Hospedeia Monasterio de Poio

It was cold when we stayed, and with no heating and an air conditioning unit that didn’t work, we were freezing. The room itself was nice, though a little impersonal.

We were on the Camino and took a short taxi ride to stay here. You can also walk from the hotel to rejoin the route. It’s a no-frills place, with simple rooms, no TV, and a slim breakfast, but the atmosphere is hard to beat. There must be more than 100 rooms, yet I think only one or two were booked while we were there. The long hallways were empty, and the bar looked like it hadn’t been used in 30 years, though it was cleaned daily. Really terrific. Great for photos if you want to feel like you’ve taken a monastic oath.

The grounds are lovely and the rooms impeccably clean. Without a big group, I’m sure it would probably be a peaceful, lovely stay. But we had 100 teenagers screaming through every hallway. Reception said there were no room changes because all floors except 1 and 2 were closed, and that quiet hours were the teachers’ responsibility. Most nearby restaurants don’t open until 8:30 pm, and the hotel is remote from the central camiño. A taxi cost 11 euro for the 4 km ride. The next morning, Carlos, the night manager, went above and beyond for me. My camiño angel. He speaks excellent English and showed great hospitality, so I’ve added a star just for him.

We stopped at the monastery while walking the camino and came across a cafferteria inside the hospital. There’s also a chapel in the hospital where you can spend some quiet time.