Albergue de peregrinos de La Isla (Asturias)

I had the unfortunate luck of staying two nights here due to a health problem, therefore I know this place better than most. I cannot put more than two stars for this place. This was probably the worst albergue from dozens I’ve been in. Positives: Kitchen is good. Reasonably new, fully working and has everything you’ll need, even a toaster which is a rarity in such places. Calm and dark night. Good sleeping possible with a sleeping bag. However, a lot of important problems: This was the dirtiest, most insect-infested establishment I stayed at. Bins full probably since last October, no toilet paper and soap, dirty floors, all various kinds of flies, moths, mosquitos, snails lying and flying everywhere. It was too much to be acceptable, even at off season. Locked drawers, things glued and tied to the wall, camera at the living room - all I felt is that I was unwanted there. Hot water is present but after two minutes the shower clogs and you can’t bathe anymore as all the albergue’s floor becomes a giant puddle. The worst part, however, is the lady that is responsible for running the place - absolutely grim and unemotional, no matter what the situation is, a kind which clearly sees a pilgrim as a cash cow. After paying a hefty sum for an a municipal albergue, there is no one to contact. She is available in WhatsApp but doesn’t answer calls nor reads messages. Paid additional 5€ for making a laundry but no clothespin was provided anywhere, and nobody to ask for it. This is also evident in the shop she runs, where everything is far from fresh yet three-four times pricier than at a shop off the Camino. 3,95€ for a kg of apples, 2€ for a 100g of cheese, 1,55€ for a baguette. “Pilgrims menu” for 15+€ which is just a jumble of cans and ready-to-make food you can buy for half the price at any supermarket chain. I would recommend anybody at any situation to consider other places for spending a night.

Not the best, but not the worst albergue, very minimal, could easily be better. For 20 pilgrims we were given two rolls of toilet paper, no bathroom soap, one loaf of bread for breakfast and a handful of power outlets. The sign advising to check in at the supermarket is only if you get there before lunchtime. Otherwise you just have to wait outside until the caretaker is finished cleaning, she won't let you in to use the bathroom either. No blankets, but after closing all the windows and putting on all your warm clothes it's bareable. The pilgrims meal at the supermarket is great value, thre course meal with a drink and bread.

Very kind hosts, and a pleasant location near a nice beach. As a pilgrim I am very grateful for a shower bed and breakfast for this price! Although 3 stars because the place is not very restful, the big room Echoes loudley and is right next to the communal kitchen, so no place to have some silence to rest, it was very busy when I stayed also. Also in the shower there is barely any hot water and 1 shower per gender, so people were waiting, not very relaxing. I finally slept in the garden because of all the echoing snoring at night, but that's not the albergues fault of course. I would probably not stay here again but still grateful for the hosts kindness! Buen Camino :)