Last January I had the wonderful fortune of stumbling upon this place… and what an experience it was! I found Domus Oncinae after having walked 18 days from Roncesvalles. I have completed the Camino de Santiago Francés seven times in the last 15 years and I know how difficult and unlikely it is to come upon something truly original in a journey as well established as the Camino, yet the people at Domus Oncinae have managed to do so, and they have done it in a great way. The place might seem unassuming at first, after all Domus Oncinae is located in a relatively discreet and less traveled variant of the Camino, in Oncina de la Valdoncina. Once you step inside, you realize this is a very different place unlike what you might have expected. Calling it a “rural house” or “a high end albergue” or “a fancier than usual hostal” would be a disservice to Domus. In a way, it is all of those things, but the owners and the staff have made it something much greater than the sum of its parts. For those Peregrinos who -just like me- have walked long for many days, it is an oasis of silence, peace, privacy, delicious food and the BEST mattress I have ever slept on while on the Camino (trust me, I have tried about 250 beds). For those starting in León, this could be the perfect way to transition between the noise of daily life onto their pilgrimage. The rooms and overall feeling are quite minimalist, yet nothing feels sparse, enpty or lacking. It is evident that Juan Salguero and his wife Fabiola, the proprietors, have carefully chosen every single detail, you can tell nothing has been left to chance. The food was traditional and elevated, as well as abundant, and I let the owner choose for me, a decision which I do not regret at all. One of the most unique aspects is their philosophy regarding technology and sustainability. From beautiful headboards made from the old structural beams and ancient farming tools beautifully displayed as art pieces in a museum, to the convenience of usb ports and opening the door to your room using an app, their electric vehicles and solar panels, this is not only a modern accommodation, this is a socially aware vision and a solid passion. I like to think that if the late Steve Jobs had ever decided to enter the hospitality industry, this is exactly what he would have created. I have plans to stay here again in the near future and I can’t wait to strap my boots on and make Domus Oncinae, once again, an oasis in my Camino.
Excellent
28 Reviews