Trouble with Hospitaleros

[pablovergara]

Anyone had ever encountered any trouble ot unjust behavior from Hospitaleros? If so, what was it and what to do??

 

[Kirkie]

No Pablo. Why do you ask?

 

[Rebekah Scott]

Hospitaleros can be cranky. Just like regular people. Pilgrims can be overly demanding. Just like regular people.

 

[trecile]

Hospitaleros can be cranky. Just like regular people. Pilgrims can be overly demanding. Just like regular people.

Because they are all regular people!

 

[SabsP]

I guess you are referring to content in your other thread that got closed. A good thing imo.

Thread 'Harassment in Coca's Pilgrims Hostal'

Oct 16, 2024

Hello im Pablo C Vergara - artist.
Its my first camino ever.. been loving it but then this happened...
I just stayed in Coca's Pilgrim Hostal and ive received some harassing treatment twice in two days. Now I dont know if its a cultural thing or if i am over reacting but I had to stay an extra day (and paid my 5€ fee too) because im nursing a busted ankle. The Hostal has a poster at the door stating the method of accessing and paying for the service, its completely automated and online. Well it was 9pm and I was using my headphones, in a room at the second floor and door was shut so i...

• pablovergara
• Replies: 23
• Camino de Santiago Forum: 🇪🇸 Camino de MADRID (Madrid - Sahagún)

• 
• 

But to answer your question : deal with it. Like lots of hospis also have to deal with cranky pilgrims.
Or flight attendants with obnoxious passengers. Or a well mannered customer has to deal with a bad mannered salesperson. Etcetera etcetera.
Less entitlement and more common sense might be of help.

 

[VNwalking]

Anyone had ever encountered any trouble ot unjust behavior from Hospitaleros?

No.
Not from a donativo, anyway.
Once I encountered a very cranky guy running a for-profit albergue, though. Clearly he'd been at it one year too long. No big deal...you go with the flow.

 

[alexwalker]

On very rare occasions I have experienced less-than-pleasant behaviour, but I do not think it will be right to name any albergue on this forum. Hospitaler@s come and go. In +15 years on various Caminos, I can remember only 2 incidents where it was actually unpleasant,

Edit: For those two places, I have later simply gone to another albergue. Easy. Once I just walked out and to the albergue next door (I was not assigned a lower bed despite I was 70, there were plenty of beds, and me having a balance disease). I let them keep my 10€, as the hospitalero refused to pay me back.

99.999% are very friendly and considerate people who offer their time and hospitality for the best well-being of pilgrims. We should be very thankful for their help and dedication.

 

[pablovergara]

I guess you are referring to content in your other thread that got closed. A good thing imo.

Thread 'Harassment in Coca's Pilgrims Hostal'

Oct 16, 2024

Hello im Pablo C Vergara - artist.
Its my first camino ever.. been loving it but then this happened...
I just stayed in Coca's Pilgrim Hostal and ive received some harassing treatment twice in two days. Now I dont know if its a cultural thing or if i am over reacting but I had to stay an extra day (and paid my 5€ fee too) because im nursing a busted ankle. The Hostal has a poster at the door stating the method of accessing and paying for the service, its completely automated and online. Well it was 9pm and I was using my headphones, in a room at the second floor and door was shut so i...

• pablovergara
• Replies: 23
• Camino de Santiago Forum: 🇪🇸 Camino de MADRID (Madrid - Sahagún)

• 
• 

But to answer your question : deal with it. Like lots of hospis also have to deal with cranky pilgrims.
Or flight attendants with obnoxious passengers. Or a well mannered customer has to deal with a bad mannered salesperson. Etcetera etcetera.
Less entitlement and more common sense might be of help.

Hello
Not referring to that incident but yet ANOTHER one.. except this one was straight up a bad entitled person with bad intentions that caused me to almost sleep in the streets !
Anyhow.. I'm assuning once I reach the French Way more options will be available..

 

[Tincatinker]

Anyone had ever encountered any trouble ot unjust behavior from Hospitaleros? If so, what was it and what to do??

View attachment 179787

Nope. I’ve met a few pilgrims I wish I hadn’t.

Having drunk in the Coach and Horses when Norman Balon ruled the jump I can honestly state that I have never encountered a hospitelero/a that hasn’t acted with integrity. Even when they’ve seriously p*ssed me off.

@pablovergara you may have given your horse a sufficient flogging

 

[JustJack]

Get over yourself and move on, that would be my advice. Not sure why you're letting a comment from a stranger at a 5 euro albergue wind you up so much.

 

[Tincatinker]

Hello
Not referring to that incident but yet ANOTHER one.. except this one was straight up a bad entitled person with bad intentions that caused me to almost sleep in the streets !
Anyhow.. I'm assuning once I reach the French Way more options will be available..

Woah!!! Have you ever, even for a moment before you dismissed the possibility, considered that it might be you and not them?

 

[pablovergara]

Get over yourself and move on, that would be my advice. Not sure why you're letting a comment from a stranger at a 5 euro albergue wind you up so much.

It wasnt a comment. It was beyond that or else i wouldnt be posting about it

 

[pablovergara]

Woah!!! Have you ever, even for a moment before you dismissed the possibility, considered that it might be you and not them?

Well I gave him an extra 5€ since thats the only way to get cordiality from some greedy bane peeps.. he indeed changed his tone on me. *shakes head*

 

[SabsP]

Hello
Not referring to that incident but yet ANOTHER one.. except this one was straight up a bad entitled person with bad intentions that caused me to almost sleep in the streets !
Anyhow.. I'm assuning once I reach the French Way more options will be available..

If it is a legal thing ( against the law ) then the way to act is to go to the police and file a complaint. Meaning that when you experienced any kind of violation/ harrassment they can sort it out.
If it was just plain rudeness: suck it up.

 

[JustJack]

It wasnt a comment. It was beyond that or else i wouldnt be posting about it

I was a comment. Your post was clear. They said some things you didn't like. We only know your side of the story. I suspect theirs would differ somewhat. Regardless, a thing was said days ago and here you are still talking about it. Move on. You're only negatively impacting your own camino by going on and on about it.

 

[Tincatinker]

Well I gave him an extra 5€ since thats the only way to get cordiality from some greedy bane peeps.. he indeed changed his tone on me. *shakes head*

€5? €5 doesn’t even get a smile out of me. Some people obviously sell themselves cheap

 

[Kirkie]

Pablo, how is the rest of your camino experience working out?
I ask, both as a pilgrim and as one who has served as hospitalera. It would be so sad if you only have negative experiences. You have travelled a distance, if indeed you live in Mexico... so it has to be quite a commitment for you, the whole project...

 

[J Willhaus]

Ok, there is such a thing in Spain as a book to write your dissatisfaction. I don't remember right now what it is called. Las hojas or something. You can ask for the book to write your complaint at restaurants, hotels, etc. I think someone will know what I am talking about and elaborate.

It might be more helpful to lodge your complaint in this book.

 

[Kirkie]

https://www.spanishsolutions.net/le...as-de-reclamaciones-customer-complaint-forms/

 

[Tincatinker]

The hojas de reclamaciones applies in commercial businesses not Donativo and not-for-profit pilgrim shelters.

If the OP is struggling with the levels of service and lack of unctuous gratitude he’s experiencing in Donativos perhaps they should try a few 5* hotels. They’ll no doubt be far more grateful for their custom

 

[alexwalker]

Where has the feeling of "gratitude" and "Thank you for a nearly free bed" gone? As @Tincatinker says, there are plenty of 5* hotels that will happily host people. And laugh all the way to the bank.

"Tourists demand. Pilgrims thanks"

 

[Tincatinker]

A quote from the OP “Hello im Pablo C Vergara - Im in the Film Industry and been on some TV shows and NETFLIX.”

I hope he gets a good series out of this adventure

 

[Dani7]

I’d like to hear about a positive experience you’ve had if you are so inclined to share. I won’t assume you’ve only had bad ones on your camino (I hope).

We meet all kinds of people on the camino, some not so pleasant at times, like I do back home.

 

[woody66]

A large latte at a Costa Coffee in Benidorm, Spain costs around €8. Some say that Costa Coffee prices are slightly higher than in the UK. In general,

So i agree five euros is absolutely extortionate for a bed, shower, a toilet, hot water, somewhere to cook and a roof over your head it's just plain profiteering in my opinion; i feel your pain!
Don't dwell on yesterday you will ruin today!!

 

[Kirkie]

Hi, @pablovergara . I am waiting to read your reply.

Tomorrow will do fine. It is a holiday here where I live and I will have time to read it.

 

[bestfootforward]

Anyone had ever encountered any trouble ot unjust behavior from Hospitaleros? If so, what was it and what to do??

View attachment 179787

Hi Pablo, "what to do?" As many others have suggested, let it go. These experiences seem to be defining your Camino, which is a real shame. You may speak the same language but Spain isn't Mexico and customs/approaches/interpretations may vary. Also, remember everything has a binary. Put these experiences behind you and move forward. It's a new day. Make yours a Buen Camino!

 

[dick bird]

Nobody has to be a volunteer, if someone doesn´t like it, they stop. Nobody has to be a pilgrim either. If occasional rudeness were the worst thing that happened to me , I would count myself lucky.

 

[Robo]

Never had a problem with a Hospi.
I value what they do.
And I follow whatever local 'rules' they have in place.

 

[dick bird]

If so, what was it and what to do??

As I said just now, volunteers are exactly that, volunteers so they wouldn´t be doing it if they didn´t want to. Having said that, they give up a lot of their own free time and they work hard to look after pilgrims, of whom you are one. If their behaviour is not always exemplary, cut them a bit of slack, i.e. be tolerant and ask them politely and quietly if there is a problem. Then move on. The next hospitalero you meet is sure to meet your standards.

 

[C clearly]

I was a comment. Your post was clear.

Yes, that was the post in another thread. This thread is apparently about another incident.

 

[pablovergara]

€5? €5 doesn’t even get a smile out of me. Some people obviously sell themselves cheap

Its all about money to some. Apparently.
You're totally missing the point. I wonder what ancient pilgrims would think of such shameful behaviors... or how they would be received for lacking coins for the night. I'm calling you out

 

[pablovergara]

I was a comment. Your post was clear. They said some things you didn't like. We only know your side of the story. I suspect theirs would differ somewhat. Regardless, a thing was said days ago and here you are still talking about it. Move on. You're only negatively impacting your own camino by going on and on about it.

It was a completely different ordeal. You don't know that.

 

[pablovergara]

A quote from the OP “Hello im Pablo C Vergara - Im in the Film Industry and been on some TV shows and NETFLIX.”

I hope he gets a good series out of this adventure

Dont you have nothing better to do?

 

[pablovergara]

As I said just now, volunteers are exactly that, volunteers so they wouldn´t be doing it if they didn´t want to. Having said that, they give up a lot of their own free time and they work hard to look after pilgrims, of whom you are one. If their behaviour is not always exemplary, cut them a bit of slack, i.e. be tolerant and ask them politely and quietly if there is a problem. Then move on. The next hospitalero you meet is sure to meet your standards.

If they are to volunteer into taking care of pilgrims they shouldnt be cranky or pushing their buttons like how this specific one did with me. If you dont like your job and you are bitter, quit. Dont take it on the travellers who may be tired or even injured or BOTH. Which was precisely my case and yes, I wish to report this one too.

 

[SabsP]

It was a completely different ordeal. You don't know that.

So please explain the details then instead of these vague angry insinuations.

 

[pablovergara]

So please explain the details then instead of these vague angry insinuations.

I dont want to.

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

If they are to volunteer into taking care of pilgrims they shouldnt be cranky or pushing their buttons like how this specific one did with me. If you dont like your job and you are bitter, quit. Dont take it on the travellers who may be tired or even injured or BOTH. Which was precisely my case and yes, I wish to report this one too.

I've walked 4+ caminos and the hospitaleros are some of the kindest and generous (and tired!) folks I've encountered. Your response to hospitaleros, and responses on this forum makes me wonder if perhaps you're not emotionally and mentally ready to be on the camino.

Consider how you are the common denominator in these situations.

 

[SabsP]

I dont want to.

Well then it stops here for every reasonable contributor.
Seems you will have to solve it all by yourself.
I sincerely hope you can handle your anger issues.

 

[pablovergara]

I've walked 4+ caminos and the hospitaleros are some of the kindest and generous (and tired!) folks I've encountered. Your response to hospitaleros, and responses on this forum makes me wonder if perhaps you're not emotionally and mentally ready to be on the camino.

Consider how you are the common denominator in these situations.

Do you want to know me and my story and why I have spent close to 1000 dollars to come here?
This hospitalero intentionally closed the doors of an albergue to deny me entry. I almost slept in a park bench in a very cold night (there were no hotels available) And then got literally in my face (twice) when i arrived to the next town where he was working. I dont care who he thinks he is, im reporting this incident.

 

[pablovergara]

Well then it stops here for every reasonable contributor.
Seems you will have to solve it all by yourself.
I sincerely hope you can handle your anger issues.

Why is some people here cant accept bad incidents without calling people names or mocking things? Its my thread, you dont have to read or reply.
People online need to chill

 

[pablovergara]

Do you want to know me and my story and why I have spent close to 1000 dollars to come here?
This hospitalero intentionally closed the doors of an albergue to deny me entry. I almost slept in a park bench in a very cold night (there were no hotels available) And then got literally in my face (twice) when i arrived to the next town where he was working. I dont care who he thinks he is, im reporting this incident.

And yet some people are calling me 'angry'.. well wouldnt you be?

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

Do you want to know me and my story and why I have spent close to 1000 dollars to come here?
This hospitalero intentionally closed the doors of an albergue to deny me entry. I almost slept in a park bench in a very cold night (there were no hotels available) And then got literally in my face (twice) when i arrived to the next town where he was working. I dont care who he thinks he is, im reporting this incident.

Again, we only know one side of the story. Hospitaleros aren't in the habit of denying pilgrims entry into an albergue without good reason.

 

[pablovergara]

Again, we only know one side of the story. Hospitaleros aren't in the habit of denying pilgrims entry into an albergue without good reason.

I guess 5€ too short for this hospitalero is a good reason to leave a pilgrim out in the cold at night. Straight up EVIL

 

[pablovergara]

I've walked 4+ caminos and the hospitaleros are some of the kindest and generous (and tired!) folks I've encountered. Your response to hospitaleros, and responses on this forum makes me wonder if perhaps you're not emotionally and mentally ready to be on the camino.

Consider how you are the common denominator in these situations.

Do theres a mental and emotional requirement to do the camino? I should've read the small letters.

 

[dick bird]

How about you explain clearly and simply what happened? Then maybe we can get some idea of why it happened.

It is extremely unusual for a hospitalero to refuse admission to an albergue.

 

[pablovergara]

How about you explain clearly and simply what happened? Then maybe we can get some idea of why it happened.

It is extremely unusual for a hospitalero to refuse admission to an albergue.

I will tomorrow. If my original post was vague its precisely becuse i didnt want to make a big fuzz about it or escalate it, but it seems people.really want to know whats up. Im at fault in some things, its my first camino and im learning, but also, im injured and had a misfortune that made things harder... things they dont seem to care about when they scream at you (two hospitaleros have btw.. yes, two)
Im actually even considering ending the trip cuz of this

 

[pablovergara]

No Pablo. Why do you ask?

Ive had two bad incidents already
Totally uncalled for too

 

[J Willhaus]

Pablo,
If you are still on the Camino Madrid, you've chosen a much less traveled route. I hope when you get to the Frances, that you'll meet other pilgrims who can give you the support you are seeking.

 

[pablovergara]

Pablo,
If you are still on the Camino Madrid, you've chosen a much less traveled route. I hope when you get to the Frances, that you'll meet other pilgrims who can give you the support you are seeking.

This is when you found me yesterday screaming at the wind 'im through with this small towns!' And yeah I am looking forward to reaching a more transitted route with more options and less issues.

 

[MinaKamina]

Pablo, there is an app called Alert Cops. download it on your phone, if you already haven't done so.
and use it. not when someone calls you a son of a certain mother, but please do if you are hurt, cold and someone locks you out of an albergue at night.
through the app, you will have contact with the Spanish police, they will instantly know your location and they can support you.

good luck and keep safe.

 

[MinaKamina]

happened to read this tonight. 'Bones' by Maggie Smith, the poet not the actress:

Life is short, though I keep this from my children.
Life is short, and I’ve shortened mine
in a thousand delicious, ill-advised ways,
a thousand deliciously ill-advised ways
I’ll keep from my children. The world is at least
fifty percent terrible, and that’s a conservative
estimate, though I keep this from my children.
For every bird there is a stone thrown at a bird.
For every loved child, a child broken, bagged,
sunk in a lake. Life is short and the world
is at least half terrible, and for every kind
stranger, there is one who would break you,
though I keep this from my children. I am trying
to sell them the world. Any decent realtor,
walking you through a real shithole, chirps on
about good bones: This place could be beautiful,
right? You could make this place beautiful.

 

[domigee]

And yet some people are calling me 'angry'.. well wouldnt you be?

We can’t tell because we don’t know the whole story. We don’t have a clue as to what happened!

 

[pablovergara]

We can’t tell because we don’t know the whole story. We don’t have a clue as to what happened!

Ill elaborate tomorrow.

 

[Robo]

I don't want to.

So why bring up the topic?

You seem to be a bit Angry at the World.
I hope walking the Camino helps you....

What to do?
Swallow it.
Forget it.
Move on.
Life is hard enough without bearing grudges.
Hug a tree.
Sing to the birds.........

 

[DTCamino]

This thread is very “Cluster B”, maybe it is time to close it as well???

 

[dick bird]

This thread is very “Cluster B”, maybe it is time to close it as well???

Moderators’ note: we have invited the OP to give a full account of what happened so we will wait for their response before taking any action.

 

[VNwalking]

Dont you have nothing better to do?

Don't you? How each of us responds to adversity is a choice. You're completely free to chew on negative experiences if you want, but it will make you miserable. That's your choice, but we're not buying it.

 

[Bristle Boy]

@pablovegera,
Allow me to put things in a little perspective with a personal anecdote.
I read this forum and avoided posting on your previous thread. A little introspection on your part would not go amiss and I do not wish to irritate or cause you to be annoyed at my contribution. I wish to help you to think and concentrate on the good things in life. The rest of your camino, if you allow it, will help you to be a little bit more introspective and to be grateful for the kindness, joy and goodness that is around you.
I get the impression that you are not encountering negativity and rudeness but looking for it and are contributing in some way.
I am now in the first week of radiotherapy for cancer treatment, a total of four weeks and 20 daily visits. A taxi ride each way would cost me over £40 (£80 daily). This equates to £1600 for the four weeks. Much more than the $1000 you have quoted to get you on your camino.
Some mornings I stop and have a full English breakfast with a cup.of tea (£14.00), this breaks up my walk, gives me sustenance and a rest.
I hope this puts your €5, and what you get for it, in perspective).
I mitigate this cost by getting a lift from my son and walking 2 miles to the hospital some days and getting myself back....I am exhausted but eternally grateful for what is done for me. I count my blessings and all the kindness that is done for me. This is for me, at the moment, my camino.
I cannot help be reminded of Newtons law that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Please think hard and be grateful for what you have and receive and you will find the world a wonderful place.

 

[TravellingMan22]

Anyone had ever encountered any trouble ot unjust behavior from Hospitaleros? If so, what was it and what to do??

View attachment 179787

Try and relax if you can mate. I note you are undertaking a Camino to heal from some personal traumas so I wish you well in that and I guess this isn’t helping. I guess the old adage ‘don’t let other peoples attitude spoil your day’ comes to mind. I find 99% of folks great (Camino or otherwise) so maybe just think if you have played any role in any of this behaviour. Maybe you haven’t of course, but it is something I always do.

I certainly wouldn’t use this forum as a sounding board, and maybe just stop posting. Any criticism of anything camino related, whether justified or not, doesn’t play out well on here and tends to cause a ‘pile on’. You have had a couple now maybe not without some reason! We have had a couple of food related ones in the last couple of weeks and also a young Spanish chap who was doing a survey and was looking for ways to improve things. Not to mention anyone discussing AI. They have all been seen off and the more you elaborate the harder folks will come back and it will just get more polarised. Try and enjoy your time ahead. I think it’s your first time in Spain so it should be overwhelming positive and things should improve with a fair wind!

 

[JennyH94]

@pablovegera,
Allow me to put things in a little perspective with a personal anecdote.
I read this forum and avoided posting on your previous thread. A little introspection on your part would not go amiss and I do not wish to irritate or cause you to be annoyed at my contribution. I wish to help you to think and concentrate on the good things in life. The rest of your camino, if you allow it, will help you to be a little bit more introspective and to be grateful for the kindness, joy and goodness that is around you.
I get the impression that you are not encountering negativity and rudeness but looking for it and are contributing in some way.
I am now in the first week of radiotherapy for cancer treatment, a total of four weeks and 20 daily visits. A taxi ride each way would cost me over £40 (£80 daily). This equates to £1600 for the four weeks. Much more than the $1000 you have quoted to get you on your camino.
Some mornings I stop and have a full English breakfast with a cup.of tea (£14.00), this breaks up my walk, gives me sustenance and a rest.
I hope this puts your €5, and what you get for it, in perspective).
I mitigate this cost by getting a lift from my son and walking 2 miles to the hospital some days and getting myself back....I am exhausted but eternally grateful for what is done for me. I count my blessings and all the kindness that is done for me. This is for me, at the moment, my camino.
I cannot help be reminded of Newtons law that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Please think hard and be grateful for what you have and receive and you will find the world a wonderful place.

Dear @Bristle Boy - I’m sending you healing vibes and prayers for you during this terrible time. May the radiotherapy do its job with thoroughness and without too many side effects so you and your family can celebrate your return to 100% excellent health in the near future.

Best, best wishes from Oz -
Jenny

 

[Bristle Boy]

Dear @Bristle Boy - I’m sending you healing vibes and prayers for you during this terrible time. May the radiotherapy do its job with thoroughness and without too many side effects so you and your family can celebrate your return to 100% excellent health in the near future.

Best, best wishes from Oz -
Jenny

Bless you Jenny and thank you.
I have cried not for myself but for my Grandchildren. Sometimes life serves you a curveball.
I just wanted to give the OP a little perspective.

 

[David Tallan]

I guess 5€ too short for this hospitalero is a good reason to leave a pilgrim out in the cold at night. Straight up EVIL

If the albergue has a set price (not a donativo) then being €5 short is, indeed, a valid reason for denying you a bed. Similarly, if you are €5 short at the supermarket, it is a valid reason for the cashier to deny you the food you are trying to purchase to sustain yourself. Neither has the obligation to make exceptions to the rules for you and they may not have the authority (unless they pay the difference from their own pocket, which you have no right to expect).

Albergues do offer accommodations at prices that are generally quite reasonable as a service in support of pilgrims. But they are not obligated to operate at a loss and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them setting a price and sticking to it. If you can't afford the albergues and are unable to sleep outside, perhaps you are not ready for a Camino.

I say this as someone who is currently working as a hospitalero in a donativo albergue who has no interest in what is donated because I never see it.

BTW, if you ever find yourself forced to sleep outside again, and worry for your health as a consequence, seek out a member of the guardia civil. I hear they can always find you somewhere to sleep. As mentioned above, the app AlertCops is a good way to make that contact.

Aa to how this reception would have been considered centuries ago, if you read medieval accounts, pilgrims often faced much, much worse receptions in the towns and villages they passed through.

I read you are walking the Camino de Madrid. This is precisely why we generally do not recommend this type of solitary, less-walked Camino as a first Camino, but instead the more populated ones like the Frances and Portugues that have much more infrastructureand flexibility. I walked the Camino de Madrid last year (along with the San Salvador and Primitivo). I didn't have the same issues, but I knew to call ahead and let the hospitaleros know to expect me (because the albergues are not always ready to receive pilgrims), where to find the price of the albergues and the locations of ATMs to ensure I had enough cash on hand. I knew sometimes I would also have to call ahead the day before to reserve my meal or there would be no food for me. These are things a pilgrim sometimes has to do on the less-walked routes that are not so much of an issue on the more popular routes.