Refugio Guacelmo

We were going to stay here and it looks nice but the staff gave us a bad vibe. We felt like we were back at school and being shown around by the headmaster. No smiles. I asked how long they were there fir and she said two weeks, that's enough. No smiles, no laughter, no jokes. Seemed very depressing atmosphere. We moved to a different place.

This is a very beautiful and peaceful place. Volunteers are so kind and welcoming, English tea and breakfast with good coffee is provided and the garden is stunning. There aren’t washing machines but there is a spinner. It’s true you won’t get WiFi and they are strict about quiet times after 10 and before 6:30 but if you want a very special place to recharge this is it.

No WiFi here. If you need it beware.

Lovely Refugio. Run by volunteers who gave us cold water on arrival. Serve tea everyday at 4:30, and breakfast in the morning, although basic. It’s donation based, we had some ‘fake pilgrims’ who we had seen begging in front of churches check in after us which did make us feel a little uncomfortable so we watched our valuables closely but everything was fine. Open space in the backyard is beautiful and a nice sitting room with a fire place. I was sending my bag due to an injury so I just had it sent to Albergue Pilar around the corner which seemed to be fine. About 16 people in one room, hot showers.

I have just finished my Camino & arrived in Santiago. In my mind, I am going over my experiences. The one place that still gives me a beautiful feeling is when I think of this Albergue & the kindness and caring that was shown to all. Tea & crumpets at 4:30 with the monks. Enjoying vespers at 1900 hours sung by the monks, and a nice fire to sit around and chat at the end of the evening. I was having problems with my knee and the priest gave me a bottle of essential oils that he has been making for years. It has been rubbed into my knee for this journey & the knee became stronger as I walked.

This Refugio came highly recommended by both my guidebook and word of mouth. As it turns out, for good reason. Very special space indeed, made all the more so by hospitality and genuine passion of our hosts. Don’t miss afternoon tea or evening mass across the road.

Staying here is a special experience. There is no evening meal but afternoon tea is served and is a lovely opportunity to meet with and talk to other pilgrims. The mass and pilgrim blessing in the little chapel opposite is worth staying up for.

Lovely lovely place. Beautiful courtyard with apple trees, where we all enjoyed afternoon cake and tea made by the hospitaleros. There were plenty of blankets too. It's across from a beautiful, tiny and simple church where there are evening sung vespers. I recommend it

One of the best albergues on the camino. Nice and clean. And the hospitaleros are soooo friendly. Afternoon tea was good. They got a really nice garden as well