Parada de Francos

The owners and staff seem to have a well-rehearsed script. They agree with whatever they think you want to hear, knowing that most guests stay just one night, put up with the poor standards and move on, leaving room for the next people. Having read the owner's aggressive replies to anyone who questions the place, I expect an aggressive response to this review too. We were unlucky enough to be assigned this place on our recent Camino. We've done the Camino before and stayed in plenty of good accommodation. This time, the damp pillows were so bad that our heads didn't even touch them. We left immediately and paid for somewhere else ourselves. There's a UK expression for it: 'GET ME OUT OF HERE.' It's a hovel and should have a health warning above the door. If you've booked, cancel. If you're looking for a place to stay, DO NOT BOOK HERE. We wouldn't even let our dog stay.

Dinner was extraordinary, the best meal I've had since arriving in Spain. Everything was clean and comfortable, and we had a lovely stay at Casa Rural Parada de Franco. Our rooms were on the top floor. Getting our suitcases up the stairs after a day on the Camino was a struggle, but we were glad we could relax on the balcony that afternoon. Lovely!

We were six in the family and had a whole house to ourselves. The place is right on the Camino, and after a long day we could relax in the garden chairs. The rooms and bathrooms were clean, the showers hot and powerful, and the beds really comfortable. Breakfast was good, and we had dinner at Restaurante San Martino. We saw who we think was Pepe in the morning. He could have smiled and greeted us at breakfast, but I don't know his story, so I'm not judging. The girl was friendly.

I'd had the same question as other people about why the hosts don't take random walk-in dinner guests. After eating there, I understood. It was only a three course meal, but every dish was made with care, especially the vegetable lasagna. Mama Mia perfecto! The chef must have spent ages layering and cooking it just right. The steak with mashed potatoes was great too. At 22 euros, I thought it was totally worth it.