Different types of hotels...hostels...pensions?

[This is the Camino]

HI
Can anyone point me towards advice I know I have read somewhere about the definitions of the types of hostels book or not to book?


sorry!!
I know this is a simple planning thing I just can't find it

 

[spursfan]

https://www.gronze.com/etapa/irun/san-sebastian

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There are dormitories and there are private rooms. The dormitories fall into the categories of public (government and parochial), and private. Most public albergues to not accept reservations, pilgrims who are not carrying their backpack, and cyclists with motorized support. Private albergues set their own rules; many follow the public rules. Many do not.

Hostales and hoteles are the main suppliers of private rooms. The distinction between the two has become obscured. At one time, hostales were hoteles without a restaurant. That is no longer a distinction.

Pensiones are like French chambres d'hote, a room in a private home. An increasing number of pensiones are more like hoteles/hostales. Marketing has decided that pension sound more homey than hotel.

 

[camino-david]

Also Parochial albergues do not accept bookings

 

[C clearly]

Casa rurales are like bed-and- breakfasts.

 

[Robert Long]

If you are worried about finding a place to sleep -- DON"T. We made reservations in advance only in Roncesvalles because we were certain we would be tired and did not want to knock about. We called ahead to the next town every day and made a reservation. We used Brierley's as a guide. We also made reservations in big cities,l like Leon and Santiago. Albergues varied from a family's converted garage with 4 bunk beds to much larger. We never stayed in the municipal albergues only the private. Albergues are bunk beds with central bathroom facilities. Pensions are private rooms, two beds, with bathroom facilities down the hallway. Hotels are rooms with a private bath. We also used Bookings for Hotels and Pensions. When you get to Carrion de los Condes make a reservation at Espiritu Santo. You will love the experience.

Buen Camino

 

[trecile]

Pensions are private rooms, two beds, with bathroom facilities down the hallway

Not always. I have stayed in many pensiones with double beds, one double and one single, etc. and private bathrooms.

 

[jcat]

I agree. All of the Pensions I have stayed at while in Spain, feel like regular hotel rooms. Double bed, TV, closet, en suite bathroom.