Some details on the Gite
For a complete review of the Gite, please refer to our page on Booking.com where there are many photos and details, along with reviews from people who have stayed. Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques: a hostel for pilgrims, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Gite de la Porte Saint Jacques is a hostel FOR pilgrims run BY pilgrims. To support the authenticity of the Camino we have a number of house rules;
1) You are a pilgrim who is walking the Camino towards Santiago.
2) As a pilgrim on the way to Santiago you have a pilgrim passport and you carry a backpack. Suitcases and other luggage are not allowed in the dormitory. If you want to send a suitcase ahead to Santiago, you can do so at the transport office further down the street.
3) As we are pilgrims, we have experienced ourselves how valuable it is to actually carry everything you need in your backpack on your back. Of course we understand that this is sometimes not possible due to medical reasons. This means that backpack transport from our hostel is still possible but that you have to arrange this yourself with the transport office or online.
4) In order to be of service to as many pilgrims as possible, we only allow for 1 night stays.
5) As a pilgrim you bring your own sleeping bag and towel; we do not provide bed linen. Beds are provided with a fitted sheet (no paper!) and a pillow with slip. Blankets are available upon request.
6) If you are a cyclist, please reserve a bed somewhere else. We do not have space for bicycles. In addition, bicycles can no longer be delivered in advance or sent from here.
7) Beds are assigned when you arrive. We do not reserve beds (lower beds) in advance.
8) In our hostel we work and live with pilgrims from all over the world and the common language is English. Of course we make an effort to communicate in other languages when necessary.
9) We support individual pilgrims and couples. We do not allow reservations for groups larger than 4 people.
Check-in opens at 15.00. Please note; for the comfort of other pilgrims, the latest check-in time is 21:00. If you have any delays in your travels, please make sure to let us know and we can advise you on which steps to take. We will NOT check you in after 21h!
Check-out from the hostel is latest by 08.30.
Your reservation includes a vegetarian buffet breakfast which is available from 30 minutes before sunrise to 08.00. Gluten free is available; let us know beforehand. For dinner we often have a pilgrim table. It's vegetarian and we sit at about 19.30. Arrival up to 20.00 for dinner is possible. Please reserve at check-in.
Have a safe journey. Regards Axx and Karin
