MKalcolm M
Solvitur ambulando - It is solved by walking
- Time of past OR future Camino
- north route spring 2013
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All of the above plus a decent drying room for laundry, only came across a few in 2012 with proper drying facilities, its great to be able to do the laundry but not so good if you cannot dry them. One albergue had a room with lots of clothes lines and one or two radiators installed, nice and warm and the clothes were dry in no time. A bad experience is when you get one badly working shower for the whole albergue, no drying facilities, no heating and everything damp, beds sheets, pillows and blankets.1) Plumbing that works
1a) Plumbing with pressure
1b) Plumbing with hot water
1c) Shower large enough to pick up dropped items without touching sides
Etc........ I think you get the idea - have a DECENT SHOWER and I forgive everything else.
(BTW the best shower I experienced on the CF was at Las Herrerias - Alb Mirriam)
Myself and two friends are in the process of buying an old house and barn to turn into an albergue, and we've been discussing what factors make a good albergue. So what are your thoughts, suggestions, ideas? Conversley, what makes a bad albergue experience? All ideas greatfully received. Malcolm
I would just add to what has already been mentioned is that some of my best memories are from albergues that were complete dumps because of who else was staying there. Laughter and companionship from a couple of great pilgrims can overcome no hot water and mold in a shower stall in a hurry. Buen Camino.
Paper sheets are just one more thing to litter the countryside with...1. Clean...that you can see when first arriving
2. Good Bed spacing with space for packs. Hooks for hanging packs off floor are great
3. Adequate drying area both inside and outside
4. Paper sheets. Nothing better to separate you from the sketchy mattress and really makes daily bed cleaning easier.
5. Posted information on the next few stages with albergue and other accommodation info
6. Posted directions to grocery shop, bar/restaurant, medico, pharmacy, etc
7. Great memorial sello
8. Electrical outlets!! Ideal would be one for each bed. Many of the the newer albergues are doing this.
Paper sheets are just one more thing to litter the countryside with...
Ditto to everything, especially the cleanliness/hygiene. I walked a number of days with two older couples. They always checked the albergue bathrooms and bedrooms for cleanliness with very high standards before agreeing to stay.1. Clean...that you can see when first arriving
2. Good Bed spacing with space for packs. Hooks for hanging packs off floor are great
3. Adequate drying area both inside and outside
4. Paper sheets. Nothing better to separate you from the sketchy mattress and really makes daily bed cleaning easier.
5. Posted information on the next few stages with albergue and other accommodation info
6. Posted directions to grocery shop, bar/restaurant, medico, pharmacy, etc
7. Great memorial sello
8. Electrical outlets!! Ideal would be one for each bed. Many of the the newer albergues are doing this.
It's also nice when each individual shower has an enclosed area with a seat and space to dress/undress, as well as hooks to hang clothes and a bag with valuables.I think you get the idea - have a DECENT SHOWER and I forgive everything else.
Coffee/tea in the morning as well.WELCOME TRAY OF TEA OR COFFEE OR FOR A REALLY BIG IMPRESSION, A BEER OR 2 OR BOTTLE OF VINO TINTO.
They did this for me when I stumbled into Roncesvalles in sheer exhaustion (didn't eat enough and ran completely out of energy around the fountain of Roland).I always appreciate the host who makes the gesture to relieve one of his/her backpack.
Safe.
Clean.
Dry.
I always appreciate the host who makes the gesture to relieve one of his/her backpack. While I don't personally prefer, I like the look on the faces of others when someone is helping relieve the weight of the pack. As if found sanctuary. I don't see this much at all anymore.
We stopped there, and it was an unexpected and welcome touch of kindness.The sisters at the Santa Maria albergue always have cold tea and sweets ready for arriving pilgrims.
Paper sheets are just one more thing to litter the countryside with...
1) Plumbing that works
1a) Plumbing with pressure
1b) Plumbing with hot water
1c) Shower large enough to pick up dropped items without touching sides
Etc........ I think you get the idea - have a DECENT SHOWER and I forgive everything else.
(BTW the best shower I experienced on the CF was at Las Herrerias - Alb Mirriam)
Myself and two friends are in the process of buying an old house and barn to turn into an albergue, and we've been discussing what factors make a good albergue. So what are your thoughts, suggestions, ideas? Conversley, what makes a bad albergue experience? All ideas greatfully received. Malcolm
Everything above! Especially cleanliness and that everything works - but most of all, kindliness, being welcoming, treating every stupid question as if it is the first time you have heard it - kindliness
p.s. plus sink plugs
Myself and two friends are in the process of buying an old house and barn to turn into an albergue, and we've been discussing what factors make a good albergue. So what are your thoughts, suggestions, ideas? Conversley, what makes a bad albergue experience? All ideas greatfully received. Malcolm
If possible, buy bunk beds that allow you to SIT upright if you are on the bottom bunk! They do exist, but the majority if bunk beds don't give enough room between the top and bottom bed. Anne
Huh? You dont use 'm outside, do you?
Well i loved them. Even if i only used them inside. Great thing for....yes again...hygene.
Myself and two friends are in the process of buying an old house and barn to turn into an albergue, and we've been discussing what factors make a good albergue. So what are your thoughts, suggestions, ideas? Conversley, what makes a bad albergue experience? All ideas greatfully received. Malcolm
Dear Prospective Albergue owners: Sure thing that really stands out for me: sit down with us at dinner! A big community dinner where we share stories and come together...that's really all I'm in it for. Super sweet showers are nice, but not a priority. Comfy beds, not a priority: If I've been walkin 20+k for some days: I'm gonna drop into a dreamless sleep no prob. Clean is nice, but seriously, I'm not going to remember clean like I remember a big shared dinner with you at the table. I don't even care so much what we eat: as long as I can fill up on rice and there's something green in sight...but I feel a bit sheepish and revealing a bit too much heart saying you could give me hot dogs and pop tarts as long as we came together and shared. Happened only two or three times on my Camino, but those times were the most special ones.
Long term hospitalero and I put these in my must do list as an hospitalero.All great suggestions. When we served as hospitaleros we were determined to provide three things:
1. Greet every pilgrim with a smile...
2. Have a spotlessly clean Albergue...and most important
3. ALWAYS have toilet tissue in the washrooms..
If you provide that everything else falls into place. Karen and Dayton
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