Sometimes in life you’re a driver. And other times you’re a passenger. Although a guest in the Passenger Hostel, that night I became the driver to the path of reawakening on the start to my Camino de Santiago journey.
And with plenty of space for solitude and reflection, I became the passenger in God’s mission while I drove myself to sleep meanwhile trains pulling in and out of the station.
And with plenty of space for solitude and reflection, I became the passenger in God’s mission while I drove myself to sleep meanwhile trains pulling in and out of the station.
Located inside The Sao Bento Train Station, this three-story hostel features private and shared room options as well as plenty of common space for the common folk who travels on a budget.
Upon walking through the sliding glass entry doors, a tiny bar awaits tired travelers with some fruit-infused water and countless options for beer and the beloved liquor beverages. The tiny front desk sits in a bohemian-style lobby equipped with a mac and a loft lookout space.
Upon walking through the sliding glass entry doors, a tiny bar awaits tired travelers with some fruit-infused water and countless options for beer and the beloved liquor beverages. The tiny front desk sits in a bohemian-style lobby equipped with a mac and a loft lookout space.
Whether you want to play piano or gaze into the abyss of the train station, there is plenty of space to lounge, play and seek solitude. The main lobby features enough gizmos, gadgets and good books to keep one occupied for hours.
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This hostel features the most brilliant key card system. Guests wear a water-proof, magnetic bracelet that allows entry into the hostel and the guests’ specific floor.
Solo and private-room guests stay on the first level (second floor for Americans). The first floor features a private kitchen and living room that dormitory folks don’t have to.
Solo and private-room guests stay on the first level (second floor for Americans). The first floor features a private kitchen and living room that dormitory folks don’t have to.
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The private rooms are similar, but different in nature, design and style. The loft-style private rooms invite guests to relax on a modern couch or “bean bag” while analyzing Portuguese life outside of the historic window. Above the lounge space is where the precious chariot – the bed – awaits.
Lying in bed, this is the exact Bohemian-chic life I’ve always imagined….except for the moment of having to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Confused with jet lag, its important to not forget to walk down a steep ladder in a quest to use the shared bathrooms.
Lying in bed, this is the exact Bohemian-chic life I’ve always imagined….except for the moment of having to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Confused with jet lag, its important to not forget to walk down a steep ladder in a quest to use the shared bathrooms.
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The bathrooms and showers are in separate rooms, and feature a window overlooking the train station. Be sure to keep your towel nearby so the rest of Portugal doesn’t see you in the buff.
The second level is only accessible for those sleeping in the dormitories.
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Guests staying on the first floor have access to a living room suite, equipped with leather couches, a writing desk and scenic views of life in the city. Be sure to look up and marvel at the ceiling's intricate design, a style that dates the building's age.
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The third level is the most special. A mix of modern furniture and historic facades, the third level is where all the magic happens. In the morning, guests enjoy a free, complimentary breakfast…one that is far better than most places that serve only white toast and corn flakes.
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Open day and night, this is an out-of-the-box way to enjoy the attic of a train station. I sat on a swinging bed, gazing at a painting of nature. The streams of paint were symbolic to my bleeding heart. I shed a few tears in search of enlightenment regarding my soon-to-be Camino experience.
As they say, the cream rises to the top and the cream of the crop of the attic is the wooden-floor room. A place of peace and quiet, it is just you, a ladder, a modern statue and the Sao Bento clock. Lost in time and thought, this is a space for meditation of stillness or movement – whatever you prefer. A place to be free and above the rest of the chaos happening below. At night, although silent inside, the surrounding noise from the area ignites the atmosphere with noise. It’s not horrible but not pin-drop silent.
As they say, the cream rises to the top and the cream of the crop of the attic is the wooden-floor room. A place of peace and quiet, it is just you, a ladder, a modern statue and the Sao Bento clock. Lost in time and thought, this is a space for meditation of stillness or movement – whatever you prefer. A place to be free and above the rest of the chaos happening below. At night, although silent inside, the surrounding noise from the area ignites the atmosphere with noise. It’s not horrible but not pin-drop silent.
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Cook dinner. Chillout over a glass of tea. Swing on a bed. Have a beer. The attic is your "Garden of Exploration." If you’re looking for other fun, check out the activities board on the main floor for walking tours, bar crawls and more.
Consult the front desk staff for permission, if any, regarding climbing the ladder to the back of the clock.
Room rates vary year-round. I paid approximately $65 USD for a private room using hotels.com and with being a member, I received a “secret-price” rate.
Discover more about my Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way journey on my Youtube Channel.
Consult the front desk staff for permission, if any, regarding climbing the ladder to the back of the clock.
Room rates vary year-round. I paid approximately $65 USD for a private room using hotels.com and with being a member, I received a “secret-price” rate.
Discover more about my Camino de Santiago Portuguese Way journey on my Youtube Channel.
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