Albergue San Francisco de Asis - Hostel

The location is handy, just off the Camino and about 500m from the train station. For a pilgrim hostel, it has a lot going for it: three sets of bunks per room, each with its own bathroom and shower, plus a basement kitchen open for use at any hour. The dining hall has inexpensive food, though it isn't the best. Breakfast was €3 for coffee, Tang, two pieces of toast, two cookies or muffins, and one thin slice each of cooked ham and cheese. I think the doors were locked at midnight, though.

The location is good and the place is clean, but I wouldn't stay here again. We spent one night with our five-year-old, and at the cafeteria one of the men refused to give us a third tray for our child because we'd ordered only two meals. The staff also weren't the friendliest people we met in Spain. The place felt more like a homeless shelter than a hostel. I guess the closer you get to the church, the less charitable people become.

The meals were delicious and very affordable, and the service was amazing. It's an excellent stop for anyone walking the Camino Frances, the French Way. I'd recommend it without hesitation.

The common areas are spacious, and the cafeteria meals were tasty, generous, and good value. Supper at 8:30pm felt late for pilgrims, though. The rooms were a bit cramped and dreary, but having a separate bathroom was nice. The kitchen was decent, but short on pots, and all the washing-up soap dispensers were empty during my stay. One hospitalero was unwelcoming, while the other staff, especially the cleaning lady, were nice.