Albergue Santa Marina y Santiago

In 2015, it was the worst accommodation of the entire trip. It was a place where I had such bad experiences that if it hadn’t been very late and the next village hadn’t been far away, I would have gone on right away. Nor would it have interested me if the owner had not refunded the price of the accommodation collected in advance and the price of the "compulsory" (otherwise lousy, instant soup) dinner. The woman was not friendly or polite, and even commanded in an instructive style. All my belongings, including my backpack, were put by the woman in some crumpled, dirty garbage bag. Supposedly against bed bugs. The house was filled with descriptions and pictures of bed bugs. There was no lighting in the bedroom and the sockets were taped, no phone or camera could be charged. The bathroom had to use its own toilet paper. I haven't slept all night. I couldn't wait for dawn to come and escape! 🙁

The reception takes place at 1 p.m. sharp, a reception loaded with prohibitions. Besides, there are reminders of prohibitions written everywhere. The discourse surrounding bedbugs is omnipresent. Then comes the obligation to put your belongings in trash bags (be careful not to get the wrong color of bag!!) Then come the complaints about electricity which costs too much, so the sockets are taped up, and if you want to recharge your cell phone, you have to pay.....Then the omelette for dinner comes out of its supermarket plastic (too bad, because the tortilla espanola is so good homemade!) And...no breakfast. Really, I didn't feel at ease in this "pilgrim hospital".

When you read on the door about "responsible donation" (which is actually 15 euros or "according to the law"), you also hear how the neighbors themselves talk about the hostel, you have little faith in the "pilgrim hospital." When he opens the door (at 3pm by the way), everything is confirmed and multiplied. The hostal is rude and rude. His rudeness to the pilgrims is only surpassed by the air of superiority he gives off when speaking. Occult atmosphere and little clarity in explanations. Be careful, pilgrims. PS: Just 20 meters away you have a hostel with much better treatment, cuisine and atmosphere. Don't hesitate.

For several years I have been walking the Jacob's Way and stopping at this hostel. I am welcomed there like a long-awaited friend. The Hospilatera is warm-hearted and is always approachable for its pilgrims 😇. The food is good and plentiful. I always enjoy going there. Greetings from Heinz from Wendland.

The town of Rabe de las Calzadas welcomes the pilgrims of the CAMINO DE SANTIAGO very well, many of them make a STOP at the exit at the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Monasterio, either to rest, listen to music quietly, receive the MIRACULOUS MEDAL, pray, greet the Mother of God,...