Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
43.16167000,
-1.23755900
,
Le Chemin Vers L'etoile 21 Rue D'espagne
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Summary of reviewsGîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile, nestled in the heart of St. Jean Pied de Port, offers a prime location for travelers embarking on the Camino de Santiago. This hostel benefits from its central positioning, providing easy access to local attractions, shops, restaurants and important sites like the Pilgrim Office. Its proximity to the train station, old town and church further enhances its appeal. Guests find the location both beautiful and practical, easing the initial stages of their journey.
The hostel stands out for its cleanliness and well-maintained amenities, earning frequent praise for its tidy dormitories, bathrooms and common spaces. Despite some criticisms regarding room size and ventilation, visitors appreciate the overall hygiene and the organized feel of the facilities.
Breakfast at Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile receives mixed reviews; while many guests enjoy the hearty and rich offerings available as early as 5am, others find the variety and cost lacking. Nonetheless, the presence of fresh bread, fruit, yogurt and a selection of beverages generally contributes to a positive start to the day.
Despite the absence of an evening meal service—which some guests find disappointing—the hostel compensates with excellent recommendations for local restaurants, enhancing the overall dining experience. The sociable atmosphere promoted during rare communal dinners is often mentioned as particularly enjoyable.
The beds, while generally clean and comfortable, present some issues with noise and space. The bunk beds, equipped with privacy curtains, are appreciated, yet the cramped quarters and squeaky frames can disrupt sleep.
The staff, particularly the host Eric, are lauded for their warmth, hospitality and helpfulness. Their friendly and supportive nature significantly enhances the guest experience, fostering a welcoming environment.
Wi-Fi connectivity is another area with mixed feedback; while reliable in common areas, it is often inconsistent in individual rooms. Guests seeking seamless internet access are advised to utilize the shared spaces.
Despite some limitations, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile remains an economical and practical choice for travelers, offering a blend of cleanliness, convenience and warm hospitality. Its central location and helpful staff make it a welcoming haven for pilgrims starting their Camino de Santiago journey.
The hostel stands out for its cleanliness and well-maintained amenities, earning frequent praise for its tidy dormitories, bathrooms and common spaces. Despite some criticisms regarding room size and ventilation, visitors appreciate the overall hygiene and the organized feel of the facilities.
Breakfast at Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile receives mixed reviews; while many guests enjoy the hearty and rich offerings available as early as 5am, others find the variety and cost lacking. Nonetheless, the presence of fresh bread, fruit, yogurt and a selection of beverages generally contributes to a positive start to the day.
Despite the absence of an evening meal service—which some guests find disappointing—the hostel compensates with excellent recommendations for local restaurants, enhancing the overall dining experience. The sociable atmosphere promoted during rare communal dinners is often mentioned as particularly enjoyable.
The beds, while generally clean and comfortable, present some issues with noise and space. The bunk beds, equipped with privacy curtains, are appreciated, yet the cramped quarters and squeaky frames can disrupt sleep.
The staff, particularly the host Eric, are lauded for their warmth, hospitality and helpfulness. Their friendly and supportive nature significantly enhances the guest experience, fostering a welcoming environment.
Wi-Fi connectivity is another area with mixed feedback; while reliable in common areas, it is often inconsistent in individual rooms. Guests seeking seamless internet access are advised to utilize the shared spaces.
Despite some limitations, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile remains an economical and practical choice for travelers, offering a blend of cleanliness, convenience and warm hospitality. Its central location and helpful staff make it a welcoming haven for pilgrims starting their Camino de Santiago journey.
Accessible Hostel
Hostel for Adults Only
Guest Reviews
Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile boasts a truly exceptional location in St. Jean Pied de Port, making it a top choice for those embarking on the Camino de Santiago. Centrally situated, it offers easy access to the town's main attractions, including shops, restaurants and the Pilgrim Office. The hostel's position right at the beginning of the trail makes it an ideal starting point for pilgrims. Guests appreciate the convenience of being within walking distance from the train station, the old town and the church, adding to the overall charm and practicality.
The surrounding environment is both beautiful and strategic, easing the ascent that pilgrims face early in their journey. The place itself is described as clean, tidy and well-managed by a kind and helpful host. While the lodging offers basic amenities, it does include a well-equipped kitchen and a pleasant common space. Perfect breakfast options contribute to a good start to the day.
Overall, this centrally located accommodation stands out for its convenience, cleanliness and the warm hospitality of its staff, making it a welcoming haven for weary travelers on the Camino de Santiago.
Guests at 'Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile' have mixed opinions about the breakfast experience. On the positive side, many visitors find the breakfast to be good, varied and hearty, which is much needed before embarking on a strenuous day. The breakfast is described as plentiful, satisfactory and rich with guests appreciating the option to start their day as early as 5am. The presence of fresh bread, fruit, yogurt and a variety of drinks such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate adds to the overall satisfaction for many travelers.
Several reviews highlight a pleasant atmosphere with a nice kitchen area and the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the company of other guests. Some find the breakfast offerings humble but tasty, noting the availability of fresh baguettes and do-it-yourself eggs as enjoyable components.
However, there are recurring criticisms regarding the lack of variety, high cost and minimalistic offerings. Some guests feel that the breakfast is overpriced and underwhelming for what is provided with complaints about meager portions, the absence of savory items like ham and cheese and even experiences of rotten fruit or no coffee. Despite these issues, the convenience of an early start and the overall friendliness of the host are frequently mentioned positives.
While the breakfast might not always meet everyone's expectations, for those who prioritize a hearty start to their day, 'Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile' seems to offer a generally positive and satisfying experience.
The reviews for dinners at 'Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile' are decidedly mixed with a blend of positive and negative feedback. There's a noticeable disappointment among guests regarding the lack of an evening meal option at the hotel. Despite the website's promise of a shared dinner and communal meeting, guests were let down to find that dinner service was unavailable. This lack of on-site dining is especially inconvenient given the difficulty of finding other food options on a Sunday in France.
Nevertheless, guests also appreciated the warm hospitality and received accurate and helpful recommendations for local restaurants from the staff. While the inability to dine at the hostel was regrettable, these recommendations often led to discovering great local eateries.
The absence of a shared meal at the hostel does mean missing out on the opportunity to build a Camino family at the start of the journey. However, when it is available, the way the hostel promotes interaction among pilgrims during dinner is described as unforced and genuinely enjoyable.
In summary, 'Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile' offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent local dining advice, but the lack of an in-house dinner can be a significant drawback for guests.
Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile offers a mixed experience for travelers seeking budget accommodations along their journeys. The cleanliness of the rooms and dormitories is a consistent highlight; guests frequently note the tidiness of the beds and the overall organized feel of the facilities. However, the spatial arrangement leaves much to be desired. Many visitors comment on the cramped conditions with some rooms being described as a "small closet" or merely a 2x1 meter space. Specific mentions include sections with bunk beds that are sectioned off by curtains, providing limited privacy.
Ventilation is another significant issue. Numerous reviews emphasize the lack of windows and the resultant poor air circulation. This leads to rooms becoming excessively hot and humid, particularly overnight. In addition, some rooms are reported to generate a lot of noise, which can be problematic for light sleepers, especially given the prevalence of snorers.
While the hostel does feature air-conditioned rooms and plenty of power outlets, these benefits seem to be overshadowed by the inadequate ventilation and small size of the living spaces. Many dormitories are noted to lack windows, contributing to an overall stuffy atmosphere. Some guests also mention insufficient accessories like electrical outlets, shelves and coat hooks in the larger rooms.
On the positive side, the innkeeper receives praise for being friendly and chatty, providing valuable insights for pilgrims on their routes. Despite these bright spots, the overall experience can be uncomfortable due to the poor ventilation, noisy environment and limited space. For those needing a place to rest for a night, the basic amenities might suffice, but travelers should come prepared for a Spartan stay.
Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile offers a mix of experiences when it comes to their sleeping arrangements. Many guests appreciated the clean and comfortable beds, highlighting that they are suitable for pilgrims or backpackers. The availability of bunk beds, some with curtains for added privacy, was noted as a positive feature. For those seeking warmth, the accommodation doesn't disappoint.
However, there are areas of improvement. Some guests found the beds to be uncomfortable and the disposable sheets subpar. Additionally, the lack of blankets and proper bedding was a recurring issue. The bunk beds were frequently described as noisy and squeaky with movements often disturbing other occupants. The small, cramped spaces and the beds creaking with every move impacted the quality of sleep for some guests. Moreover, the tight and somewhat claustrophobic environment of the windowless rooms added to the discomfort for several visitors.
Nestled conveniently not far from the railway, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile stands out predominantly for its impeccable cleanliness, as echoed consistently in guest reviews. Guests frequently highlight the hostel’s clean and well-maintained amenities including dormitories, bathrooms, showers and even water tanks. The overall atmosphere is described as pleasant, functional and comfortable with clean facilities that are well designed and organized, contributing to an enjoyable stay. Sanitation on the first floor of the hostel is often praised, ensuring that bathrooms remain new and spotless.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil and tidy environment, noting that every corner of the gîte is kept orderly and hygienic. The common areas provide generous spaces for relaxation with cleanliness evident in every nook and cranny. Despite a few mentions of spiders and uneven floors, the overarching consensus underscores the hostel's dedication to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, making it a comfortable and pleasing choice for travelers.
The staff at Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile are consistently praised for their warmth and hospitality. Guests frequently mention that the team is incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful. Notably, Eric, the host, receives special commendation for his amiable personality and supportive nature. He is often described as knowledgeable, enthusiastic and passionate, providing useful tips and encouraging words for those embarking on the Camino de Santiago.
The welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by the efficient and multilingual reception team, who are attentive and courteous. Many reviewers highlight the personalized service and the exceptional care taken by the owner and the staff, making guests feel reassured and well-informed about their journey. The kindness and flexibility of the staff contribute significantly to the overall positive experience at the hostel, creating a friendly and authentic environment for all who visit.
Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile offers varying experiences with their Wi-Fi service. Guests have found that while there is good Wi-Fi available in certain areas, coverage can be inconsistent. The best connectivity is typically found in the shared dining space, as Wi-Fi in the individual rooms is often either non-existent or unreliable. For those who value constant internet access, this might be a limitation. However, the general sentiment indicates that when the Wi-Fi works, it is of good quality. For a seamless experience, guests are advised to utilize the shared areas for their internet needs.
Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile offers a convenient location that is ideal for those beginning their Camino journey with easy access to the old town and the Pilgrim Office. Guests appreciate the short walk to shops and restaurants, making it easy to explore the area. The free breakfast is frequently highlighted as a positive aspect, providing great value to visitors. The kitchen facilities are usable, adding an extra layer of convenience for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. The check-in process is noted for its ease, adding to the laid-back atmosphere of the accommodation.
However, it's important to note that not all rooms are easily accessible to everyone, which could be a concern for those with disabilities. Some guests faced tight, windowless rooms which might not suit all preferences. Despite these challenges, many found the hostel to be an economical choice with comfortable resting conditions due to its general accessibility. Parking nearby is an added convenience for those traveling by car. Overall, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile is regarded as a great starting point for the Camino, balancing accessibility and practicality.
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Location
The surrounding environment is both beautiful and strategic, easing the ascent that pilgrims face early in their journey. The place itself is described as clean, tidy and well-managed by a kind and helpful host. While the lodging offers basic amenities, it does include a well-equipped kitchen and a pleasant common space. Perfect breakfast options contribute to a good start to the day.
Overall, this centrally located accommodation stands out for its convenience, cleanliness and the warm hospitality of its staff, making it a welcoming haven for weary travelers on the Camino de Santiago.
Breakfast
Several reviews highlight a pleasant atmosphere with a nice kitchen area and the opportunity to enjoy breakfast in the company of other guests. Some find the breakfast offerings humble but tasty, noting the availability of fresh baguettes and do-it-yourself eggs as enjoyable components.
However, there are recurring criticisms regarding the lack of variety, high cost and minimalistic offerings. Some guests feel that the breakfast is overpriced and underwhelming for what is provided with complaints about meager portions, the absence of savory items like ham and cheese and even experiences of rotten fruit or no coffee. Despite these issues, the convenience of an early start and the overall friendliness of the host are frequently mentioned positives.
While the breakfast might not always meet everyone's expectations, for those who prioritize a hearty start to their day, 'Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile' seems to offer a generally positive and satisfying experience.
Dinner
Nevertheless, guests also appreciated the warm hospitality and received accurate and helpful recommendations for local restaurants from the staff. While the inability to dine at the hostel was regrettable, these recommendations often led to discovering great local eateries.
The absence of a shared meal at the hostel does mean missing out on the opportunity to build a Camino family at the start of the journey. However, when it is available, the way the hostel promotes interaction among pilgrims during dinner is described as unforced and genuinely enjoyable.
In summary, 'Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile' offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere and excellent local dining advice, but the lack of an in-house dinner can be a significant drawback for guests.
Rooms
Ventilation is another significant issue. Numerous reviews emphasize the lack of windows and the resultant poor air circulation. This leads to rooms becoming excessively hot and humid, particularly overnight. In addition, some rooms are reported to generate a lot of noise, which can be problematic for light sleepers, especially given the prevalence of snorers.
While the hostel does feature air-conditioned rooms and plenty of power outlets, these benefits seem to be overshadowed by the inadequate ventilation and small size of the living spaces. Many dormitories are noted to lack windows, contributing to an overall stuffy atmosphere. Some guests also mention insufficient accessories like electrical outlets, shelves and coat hooks in the larger rooms.
On the positive side, the innkeeper receives praise for being friendly and chatty, providing valuable insights for pilgrims on their routes. Despite these bright spots, the overall experience can be uncomfortable due to the poor ventilation, noisy environment and limited space. For those needing a place to rest for a night, the basic amenities might suffice, but travelers should come prepared for a Spartan stay.
Beds
However, there are areas of improvement. Some guests found the beds to be uncomfortable and the disposable sheets subpar. Additionally, the lack of blankets and proper bedding was a recurring issue. The bunk beds were frequently described as noisy and squeaky with movements often disturbing other occupants. The small, cramped spaces and the beds creaking with every move impacted the quality of sleep for some guests. Moreover, the tight and somewhat claustrophobic environment of the windowless rooms added to the discomfort for several visitors.
Cleanliness
Visitors appreciate the tranquil and tidy environment, noting that every corner of the gîte is kept orderly and hygienic. The common areas provide generous spaces for relaxation with cleanliness evident in every nook and cranny. Despite a few mentions of spiders and uneven floors, the overarching consensus underscores the hostel's dedication to maintaining a high standard of cleanliness, making it a comfortable and pleasing choice for travelers.
Staff
The welcoming atmosphere is further enhanced by the efficient and multilingual reception team, who are attentive and courteous. Many reviewers highlight the personalized service and the exceptional care taken by the owner and the staff, making guests feel reassured and well-informed about their journey. The kindness and flexibility of the staff contribute significantly to the overall positive experience at the hostel, creating a friendly and authentic environment for all who visit.
Wi-Fi
Accessible
However, it's important to note that not all rooms are easily accessible to everyone, which could be a concern for those with disabilities. Some guests faced tight, windowless rooms which might not suit all preferences. Despite these challenges, many found the hostel to be an economical choice with comfortable resting conditions due to its general accessibility. Parking nearby is an added convenience for those traveling by car. Overall, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile is regarded as a great starting point for the Camino, balancing accessibility and practicality.
No, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile doesn't have any pool.
No, a spa isn't available at Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile.
No, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile doesn't allow dogs.
No, parking facilities aren't available at Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile.
No, Gîte Le Chemin vers l'Etoile doesn't have a gym.
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