Great Accommodation on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route)

Going on a Camino hike is an exciting adventure. You get to meet new people, travel to unknown places, learn a tonne of history and, of course, about yourself. The Camino experience is a blessing if…well, IF it weren’t for the Camino accommodation, a part of the Camino lifestyle that I dread sorting out. Having one-night stays is not my preferred mode of travel, but it has to happen on a hike like this. Here is a list and review of all the accommodations on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route) I have stayed at during my hike in May/June.

Accommodation on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route) is varied and a bit more expensive due to its popularity. There’s also quite the competition happening with all the hundreds of guesthouses, hostels and hotels along the coast. Where do you start with your Camino accommodation research? What should you look out for when booking and securing a place? And how do you choose from the overwhelming offer?

Disclaimer: my blog post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The link is clearly marked with an *. Thanks!

What You Need to know about the Camino Accommodation

• Lots of choices, because the area is so urbanised
• Accommodation costs are higher in comparison to the Camino Frances and this year
• The average price per night is around 60€ (for guesthouses and hotels), 20€ for hostels
• Compare prices on different booking websites. I used booking.com and Expedia the most as both have a rewards system and I was able to secure great deals and price reductions. The breakfast inclusion is hit and miss
• Breakfast is often of poor quality with lots of sugary options and low nutritious value
• Double-check the online presentation of your chosen accommodation on the Camino de Santiago. Some use promotional images which couldn’t be further apart from reality
• The hospitality is generally very friendly despite the high turnover of guests
• English is still a huge communication hurdle for many Spanish and Portuguese workers in the hospitality & tourism industry
• Two sets of towels per person are standard, even for a solo traveller
• Santiago was particularly difficult this year as it was the Holy Year and very busy
• Prices are correct as of May/June 2022

Public Albergue: cheapest accommodation on the Camino Portuguese. The “original” pilgrim’s accommodation is located within convents, churches or other religious buildings. You can’t book these in advance as they operate on a first-come, first-serve model. If this is your choice, you will start your hike very early as beds in mixed dorm rooms are limited and are often taken by 1pm. Public Albergues don’t accept luggage transfers. 

Private Albergue: are a bit more expensive and sit at around 20€ per night on the Camino Portuguese. You can book a bunk bed in a mixed or unisex dorm in advance. They will also take your luggage if you have a transfer organised. 

Guesthouse: often family-run and located in a traditional stone house in a remote location. The remoteness helps to unwind from the hike. The biggest benefit is staying with locals and learning more about their life and the Camino. Sometimes you’ll get a homemade meal and experience local hospitality first-hand. 

Hotels: common, but more individual budget and family-run hotels than big international chains. Don’t expect luxury. The small 2 to 3-star hotels are very basic but usually clean. The décor may be massively outdated and occasionally there is a hair or two in the bathroom. 

My Criteria for Choosing a Camino Accommodation

When I travel, I value service and comfort. The hike is not difficult, but it is physically tiring walking 25-30 kilometres each day for consecutive weeks on end. To cope with the demands of the hike and to be energised and refreshed, I prefer my accommodation on the Camino Portuguese to be clean, safe and relaxing. I tend to book hotels and guesthouses, but I’m open to hostels as long as they are modern, clean and offer some privacy.

Clean – do the pictures make a fresh and neat impression? Is the décor modern and attractive? I don’t mind basic, but I won’t book Camino accommodation with outdated décor or any beds covered in a floral daytime throw 

Safety – I check reviews for information on the neighbourhood, hotel security and horror stories from previous guests. Covid measurements are important, too

Central – Is the accommodation on the Camino Portuguese or close by? Any additional kilometres mean greater energy use, plus I’d like to explore the checkpoint town in the evening 

Price – quality/price balance needs to be a good fit, e.g. prices need to be in a respectful cost frame for the area and not “take the piss”. It certainly helps if I can get a deal through booking.com or Expedia 

Judgment on the Camino

I’m aware some pilgrims regard the public albergue as the only accepted camino accommodation and frown upon others who chose a more “luxurious” accommodation. 

The law of the Camino however says Ultreia! Or “Your own way” aka YOU DO YOU.
I’m the last person to judge anyone. If you like to start your hike at 4am to secure a bed in a public albergue, go for it. If you love hostels and can’t wait for the conviviality of others, please do so. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa. Live and let live.

My Accommodation on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route)

During my trip, I stayed in 8 hotels, 3 guesthouses and 2 hostels. Here are my personal experiences and solo travel stories from each of them.

Hotel Acta The Avenue, Porto

This modern budget hotel makes a stylish first impression but lacks massively in character. Whilst the standard rooms are minimalistic and come with a safe and a balcony, the rooftop is rather disappointing. Its location in the Bonfirm neighbourhood may be quirky on Day 1 but gets tiring after Day 2 when you want to pop back quickly for an afternoon nap. 

My Acta The Avenue Porto review: my room made a great first impression unlike the local area of Bonfirm. I loved the spacious design, the tastefully selected wallpaper and the generous round mirror. My room came with a balcony, but it wasn’t much of use to me. For me, the hotel lacked character, and nothing really kept me there. The walk into town took 20 minutes each way which got tiring after Day 2. The rooftop was small, and the views were obstructed by the construction site on the other side of the road. There was no pool as the promo pictures suggested and a huge antenna behind the house made me vary, too. Nevertheless, I slept well at Acta The Avenue and noticed the reliable and clean housekeeping.  

Good To Know: Hotels in Porto are quite pricey, with the average night costing 110€. I personally find this steep given the fact Porto is not a capital city and its tourism sector and offer are very one-sided. 

Would I book Acta The Avenue again? Acta was ok, but I wouldn’t rush back here. The rate for a basic room of 90€ excluding breakfast is a reason for me to keep an eye open for more centrally located hotels. Acta is a good backup plan though. 

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Porto: Zero Box Lodge, Exe Almada, Se Cathedral Hotel Porto, Neya Hotel, Moon and Sun, 7G Apartments Vila Nova Gaia

BOOK: Hotel Acta The Avenue*

Guesthouse O Poboa, Povoa de Varzim

A private guesthouse in the picturesque commuter town Povoa de Varzim. It is run by a local who’s tastefully decorated her 7 guest rooms and hosts holidaymakers and pilgrims alike. The guesthouse also has a lovely garden and a cosy lounge.  

My Guesthouse O Poboa review: I stayed at Joana’s guesthouse in Povoa de Varzim, which is easy to find as it is directly opposite the tram station. I could feel Joana’s impeccable taste and her immense care for her home the moment I stepped in. The entrance hall is neat and has a large Portuguese azulejo wall picture showcasing a historical scene from Povoa de Varzim.

Upstairs are several themed guest rooms, a lounge and the entrance to the back garden. The grey & white colour scheme paired with green plants and a minimalistic style feel fresh and modern. 

My room is on the second floor. Its generous size and clean appearance impress me instantly. The same goes for the bathroom which has a rainforest shower and toiletries from Castelbel. The room is spotlessly clean and the WiFi fast and reliable. Joana has been extremely welcoming, and I feel in very good hands. I fall instantly asleep in the soft bedding of my queen-size bed. The next day I’m refreshed and ready for another day on the Camino.

Would I book Guesthouse O Poboa again? A very clear yes. Joana is lovely and Povoa de Varzim is an interesting place to explore after a day’s hike. The guesthouse was impeccable, and the place is run with a lot of attention and care. My stay was quiet, comfy and safe. Another plus was the supermarket next door for stocking up on water and food supply for the hike. 

BOOK: Guesthouse O Poboa*

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Povoa de Varzim: none, I only considered this one.

Hotel Suave Mar, Esposende

Hotel Suave Mar is a holiday hotel with a generous poolside in the popular beachside town of Esposende. It comes with 77 rooms, an in-house restaurant and a tennis court. Its prime location directly at the esplanade makes it a central focus for locals and pilgrims.  

My Hotel Suave Mar review: My first impression is very positive. The reception area is generous and clean. All public areas look polished and manicured. Upon arrival, I struggled with heat exhaustion and was promptly invited to have a dip in the pool whilst waiting for my room to get ready including a free drink on the house and salty snacks. 

The room, however, felt rather anticlimactic. Outdated furniture, sockets in very random places, one sheet toilet paper and an overall weirdly designed layout only make a meh impression. The balcony is full of bird poo and it hasn’t been cleaned in a while. There’s even poop on the door handle. The room also has no safe, amenities or toiletries which is odd. 

I sleep tight but my night is over as soon as it hits 5am. I get woken up by an earth-shattering noise that goes on for about an hour. The pool area, as nice as it looks with its exotic plants and bushes, is home to a rooster of various birds. They decide to start their day at 5am and explain the insane amount of droppings everywhere. 

Would I book Hotel Suave Mar again? I could live with the outdated décor for one night and the pool is lovely, but the bird poop and insane noise at 5am are red flags for me. I would only stay here again if the price was matched to 35-55€ per night as this is what this place is worth in my opinion.   

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Esposende: looked at a few including the Hostel Eleven, but only considered Hotel Suave Mar as it appeared to be the only hotel in the area close to the Camino.  

BOOK: Hotel Suave Mar*

Hotel Laranjeira, Viana do Castelo

Local family-run 2-star hotel in the heart of Viana do Castelo. The rooms are clean and have everything a pilgrim could ask for. Breakfast is included with the booking. The real star of the hotel, however, are the friendly and accommodating staff which make this experience worthy of a 5-star treatment.  

My Hotel Laranjeira review: The hotel lies ideally on the Camino route through Viana do Castelo’s historic Old Town. At check-in, I’m greeted by receptionist Eduardo, who enthusiastically introduces me to the city and hands me a map highlighting all places of interest. He carries my luggage to my room and meticulously adheres to the Covid measurements. None of my requests are an issue and get fulfilled with a big smile. I’m overwhelmed by the warm welcome (atypical for Portugal) but I’m deeply impressed. 

My standard room is basic and comes with a wardrobe, a stand for my backpack and mirrored dressing table. The seat, a cube, can conveniently be stored under the table – a clever use of the space. The double bed is comfy, and I had a deep sleep. Initially, I can hear the guests next door, but their voices soon die down and I enjoy a peaceful night. 

The wooden flooring and a glassed corridor containing the bathroom apply a modern look. The bathroom comes with fluffy towels and toiletries – everything I needed was there. My request for a very early breakfast at 6:30am is no hassle at all. Eduardo’s colleague who speaks no English, helps me pack a lunch package for the way. He shows me the Camino signs and highlights the route out of town on the map.  

Would I book Hotel Laranjeira again? YES, loud and clear. Nothing was a hassle or an issue. The service was top-notch. Total understanding of a pilgrim’s need and impeccable customer service. Both aren’t a given on the Camino. I’ll be back one day. 

Book: Hotel Laranjeira*

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Viana do Castelo: I briefly considered Flag Design Hotel but decided against it as the day rate had gone up on short notice. I had also looked at the Alberque next to Santa Luzia, the Confraria de Santa Luzia, but it was sold out for my dates (looked at it 3 months in advance, so this is a popular choice!).

Arca Nova Guesthouse & Hostel, Caminha

Guesthouse and hostel operating since 1987. The place has 14 private rooms and 20 bunk beds to cater for approximately 50 guests. The location conveniently opposite the train station and free bike storage attract many pilgrims. 

My Arca Nova Guesthouse review:  Where to begin? This “guesthouse” turned out to be primarily run as a hostel and if I had known this before I would have not booked it. The pictures on Booking.com led me to believe, this was a modern and clean guesthouse. The private rooms looked spacious and the blue-coloured walls suggested a fresh look despite the basic décor. Upon arrival, I met the most condescending old man of the entire trip. He would not adhere to the Covid measurements and gave me a hard time for wearing my face covering. He spoke little English and made me feel unwelcome at every given possibility. Drama broke out when I asked if it was possible to get breakfast before 7am. Needless to say, he would not help me with my luggage. 

My room is filthy and the décor is extremely outdated. The room looks nothing like the pictures online. The bed sheets and linen haven’t been changed. Black hair curls on the yellow-stained pillows and all over the bathroom floor. The towels are clean, so I place them over the bed. The furniture is broken and there is a used spoon in one of the drawers. YUCK! I didn’t sleep well in the kids-sized bed and was constantly scared of bed bugs. I leave with the first sunlight and surprise, surprise, there is no one at “reception” to check me out. After a long 11h day and a 35-kilometre walk, I was too tired to look for somewhere else, but this place is not worth dealing with after such an intense day.  Don’t do it!

Would I book Arca Nova Guesthouse again? Not a chance in this world. I would never stay here again or have stayed in the first place if I had known that this was primarily run as a hostel. I was left under the impression that this was a guesthouse. Especially on an intensive hike like the Camino, I want to stay somewhere safe and where the owners understand the pilgrim clientele. Not only was this guesthouse filthy AF, but it also wasn’t safe either.

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Caminha: Originally, I had an apartment booked at Litos Al via Agoda, but then I decided to save some money with Arca which was a big mistake. If I stayed in the area again, I would consider the Wine & Design Hotel or Porta do Sol Conference Centre. 

BOOK: Litos AI* instead of Arca Nova

Villa Blanca, Tui

Privately owned family-run town villa with 11 tastefully decorated rooms. The historic period building oozes charm with its solid stone walls and warm wooden flooring. Local artwork displayed on the floors apply a sophisticated touch. This is a lovely, quiet and clean 2-star hotel with impeccable and exceptional service – and the kind of local experiences that I’m after.

My Villa Blanca review: Owner Señor Blanco and housekeeper Iliana give me a super sweet welcome when I check-in. I instantly feel welcome and looked after. My room is clean, quiet and very modern. The muted grey and Taupe tones instantly calm me down and let me forget the horrible stay in Caminha. The sleek look continues in the bathroom equipped with quality facilities. My towels are fluffy, and I have time to wash my clothes from the night before. 

I’m meant to take the bus to Vigo tomorrow, but my research couldn’t tell me much about the localities. Luckily, Iliana suggests the bus stop around the corner from the hotel, which saves me time and the hassle of going back to Valenca. She even accompanies me to the bus stop and helps decode the timetable.

Tonight, I will sleep soundly and safely. I even turn around a second time in the morning. My breakfast is served and prepared by Señor Blanco himself and we have a lovely understanding despite the language barrier. 

Would I stay at Villa Blanca again? YES, YES, YES, this was the best accommodation on the Camino Portuguese. This well-maintained hotel was everything I could have asked for and more. It was exactly the kind of Camino accommodation that I was looking for. A local stay at a well-maintained hotel with an owner whose house pride and care take over every corner of the experience. This was such a highlight during my Camino hike. 

Please Note: you can only book Villa Blanca via email reservation. I’ve linked in the Villa Blanca in Tui for your booking.

Alternative Camino Accommodation looked at in Tui/Valenca: Staying in this area gave me a headache as none of the options vibed with me. Valenca has mostly outdated 2-3-star hotels, all very old and not appealing to me. Tui has mainly guesthouses and hostels, so finding the perfect Camino accommodation was searching for the needle in the haystack. I meticulously scanned every accommodation pin on Google Maps for a couple of nights until I found Villa Blanca. I would only book Villa Blanca again, and if it wasn’t an option go with Hotel A Torre do Xudeu.

Do you need a place to stay on the central route? You may want to check out Alison’s post who has covered accommodation on the Camino Portuguese (Central Route)

B&B Hotel, Vigo

An unfuzzy international budget chain hotel near the Urzaiz train station. The 3-star hotel has approximately 100 rooms which are all equipped with a TV, a wardrobe, a private bathroom and free WiFi. There are no amenities in the room, but guests can fetch free coffee or tea from the breakfast area whenever they like. 

My B&B Hotel in Vigo review: The B&B has a great location near the new shopping mall at the Urzaiz train station. The walk into central Vigo & its harbour takes about 15 minutes and isn’t too bad either. The hotel is a bit outdated but it’s just about tolerable as it is well-maintained. I’ll stay for three nights.

My room is spacious and clean with views overlooking the Ria and town. My bathroom is big, too and I get two clean sets of fluffy towels per day. I slept well in my king-size bed and overall had a relaxing time off from the hike. It is still a budget hotel so I’m aware that at some point there might be some noise from other guests and partygoers. Luckily these arrived on my final night.  

Would I stay at B&B Hotel in Vigo again? Yes, although B&B Vigo is nothing special. If you’re after an unfuzzy hotel in Vigo with an excellent location this is the place for you.

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Vigo: I stayed in Vigo for a few nights and took a break from the Camino hike. My plan was to stay at a nice boutique hotel, such as Hotel Occidental, but then Vigo turned out to be pricey. I felt it wasn’t justified to spend that amount of money and came to terms that I would go with a solid budget hotel instead (and splurge any additional budget later on in Santiago).

BOOK: B&B Hotel Vigo*

Hotel San Luis, Pontesampaio

A family-run 2-star hotel outside of Pontesampaio. It has 32 rooms and caters mostly to pilgrims. Unfortunately, the hotel is not on the Camino and there’s no signage along the way. Therefore, it was difficult to find the hotel and access it as there’s no shortcuts from the original route.

My Hotel San Luis review: This hotel had many red flags. From zero signage off the Camino, to letting pilgrims walk a longer route without shortcuts to a traffic-heavy main road. The absolute shock came when I got to my room, which was advertised as “newly renovated”. 

The hotel markets itself as newly renovated with a fresh and modern look of the rooms. Mine was old and outdated. The bathroom was a catastrophe with a slim and grimy shower, black hair on the floor and an unpleasant sewage smell. My room was towards the main road and came with a patio. The door wouldn’t close so my sleep was interrupted by the traffic noise outside.

They had placed a new mattress on top of an old stained one. At least the bedsheets were fresh and clean, but I didn’t have a relaxing night as the mattress was hard and uncomfortable. I find it misleading to say the hotel is renovated and unfair to charge guests the same room rate when not all rooms are the same. 

The breakfast was another let-down and indicator that the owners have no understanding of their clientele. The restaurant was modern and renovated but the food selection was poor. Orange juice in a tetra pak, fruit limited to apples and oranges, no bananas, packed muffins, toast, and sugary jams. I stopped bothering and made a quick move that morning. 

Would I stay at Hotel San Luis again? No, the place has potential, but I wouldn’t want to play the room-roulette again. It starts with not caring how guests could find the hotel from the Camino, the poor breakfast and the little service such as a Thank You for Staying with us. 

Alternative Camino Accommodation in the Pontesampaio area: only looked at San Luis and was convinced by the positive reviews and the “recent renovation”. If I had to do the walk again, I would still choose to skip Redondela and probably look at the alberque below.

BOOK: Hostel Albergue O Mesón*. 

Dpaso Hostel, Pontevedra

Family-run, modern and clean hostel with pod-style bunk beds. Space is available for 20 guests. The facilities are small and limited but kept clean and well-maintained. The pods come with an inbuilt locker, fast WiFi, sockets and bed lights. A curtain allows for privacy. 

My Dpaso Hostel review: The hostel is conveniently located at the beginning of town on the Camino so you can’t miss it. I had booked my nights directly with them and after I got my confirmation email, never received any instructions regarding my stay. So when I arrived at the hostel in the late afternoon, the door was locked with a code and closed. 

Confused, I had no alternative but to call the local number displayed on the door. Something I wasn’t prepared to do. I had no idea whom I was calling or what was going on. What do they do if guests arrive late at night? It was an inconvenience atop a long walk. 

Eventually, someone came and checked me in. To this day I don’t know the names of the owners. The main room contained 20 pods named after local towns and villages. I stayed in “Tui” again. My backpack was waiting near my bed, but it had been opened. Luckily nothing was taken, and I give them the benefit of the doubt here, but again, a reason why I don’t do hostels. Anyway, it could only get better from here and luckily it kinda did.

The facilities were ok, but not sure if two bathrooms were enough to cover all guests. As Dpaso seems to be a popular choice for pilgrims, I hope they may find a bigger space in future. The WiFi was fast and reliable. I also liked the generous locker placed inside the pod. My pod felt cosy and private after all. I slept well and it helped that the other pilgrims were in bed by 6:30pm so it was quiet, and everyone got a good rest. 

Would I stay at Dpaso Hostel again? Maybe if they found a better-suited space for the hostel. The place is clean and well-maintained but there needs to be better communication. I as the guest should not be chasing after the owner. Be prepared you may stand in front of a closed door and have to make an expensive call to a stranger. It was a very clean hostel with a comfy and cosy pod. The WiFi was fast and I loved the integrated locker that came with a key. 

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Pontevedra: this was again a tough area to find decent accommodation that appealed to me. Again, I scanned the Google Maps accommodation pins and found one other hostel, which never replied to my booking request. I then only considered Dpaso as it looked like the most modern and best option in the area. 

BOOK: Hostel Dpaso*

Hotel Roquiño, Caldas de Reis

This bright, sophisticated boutique hotel is a true gem on the Camino Portuguese coastal route. It is located within a traditional stone villa and has been decorated lovingly. The quality service includes attentive, friendly staff and rooms decorated with a zen-like atmosphere which allows guests to fully switch off from a long day of walking. A highlight is their own restaurant A do Borlo, serving the municipality’s best-rated cuisine and intimate fine dining experience. 

My Hotel Roquiño review: Changing my Camino accommodation last minute turned out to be the best decision as it poured buckets today. Completely drenched, I arrived at Hotel Roquiño located in a quiet side street of Caldas de Reis. 

For tonight I have their Kleitman room secured, a room fitted with a quality mattress to guarantee a relaxing night’s sleep. My room is spacious, and its bright décor has my name written all over it. The staff hand me extra towels to dry my shoes and clothes. I’ve got time to do a quick hand wash and have my clothes dried on my balcony. 

In the evening I have dinner at their restaurant which is lovely and a highlight of my hike. For starters, I eat traditional mushroom croquettes, followed by basil pesto pasta and a slice of cheesecake. Well rested and fed, I was ready to tackle the next 25 kilometres on the Camino Portuguese. 

Would I stay at Hotel Roquiño again? Yes, the room was absolutely lovely. The boutique hotel is cosy and chic, something I would have never expected in such a small, remote town as Caldas de Reis. The intimate dinner and care were exceptional. Plus, this was exactly what I needed after a day of rain and getting soaked on the Camino. 

Book Hotel Roquiño*

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Caldas de Reis: originally booked Pension Augas Quentes, but I have always been wary of the shared bathroom situation and negative reviews online regarding the check-in and difficult owner. Hotel Pousada Real was another contender, but the hotel was fully booked at the time. 

Os Lambrans, Padron

Local family-owned guesthouse complex offering 20 guests an intimate stay. The main house has been in family possession for the past 50 years. Ten years ago, the sons decided to redesign the complex as a guesthouse and have added a few more houses on site. The rooms are tastefully decorated and have a homey feel. All set in a generous garden for ultimate relaxation. 

My Os Lambrans Guesthouse review: The complex lies approximately 1 kilometre off the Camino. Unfortunately, pilgrims have to walk on the main road to get there. It would work well for cyclists but for walkers it is far from ideal. Arriving in the village, however, this ordeal is immediately forgotten. 

Os Lambrans is an oasis. The manicured garden welcomes guests with hammocks and an enchanting smell of deep blue hydrangeas. The complex has three Galician stone villas, each holding a separate function with several guest rooms. 

My room “Coco” was spacious and tastefully furnished. The small windows protected the inside from the Spanish heat. The building boasts character with its wooden panels and heavy stone features. I caught myself a few times thinking about how cool this place was. The whole space felt intimate and relaxing. I found a quiet spot near their granary and started drafting this post. Cold drinks were also available in exchange for a small fee. 

My room and bathroom were spotlessly clean. My bed was super soft so you can imagine how hard it was to get up the next day for the final 25 kilometres to Santiago.

Would I stay at Os Lambrans Guesthouse again? Definitely yes. Accommodation experiences like these are the reason why I love the Camino. Staying with locals in their lovely converted traditional houses, learning more about them and just enjoying the tranquillity of the setting are the “hidden gems” of the Camino hike. 

Book Os Lambrans*

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Padron: I had booked another hostel called Albergue Camino do Sar*, but they had water damage and needed to close the place during my dates for the fixture. On short notice, I had looked at A Casa Do Rio but changed again when I found the Os Lambrans guesthouse. 

Hotel Praza da Quintana, Santiago de Compostela

Upscale 3-star hotel located in a traditional Galician stone villa in central Santiago. The Cathedral is a 3-minute walk away. 

My Hotel Praza da Quintana review: Ah, unfortunately, another case of expectations vs reality. Whilst the hotel is nice and clean, it lacks charm and is nothing special. The room is small but my bed is super comfortable so I can relax from my 260-kilometre hike. The old-skool shutters ensure complete darkness and keep the room cool. My bathroom comes with a walk-in shower and fluffy towels. 

The staff could be friendlier and more attentive. Two receptionists in particular are unnecessarily argumentative and stingy with the towels. After a friendly reminder, the attitude changes but I make sure to avoid the said receptionists.  

Would I stay at Hotel Praza da Quintana again? Yes, but I would be open to trying somewhere else if availability was given. Quintana has an excellent location. The hotel is well-maintained, but it is nothing special and the attitude of the staff needs improvement. I would consider it again if guests were made to feel more welcome. The thing is Santiago is expensive and they know pilgrims will splurge on a hotel room at the end of their long and strenuous journey so the prices will always be outrageously high.   

BOOK: Hotel Praza da Quintana*

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Santiago de Compostela: researched and considered a variety of hotels including Pazo de Altamira, Hotel Plaza Obradoiro, Hotel Alda San Bieito, Hotel Via Aetcal, Alameda rooms Santiago, Hotel Gelmirez, Nest Style, Hotel Campanas de San Juan, Carris Hotels

Zero Box Lodge, Porto

A quirky concept hotel located in a former bank. The novelty of the theme is embraced in every corner of the building. May it be a funky laser show in the lift, beach-themed carpet, water tanks on the rooftop or a free Instagram room full of fake money. The rooms are minimalistic plywood boxes and are mostly a place to sleep rather than to stay in. The central location is another bonus. 

My Zero Box Lodge review: Yeah, quirky novelty concepts like this work on me. I loved it the minute I stepped in. The staff are super friendly, and I find my box extremely snuggly and cosy. The minimalistic and urban design has everything I need. Little details such as the flooring or embracing the building’s history engage me a lot. 

Even though my bed is extremely comfy, I can’t sleep too well here. There’s live music every night from 11pm to 2am and the soundproofing doesn’t cover the first floor well. If they can get their soundproofing in order so I can get an uninterrupted 8h of sleep, I’ll be back in no time. 

Good to Know: Guests receive a free beer upon arrival. Unfortunately, if you don’t drink, they won’t offer you anything at all. I find this a bit weird. Why promote alcoholism and shame those who don’t drink? Am I not just as welcome? It sends out a mixed message and is not inclusive of those who don’t drink.

Would I stay at Zero Box Lodge again? Yes, but I would book it way in advance to get a deal that includes breakfast. I would also request a box on the third or fourth floor to be far away from the loud music every night. I personally have had no issues with the character of the hotel, but I understand others may feel claustrophobic. The thing is, you’re not meant to stay inside your box and are encouraged to explore the city. 

BOOK: Zero Box Lodge*

Good to Know: Porto is located within a gorge. Make sure you check out where your hotel is. If you book one at the bottom, you’ll face a daily steep ascent which you’ll hate. Same goes to Vila Nova Gaia. Staying here would include a daily ride on the cable car if you don’t fancy the long walk over the Ponte Luis bridge and steep ascent to the city. I personally found the west side of Porto much more interesting. 

Alternative Camino Accommodation in Porto: Exe Almada, Se Cathedral Hotel Porto, Neya Hotel, Moon and Sun, 7G Apartments Vila Nova Gaia

FAQs about Accommodation on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route)

I understand this is quite a lengthy post and you may have some quick questions about accommodation on the Camino Portuguese coastal route. You can, of course, always come back to any section of my post and read in more detail what you’d need for your trip. If you have questions or need help, please get in touch and I’m happy to assist.

Where is it best to look for Accommodation on the Camino de Santiago?

Booking.com is more likely to list a variety of accommodations than Expedia. However, if you really struggle to find somewhere of interest, it helps to check Google Maps and go through the accommodation pins.

Should I book Accommodation on the Camino de Santiago in Advance?

Camino accommodation is the most time-consuming part of your Camino preparations so please don’t leave your bookings to the last minute. Start looking as early as three months in advance if you go at popular times such as May, June or September. 2022 was a busy year due to the Xacobeo/Holy Year celebrations but it is expected to stay as busy as travel has now resumed and the Camino is popular more than ever. I would always book in advance as it means security and you can also organise a luggage transfer.

How much does Accommodation on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route cost?

I’ve done my hike in May/June which was a popular time. Prices for private accommodation averaged in the 60€ area, but some hotels and guesthouses are significantly cheaper, even half price in the off-season (November). The Camino Portuguese coastal route is very popular, and the main clientele is couples and hikers who travel in groups. This is another factor contributing to the slightly higher prices for accommodation on the Camino Portuguese.

Thank You so much and if you enjoyed this post you can always support my research and Buy Me a Coffee.

Carolin

Did you enjoy reading about the accommodation on the Camino Portuguese (Coastal Route)? You may like my other Camino posts:

• My Camino Portuguese Coastal Route Itinerary For a 15-Day Hike
• My Camino Frances Itinerary for a 5 Day Hike
• My Camino de Santiago Preparation & How to organise a Pilgrimage Hike
• 47 Random Facts about Santiago de Compostela That Will Interest You  
• 10 Practical Tips for Walking the Camino de Santiago