Hostal Forest

The owner's a lovely woman, and she couldn't have been more helpful. It's very close to Santiago Cathedral. I'd happily stay here again, and would definitely recommend it.

The location and price earned the one star. Everything else was a complete letdown. I had a single bed and bathroom, but a terrible sewer smell kept coming from the bathroom. It was so bad I nearly left. Closing the bathroom door helped reduce it. The view from the window was worse. The area looked like a place for rubbish, and later I saw the cleaner collecting linen from what seemed to be a closet in that filthy well.

Hostal Forest felt like home, thanks to Montse, who handles the management, cooking, cleaning, and reception, and Avelina, the owner. They're wonderful women. The building has history, the rooms were clean and cosy, and it was good value. Room choice depends on what you prefer. Plaza-facing rooms get more light and may have cathedral views, but can be noisy at night. The interior rooms are darker and quieter, which could be welcome after walking the Camino. The bar is a pleasant spot for a cold beer, and Montse cooks great food.

The rooms matched the photos on Booking.com, with a comfortable bed and all the furniture we needed. The place is about 150m from the cathedral, and there's a restaurant right next door. A nice place to stay.