Albergue Linar do Rei — Hotel in Pedrafita do Cebreiro

Albergue gone wrong

This was by far the worst albergue experience i’ve had on the entire Camino Francés. The place clearly once had potential, it even received good reviews in the past, but something has gone terrible wrong recently. It’s in desperate need of new management.

Like other recent reviewers , I can confirm: THERE IS NO HOT WATER. Prepare yourself for an ice-cold shower. Based on the reviews, this has been an issue for weeks, and nothing has been done to fix it.

There’s also no management presence. Instead of being welcomed, you’ll only find a phone number taped to the door. The manager actually lives upstairs, yet seems to avoid all contact, it feels as if even they are ashamed of the state of the place.

The Albergue itself is poorly cleaned and maintained. Some of the problems we found:

• Broken washing machine. • No sink available for washing clothes by hand. •Soap and paper dispensers in the bathroom completely empty. •No heating of air or water.

It’s really a shame, because with proper care this albergue could be great. But right now, I strongly recommend pilgrims look elsewhere until there is a serious change...

The private albergue in O cebreiro was full, so the next best albergue we booked was Linar do Rei in Linares, the next town. I chose it because I liked the Google rating. I came to Albergue Linar do Rei as planned today and it was a beautiful accommodation that I really liked. In a newly built building that has not been operated for a while, the staff does their best to manage the rooms and keep them clean. At 12 euros per night, it is the best value for money. Because it is 1,200 meters high, the surrounding scenery is beautiful. Kitchen facilities are also clean. All pilgrims who visit this place cook lunch and dinner, so you can save money. Don't insist on O cebreiro, I recommend staying in...

Possibly one of the best views on the Camino, on a post-O Cebreiro high overlooking an open valley below. Facilities are new with a great kitchen for cooking and we had a wonderful shared dinner with our Camino bubble/family of 15(!) people. Groceries (mostly canned) could be bought easily in the supermarket Casa Jaime across the road.

However minus point for a reservation mishap, I reserved for me and a friend over the phone clearly stating our names and nationalities, however when we showed up there was only one bed available and the owner refused to be flexible and help. In that sense this is a more commercial albergue rather than one that embodies the communal...