Roncesvalles Pilgrims' Hostel

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.

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet the volunteers from The Netherlands - Cathelijne, Joke, Marc, Helmien and the others that on September 3rd 2025 welcomed me in the albergue! Those people are wearing the Camino spirit as a way of living at its finest level and made me feel home after a long day in the Pirineos. Once Cathelijne saw me entering the albergue she offered me to take a sit and remove my bag, to simply relax..Thank you all for the great organization andwonderful service!

Great place to stay in Roncesvalles on the way to Santiago de Compostela! Fair price, fully equiped, well located and good atmosphere! Good dinner and next to the church for the starting blessing

The building is beautiful and the beds were comfy. There arw so many beds it's quite loud at night. The service was nice from some of the staff and less from others. The dinner is tasty!