I recently went to Pamplona, with two friends, for the annual San Fermines festival, also known as the Running of the Bulls. Accommodation is tight and expensive, so we booked several months in advance. Throughout the months before the event, there was some miscommunication (prices higher than listed on website, all payment due well in advance of stay, etc.) with the hotel due to the Spanish/English language barrier (apparently, no employee of the hotel speaks English and my Spanish is poor), but we got everything sorted out. All hotels and hostels in Pamplona increase their prices dramatically during San Fermines, so while we were not happy paying 205 euros for a 2 star triple room that is normally 70 euros, we understood that this was part of this festival.

We only wanted to stay 2 nights, but were required to book and pay for 3 nights anyway. Again, we accepted this as a necessary part of the experience.

On Day 2, we arrived back at our accommodation in the afternoon to find 6 strangers sitting in our room. Apparently, the maid had discovered some plumbing problems. Being a Saturday during this festival in Spain, no plumber was to be found in Pamplona. To make a long story short, the problems were severe enough that by the end of the day, we could not use the toilet, shower or sink in the bathroom. Actually, let me re-phrase...we COULD use the toilet, but when we flushed, the stuff going down came up into the shower. No further details are necessary, I'm sure.

No one at the hotel would do anything to solve the problem. I requested assistance, a shared bathroom or a refund. Nothing was given. I left after two nights, and after some negotiation, they allowed my friends to move into a double room. However, there was no reduction in the price.

So, while the accommodation isn't bad in itself, I would be very cautious about staying here. The grand total of 671.21 euros is a lot to spend if you have to brush your teeth in the park and use portable toilets around the city!