<html><div style='background-color:'><P>Cheap is a relative term. A cheap room in San Francisco can be US$150 a night, and in London it can top US$200 in high season. In both cities one gets an out-of-the way and slightly unsavory hotel. By contrast, I met some Canadians staying at the Parador in Santiago, and they were paying US$125 a night for a luxurious room in what is regarded as one of the best hotels in Spain.</P>
<P>Since pilgrims usually do not seek out 5 star paradors, anyone from the US is likely to be surprised at how inexpensive most hotels in Spain (outside of Madrid and the beach areas in high season) are. In Burgos on my way home I stayed at the Hotel Londres y del Norte, right on the Camino in the center of town, and it was 3000 ptas including a nice breakfast. I do not have the name handy, but I stayed in a moderately luxurious hotel a couple of blocks from the cathedral in Leon and it was 6000 ptas a night including a northern European breakfast. While on the Camino, I only spent nights in hostals in Monreal and Portomarin. Each was clean, comfortable, modern with all conveniences (eg. tv and private bath) and cost 2500 ptas in October. I shudder to think about the room one could get for $15 in North America! </P>
<P>In other words, it is not at all difficult in most towns to find a clean, well-appointed room for US$25 or less. The cost per person can be much less when sharing a room, as doubles and triples are often only slightly more expensive than singles.</P></div><br clear=all><hr>Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at <a href='http://go.msn.com/bql/hmtag_itl_EN.asp'>http://explorer.msn.com</a><br></html>