I hope they have finally managed to tackle the problem for good. (In the same time, a remark: SJPP info is not accurate, it's €8 instead of 5 and there is breakfast included - mandatory).

 

[Julie H]

I have an urgent question: today I'm going to stay in Villafranca and I would like to sleep in Albergue Fenix. The only problem is that I've heard they have massive problem with bedbugs. The latest information about it is from two months ago. Do you have any up to date i fo about it?

Hi Kerry I stayed in the Fenix just a few weeks ago. And as kind of "funky" the place is, there were no bed bugs as far as I found. I did however come across then in a very swanky new albergue in Terradillos de la Templarios. I think they were in the blanket actually. And I really don't know what the big deal with then is, as even though I got a few bites they weren't that troublesome and went away in a couple of days. (I have experienced much worse infestations in the trekking lodges in Nepal.) I did hang my sleeping bag out in the sun the next day, and had no more trouble after that. And when I came home I put it in the dryer just to be sure. Good luck with the rest of your Camino.

 

[joanneking]

One of my favourite places on the CF was http://www.albergueleo.com/ in Villafranca. True spirit of hospitality and beautifully restored old building and so clean that any bed bug would run away in fear ;-) Buen Camino, SY

PS Yes, I know, bed bugs don't care how clean a place is, they settle even in Paradores ...

Albergue Leo is beautiful, it is spotless, the hosts are lovely, and I was bitten by bedbugs there a few weeks ago. As you said, bedbugs don't care how clean a place is...