Pensión Jade

The room was very clean, though small, and the shower was tiny. There wasn’t a window, but the skylight opened for fresh air and the ceiling fan helped. For a night or two, that was fine. The lady who checked us in was lovely, and the plants and incense gave the place a fresh, pleasant smell. You’re right among the restaurants and shops in this beautiful town, with everything you might need close by. It doesn’t seem to get many foreign visitors, which is their loss. It’s nice to be somewhere beautiful that isn’t overrun with tourists, too, though I know that sounds ironic.

Jade handled all my requests quickly, from getting a heater for the room and giving me the WiFi password to stamping my pilgrim passport. The place was easy to find and convenient for shops, and the service was excellent.

The owners are lovely, and I’d highly recommend the place for its price and location. It’s very clean, and while the rooms are quite small, they’re laid out well. There’s a supermarket opposite for water and other bits, and the harbour and plenty of good places to eat are close by.

The rooms are on the small side, which is why I’ve held back a star. Otherwise, they’re simple and spotless, with the room cleaned thoroughly and sheets changed daily. It’s right in the town centre, a short walk from the bars, restaurants and harbour. There isn’t any English spoken, but you can get by with signs or a little Spanish. Castro Urdiales is a pretty seaside town about half an hour from Bilbao, with bars and restaurants everywhere, all serving pinchos.