Albergue & Rooms Murgadán

We arrived at the albergue among the last guests, yet we were warmly welcomed. The kind gentleman explained everything, prepared our beds, and genuinely cared about making everyone feel comfortable after a long day of walking. The albergue is located in the city center, the facilities looked new, spacious, very clean, and well equipped. We were able to do our laundry - there’s even a coin exchange machine, which was really helpful. The early check-out gives you the perfect motivation to start your day early and reach Santiago on time. Thank you for a truly great experience on our Caminho Português! :)

I found an insect in my bed (probably a bed bug). I informed the man at the reception and asked to change the bed. I didn’t want to cause any trouble. I told him politely and discreetly, because I know that it doesn’t mean they are in all beds and I didn’t want to create panic. I was very understanding and I didn’t even make any fuss, even though I could have. He changed my bed, but eventually he came back to me said that I can cancel the reservation and he will refund it, but the way he did it was basically kicking me out of the albergue. He was very rude and unprofessional. His behaviour was unacceptable. I know the place was clean, but that is not a factor when it comes to bed bugs, as they can appear even in a 5-star hotel. Whether it was a bed bug or not, the way he treated me was far below any expectations. He asked WHY I’m even checking for insects and if I do it in every hotel (yes, I do, after some past experiences!) and he called me a MANIAC! I worked as a hotel receptionist and I can’t imagine behaving like this towards a guest. After so many positive reviews about the hostel’s service, I’m really disappointed.

At first everything seemed great — the hostel was clean, tidy, with a really good shower and a perfect location. But then my friend, who always checks the mattress before sleeping (a very good habit, by the way), found bedbugs. She politely informed the host and asked to change the bed. He said he did, but later got angry and told her that if she behaves like this in every hostel, she’ll be kicked out everywhere. He said he would refund the money and asked us to leave. He even called my friend a maniac, which was extremely unprofessional and unpleasant — especially because she spoke to him calmly and respectfully. This situation could have been solved in two seconds, but instead, he chose to act as if we brought the bedbugs, even though they were clearly there before (we have photos as proof). So, unfortunately, I cannot recommend this hostel — neither the place nor its management. Treating guests this way, especially pilgrims walking the Camino, is unacceptable.