How the hostels on the Camino de Santiago work

Hostels are places where people in need of accommodation and shelter are provided. On the Pilgrim's Routes there are various establishments of this type for the exclusive use of pilgrims. The following is a description how the hostels on the Camino de Santiago work, although this will depend on whether they are public, private or parochial, as each type has its own characteristics.

Advantages and disadvantages of hostels on the Way of St. James

The number of pilgrims who decide to spend the night in the the hostels on the Camino de Santiago is large, although each case has its advantages and disadvantages.

The most important advantages of staying in hostels are the following:

• You will always find the lowest price in them and in some cases the overnight stay can be free of charge or by leaving a voluntary contribution.
• The opportunity to meet other pilgrims who are doing the same Camino de Santiago.
• The adventure it represents for children to live this experience together with their parents, family or friends.

Some of the disadvantages that may arise in this type of accommodation are:

• In some hostels you will have the possibility of living with a noisy pilgrim who will not allow you to rest completely.
• Many of the hostels on the Camino de Santiago are not well cared for.
• Hostels are less comfortable than other types of accommodation. This makes it more difficult for people who are elderly, injured or disabled.
• Hostels tend to fill up very early in the morning. In addition, occupancy will also depend on the time of year when you do the Way of St. James.
• The hostels do not allow pets, so if you're doing the Way of St. James with a pet you will have to look for other accommodation.

Types of hostels on the Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Route

Although all hostels are for pilgrims, they are not the same, nor do they operate in the same way. Three types can be distinguished according to the institution that manages them (public, private and parish).

Public hostels

The public hostels on the Camino de Santiago are those owned by a public institution, such as a municipality or an autonomous community.

In the public hostels no prior reservation is allowed and the stay is only for one night. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to pilgrims who walk the Camino de Santiago or who have physical limitations.

Some public hostels do not charge a fee, but only ask for a donation (the will) to help cover the costs of maintenance. Others charge between €5.00 and €10.00 per night.

Several public hostels have been adding more amenities such as a kitchen, washing machine, and dryer, among others. However, most are still modest.

Private hostels

The private hostels on the Camino de Santiago are those owned by a private individual. These hostels may include large rooms with four or more beds per room (bunk beds) and a shared bathroom. Or they may have a private room with its own bathroom.

They generally offer a better quality of service than public and parish hostels, but are also more expensive. The price varies between €8.00 and €15.00 per night. In these establishments, advance booking is allowed.

Because it is privately owned, the amount charged for its services will be higher in this type of hostel, although the quality will also be higher.

Among the services that can be enjoyed in a private hostel are Wi-Fi, kitchen, washing machine and tumble dryer.

Parish hostels

The parish hostels on the Pilgrims' Route to Santiago de Compostela, are the most modest that you will find on the different routes.

Generally, they belong to a religious entity, and do not charge any fees. Their operation depends on the donations of those pilgrims who decide to stay in them.

Because they are free they are the first to fill up, so leave early to avoid not finding availability when you arrive.

Operation of the hostels

The operating rules that apply in general for all types of hostels on the Camino de Santiago are as follows:

• Most of these hostels are for the exclusive use of pilgrims on foot, by bicycle or on horseback.
• In general, the presentation of the pilgrim's credential is required to access the hostel.
• Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis and priority is given to those on foot.
• Overnight stays are allowed only, although exceptions may be justified in some cases.
• Public hostels do not accept reservations, while private hostels do.
• Some of the public shelters only ask for a voluntary donation, which helps to cover cleaning and maintenance costs.
• Almost all hostels have toilets, showers with hot water and space for washing and drying clothes.
• In terms of opening hours, the most common is that they open at 13:00 and close at 22:00.
• Check-out time is before 08:00.
• Except for the common areas, the lights are switched off at 22:30.
• Pilgrims should take care of the facilities by leaving them neat and tidy.
• Waste must be collected and deposited in the containers intended for this purpose.
• Neither electricity nor water should be wasted.
• Hostels are not usually responsible for pilgrims' belongings.

Hostels at different times of the year

At certain times of the year the number of pilgrims increases considerably. Therefore, although most of the hostels on the Camino de Santiago are operating in the high season, it may happen that there are not enough places available.

This is something that often happens in the towns closest to Santiago. To avoid this, you can book in advance if it is a private hostel, or stay overnight in a hostel in the next town.

In the case of slower months, such as the winter months, inconveniences can arise because not all hostels are open, so it is advisable to be aware of alternative accommodation.

Conclusion

Through the information you have received you already know how the hostels on the Camino de Santiago work and you can decide in which type of accommodation you prefer to stay during your pilgrimage, according to your availability and needs.

It is important when you make the journey to remember that the hostels are the product of the efforts of many people interested in serving and helping pilgrims.