Albergue San Pelayo

The owners were really nice, chatting and joking with us, and we enjoyed the dinner too. We had a private room with a shared bathroom. There’s a pleasant courtyard where you can sit and have a drink. We really enjoyed our stay.

The host was the worst part of the albergue. She was arguing with a customer service agent on the phone when we arrived and stayed on the call while checking us in, cursing as she demanded our passports and details. There was no greeting or smile. At dinner she took plates away before people had finished so she could bring the next course, then went around asking everyone for dinner money like a tax collector. It was almost funny, like spending the night at a grumpy grandma’s house. She was very gruff and not warm at all, and I don’t think hospitality suits her. The decor is unusual and the place itself feels cozy. The mattresses are a bit old, but the showers are spacious, so it can be a good place for pilgrims to stay. The dinner wasn’t great, though, and I wouldn’t recommend it.

The garden is a hidden gem, and the dinner was superb and generous. Even the spaghetti was cooked al dente. The woman was very accommodating and the hostel was clean. I’d absolutely recommend staying here. Honestly, I don’t understand the hate or the bad reviews. They nearly put me off, but we had a great time here!

The courtyard was beautiful, with a garden, BBQ, bar, and misting fans, and even the laundry and clothes-drying area was lovely. The restaurant was the highlight: the chef cooked everything perfectly, and the woman serving us made sure we were happy. The host was lovely too, always busy and on the go. The food must be good if locals are eating here, too. If you don’t stay, at least stop in for a meal. It was such a cool place to unwind after walking in the summer heat on the Camino. The albergue was clean, the beds comfortable, and the facilities suited our needs. I can’t rate it highly enough.