Albergue peregrinos Caldas de Reis, clean and run with care
The Albergue peregrinos Caldas de Reis is a simple hostel in Caldas de Reis, Pontevedra, aimed at pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago and small groups. It has a shared kitchen, a lounge and a terrace. It shines for its staff and beds, although opinions split on cleanliness and bookings.
Written by Valeria Romano
Published
Mapiola is a travel blog: this is not the official website of Albergue peregrinos Caldas de Reis.
Where the hostel is and how to get there
The Albergue peregrinos Caldas de Reis is in Caldas de Reis, in the province of Pontevedra, right on the Camino. Some guests know it as the Urraca hostel. If you are walking, it is a natural stop at the end of a stage.
Several pilgrims highlight its location as excellent for the route. According to the listing, Santiago de Compostela cathedral is about 48 km away and Pontevedra train station about 31 km. For those arriving by air, there is a paid transfer to Vigo airport.
One guest notes that Caldas has no public pilgrim hostel. That means the private ones compete on quality and price, which is a good reason to read the reviews of each one before choosing.
What the rooms and spaces are like
The hostel is simple and practical, with rooms, shared bathrooms and several common areas. The rooms are family or multi-bed, and some guests say they had a four-bed room to themselves or with family.
One thing guests like is that, according to one review, the beds are proper beds, not bunks, in all four rooms on the upper floor. The same guest mentions carefully decorated rooms, clean bedding and a lovely fresh smell on arrival.
- The kitchen. Shared and, according to several guests, well equipped and in good condition. One person noted the hob was broken, so it is worth asking.
- Washer and dryer. One guest mentions them, and for anyone walking for several days it is a big advantage.
- Bathrooms. Two full bathrooms for several rooms, according to one review. If you travel in a group, expect to share.
- Lounge, terrace and Wi-Fi. All listed, with free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
What guests highlight
The Google rating is 3.9 out of 5, from 623 reviews. That is lower than the most enthusiastic reviews suggest, because there are very good opinions and some very bad ones too. The recurring patterns are clear.
- Service. The most repeated point. Several guests speak of friendly, approachable and efficient staff, even by phone when they arrived late after a long stage.
- Cleanliness and beds. Many reviews praise how clean and comfortable it is. One pilgrim says the beds are the best on the whole Portuguese Coastal Way.
- Advice. Staff usually explain what to see in the area, hand over a map and recommend where to shop.
- Groups. A teacher who travelled with teenage students highlights the manager's availability at any hour.
What to know before booking
Here are the drawbacks, because there are some and they matter. A one-star review talks about dirt, damp, broken taps and some bugs, such as fleas or bed bugs. It is a blunt opinion and it contradicts the rest, but a single warning like this is reason enough to check the bed when you arrive and speak up straight away.
Another two-star review describes a booking error: the date was recorded one day late and, with the place full, they offered another hostel that the guest did not find acceptable. Confirm your dates in writing and keep the message.
| The best | What to know |
|---|---|
| Friendly, efficient service | A booking error mentioned in one review |
| Comfortable beds and clean rooms | One review reports dirt and bugs |
| Kitchen, washer and dryer | Shared bathrooms and, once, a broken hob |
| Family and group rooms | It is a hostel, not a hotel with services |
Who it is for and who it is not for
I would choose this hostel if you are doing the Camino and want a kitchen, laundry and good beds without paying extra. It also seems a good option for a family or a small group who want a room to themselves.
I would not recommend it if you want total privacy, a bathroom just for you or hotel-style service. And if you are very sensitive about cleanliness, read the critical reviews calmly and decide with them in mind.
What to see in Caldas de Reis and around
Caldas de Reis is a Galician town on the Camino, with services for pilgrims. The listing cites the island of Cortegada, about 15 km away, as a reference, along with Santiago and Pontevedra.
If the hostel does not suit you, or you prefer another option in the area, look at Hostal-Restaurante Luz de Luna in Vilanova de Arousa, Hostal Chocolate & Menta Redondela in Redondela or, later on the route, Pensión Compas in O Pedrouzo. I can only give you the names and towns of these places.
Passionate about travel and about the kind of places that turn a getaway into something unforgettable. I love writing about hotels, country houses and charming hideaways, helping every traveller find the perfect place to rest and feel at home.
