Roncesvalles Pilgrims' Hostel

It has the perfect location and a great set up. They are able to handle a lot of pilgrims and seem to have it figured out in general. The woman with glasses that has colored frames is trying harder than what is mentioned in previous posts, I will just say she is trying and leave it at that. There aren't enough bathrooms and showers, 3 of each for 30 people. There's 1 washer and 1 dryer so that's difficult as well. Some pilgrims really liked their meal, it's you're only choice regardless unless you packed food for that brutal first stage (at least in March). It was chilly so if you're doing a sleeping bag liner it should be at least fleece lined. The disposable sheets seems very wasteful. The amount of plastic trash that produces is staggering.

I was sadly disappointed with my stay. I’d pre-booked a night but got sick halfway on my first day from SJPDP. I started throwing up and had to stop. Maybe something I ate. It passed after a few hours but there was no way I would have made it to renscevalles. I emailed the albergue straight away. Before the 7pm cut off. Explaining the situation and asking to change my booking to the next night. No reply so I emailed a follow up in the morning and included a second email I found for them: the ‘web’ one and the ‘info’ one. Still no reply by the time I got there. But I thought, no worries, the people checking us in will be helpful and understanding. The volunteers at the door were wonderful! So warm and welcoming. So helpful. I explained the situation to them and they said to tell the woman at reception. I line up and when I see her expression with the pilgrims in front of me, I begin to worry. She never smiles. Seems curt, unfriendly and unwelcoming. My turn comes and she asks to see my booking and my emails. And then says because her colleague didn’t reply, I have to pay again. I’m deflated. I pay and move on. I never received a reply to my emails. I did not want to stop halfway through my first day. I did not want to get sick. I did the right thing by contacting them as soon as I could. But they did not care. (I see other more recent reviews mention the same lady. Short white hair. Colourful glasses). The facilities were beautiful and clean. Except for some bugs near our beds and a musty smell on the third floor. One lady in the laundry room had the most nurturing and kind personality. The room was cold at night. And if you’re near one of the doors you may be woken up even with ear plugs and eye mask (entrance to dorm or bathroom door). It would have been a good stay except for these things.

If you can stay anywhere else you should. The dinner is some of worst food you'll ever attempt to eat. Half the staff are nice, the other half you wonder why they are here. Everything else is crammed to max with people, with some of the worst manners you'll ever see. All they want is your money, and to get you out.