Santander

Anyone stayed there?

As usual, I'm looking for a rock-bottom cheap (no youth hostel tho, as I don't have a card) place to lay my head (and - probably considerably more expensive! - places for gastronomic treats to tickle my palate).

will be in San Vicente too, and maybe Llanes, so any reccos welcome too.

How do you feel about camping, Suiko? I'm not much of a camper but there is a campground on a cliff overlooking the ocean there which is absolutely gorgeous - good showers and toilets too. I could look it up if you were interested.

Thanks - I love camping, but it's pretty much out now that we can only take hand luggage, isn't it?

Had a quick look in my French Guide du Routard (2005/2006)...
Didn't stay overnight there myself

Pension La Corza: Hernan Cortez 25 (942-212950) on the 3rd floor. A few rooms around the Plaza José Antonio around 23€ (shared br)
Pension Real: Plaza de la Esperanza 1 (942-225787) In front of the market halls. Rooms with shared bathroom at 25€ in summer.
Hostal Soledad: Av. de los Castros 17 (942-270936) Near the Casino and opposite the Sardinero Beach. Doubles with shared br at 25-41€ (including bf)
Hostal Angelines: c/ Rodriguez 9 (942-312584) Near the train station. Doubles with washbasin around 25€. One of the cheapest in town.

Eve, could that be Camping Cabo Mayor? (mentioned in the GdR as well) - Very big campground on a very nice setting and very well kept. Pool

sorry, it should have been like this: Very big campground on a very nice setting and very well kept. Pool

Artemis - that's it. Looks really nice and clean, doesn't it? I remember the sunsets there where beautiful, and it was close enough to good restaurants.

Where will you be flying from, Suiko?

Santander!

San Vicente de la Barquera:

Hostal La Barquera: open in jul/aug only. Doubles with br around 35€. Exceptional: 15 rooms, all in wood in an monastery of the 15th century. Well rec, comfortable and very quiet (no bar and even no reception).

No cheapies in Llanes!

Thanks - interesting!

La Barquera isn't in my guide, strangely enough. And only open Jul and Aug?! How do they make a living?

PS Do you have an address?

address: Paseo de la Barquera (942-710075), further comments: for a room there, contact the Hotel Miramar, a little bit further in the Paseo. The Paseo de la Barquera is the first street on the right after the bridge when leaving town towards Oviedo. The area is nothing special, but the view on the old village is wonderful. Hotel Miramar isn't mentioned but i presume they own the place.

Still, I guess if it's only Jul + Aug, it's no good for me on the 29th of June!

Hmm, that's tomorrow!

Did you see the site of the Miramar? the hostal is mentioned there with pictures and it looks wonderful! They also mention 'Del 1 de Julio al 15 de Septiembre' which is too bad for you. Try to contact them! As the 1st of July is on a sunday there is a good chance they open for this weekend. An international phonecall is almost free nowadays, grab that phone!

Have a very nice trip and

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<hr>La Barquera isn't in my guide, strangely enough<hr></blockquote>

be thankful to the Frenchies for that! I know why i still like to buy that French backpacker guide :)

Free international phone calls?! Not from rip-off Britain it isn't!

I've sent them an email. A bit out of the centre of town, isn't it?

But not that far eather according to Viamichelin. At least it looks like it will be quiet to sleep (which isn't always the case in Spanish town centres!!)

Frome my fixed phone line i call cheaper to my friends living in France or even to the US (or UK), than i phone to my mother 6 km further. Amazing but true!

Anyhow, i wouldn't count on a quick reply by e-mail from southern countries. But you do as it suits you best to do!! Enjoy and have fun!!

Thanks - we'll see!