HOSTEL REVIEW: Pension Escaray, Pamplona, Spain

OVERALL RATING: 3/5
DATE OF VISIT: August 13 to 14, 2007

PLUSES: This is one of those hostels that you get because it's cheap accommodation in an expensive city. If you're planning to go to Pamplona for the annual running of the bulls (Sanfermines), this pension is definitely one of the cheapest options there are, but you have to reserve about six months before the July fiesta. It has the basics like a shared bathroom, a bed and cabinets, a lamp and cable TV. It's in the center of the city, beside a lively park and near all the action. The lady that shows you around is very kind and helpful, and can speak French, Italian and English if your Spanish is rusty or nil. The house seems old but is well-maintained.

MINUSES: Well, as I said, you get the basics. The floors and beds might seem squeaky, and you can almost hear what people from the other rooms are doing. And making a reservation through the Internet can be quite a chore since the one answering e-mails could take about a week to respond. And I already e-mailed him in Spanish! I dread to think how it would be if it's in another language.

Contact Details:
jescaray@pnte.cfnavarra.es
(+34) 948-227825