Public facilities: The albergues del Peregrino.
The albergues del peregrino or pilgrim's hostels are exclusive municipal hostels for those who walk the Camino and hold the duly stamped Credential. They are simple lodgings, often converted from former schools or public buildings, offering accommodation in dormitories with bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Most Municipal hostels have a kitchen with all cooking utensils. In Galicia (the last 100 km of the French Way), however, no pots and pans are provided, so the kitchens are unusable.
The pilgrim's hostels normally have a fixed rate that varies between 7 and 15 €, they do not accept reservations and beds are assigned in order of arrival, giving priority to pilgrims with disabilities, those on foot and those arriving by bike. In the albergues you can only stay one night, they usually open at 13:00 and close the doors at 22:00 and they do not allow you to enter or leave freely. In the morning, you have to leave by 8:00 am to allow for cleaning.
Hospitalities run by voluntary associations or religious orders
These are hospices that are usually run by volunteers or religious orders, in parishes, some monasteries or convents. Simple hospitality and sharing are the watchwords of these structures. In some cases, the hospitalero prepares dinner, which is shared with all the other pilgrims, and the table becomes a moment of great exchange between all those present.
They are donative hospices, meaning that everyone can leave what they believe according to their good heart. Remember that these establishments are only sustained by the generosity of the pilgrims who stay.
Private hostels
These are hostels very similar to the municipal ones but privately run, often family-run. They offer cheap accommodation in dormitories with shared bathroom facilities. Often there is also a laundry area and Wi-Fi available for pilgrims.
The level of services offered is generally better than in 'public' establishments, the rooms are usually more spacious and contain fewer beds, the kitchens and communal areas are generally better maintained. Rates range between 10 and 25 € for dormitory accommodation. In private 'albergues', reservations can be made and there are no time constraints or limits on length of stay.
Guest houses and hotels
Along the camino there are many guest houses offering private rooms at an excellent price/quality ratio. These establishments come to the pilgrim's aid when one finds the municipal hotels full, or when, after many sleepless nights in dormitories, one feels the need to rest in a private room. The prices are not prohibitive and are usually around 30 to 50 €. There are also many rural houses and hotels that meet the needs of those who choose to walk the route sleeping in facilities that provide more intimacy and comfort at the end of the stage.