A big part of the Camino experience is staying in pilgrim’s hostels, or “albergues”.
Although they are modest, inexpensive accommodations, they are very important to the Camino.
They are where you will end your walk and stay the night, wash your clothes and reflect on the day. They, too, can be very sacred places.
Albergues are not just a cheap place to stay. And the Camino is not meant to be a bargain vacation. It’s important to be mindful and respectful of the albergue hosts, known as hospitaleros or hospitaleras, your fellow pilgrims and the shared spaces.
In the summer of 2022, I volunteered as a Hospitalera for two weeks at the Municipal Albergue in the small town of Nájera on the Camino Francés. And wow, did I ever learn a lot!
Here are my takeaways from being on the “other side”. They will not only help your Camino be an amazing experience, but will make you a better pilgrim.
Patience is a Virtue
Albergues usually open mid-afternoon as the Hospitaler@s need the morning to clean. If you arrive early, wait patiently for the doors to open at the posted time.
Keep in mind, when the albergue opens, check-in is extremely busy.
Calmly queue in a single file and have your documentation and payment ready. Don’t crowd around the check-in desk. It confuses the Hospitaler@s who are checking you in and can cause mix-ups.
You will need your pilgrim’s credencial for a stamp, as well as your passport or identity card.
Many albergues now accept credit cards. But if not, try to have exact cash to pay for your stay. It’s difficult for albergues to break large bills.
Also know where you began your Camino, not where you stayed the night before. You may be asked!
Have all this ready to make the check-in process as quick and easy as possible.
If the albergue is full, don’t push back. Safety protocols are in place and you cannot sleep on a couch or on the floor. Unfortunately, you’ll have to keep walking. If you’re having a difficult time or are in a lot of pain, the Hospitaler@s are there to help and can assist with finding alternative accommodation.
Respect the Rules and Your Fellow Pilgrims
Although it’s an amazing place to connect with other pilgrims, the Camino is not a place to whoop it up with your friends. Ibiza is great for that.
Most albergues have nice spots to share a bottle of wine and conversation, but they aren’t places to party or get drunk. People are walking the Camino for special reasons and on pilgrimage. Respect them.
The Hospitaler@s will outline the rules of the albergue and you will find them posted in different languages. Make sure you understand and follow them. If you’re unsure about something, just ask!
If you are young and have been assigned a top bunk, don’t complain. Be courteous to those who are older and might have difficulty hoisting themselves up a rickety bunk bed. If you are able, offer your bottom bunk to someone who looks like they might need it more than you.
Do not put your backpack on the bed!! This brings bed bugs into the albergues and causes a lot of problems for everyone. Put your backpack on the floor beside your bed or against the wall.
Wash, dry and put your dishes away if you use a communal kitchen. Leave it as you found it. Clean up after yourself and respect the kitchen closure time.
Just like in your teen years, there is a curfew. Be in bed with the lights out at the posted time. Do not push boundaries and ask to stay up later because you want to continue to chat with your friends or on a video call. Everyone has to be up early.
Don’t sneak out. Because if you sneak out, you’re staying out.
Do what you can to make your fellow pilgrims feel comfortable.
Dorms are generally mixed. So, dress appropriately and cover up when using communal areas.
Move around and pack quietly, especially if you’re an early riser.
And if you have the means to help minimize snoring, please use that. Everyone will thank you.
Shower quickly and right when you arrive. Hot water runs out rapidly in these small albergues. I’m a two-shower-a-day girl, so I had to adjust my habits!
Leave by the posted time, which is usually around 8 AM. The Hospitaler@s need the albergue completely vacated so they can begin cleaning. And it’s a big job. Don’t dawdle in the morning. But if you wake up in pain or need any help, the Hospitaler@s are there for you.
Be polite to your Hospitaler@s. Many of them are volunteering their time, using their holidays and flying in from other countries to make sure your Camino is special. Write a note of gratitude in the guestbook.
Much of this seems like common sense. But you would be surprised.
The Camino is a place of mindfulness, reciprocity and connection. Especially with the Camino’s increase in popularity, showing respect and consideration will help keep it the way it was always meant to be.
Buen Camino!