Unique places to stay

Posted by Nicole (Chandler, AZ, USA) on 03/11/08 08:44 PM

I just posted my "Mock itinerary" below and have another topic that I am hoping to get help on. I am just starting out on this - so everything is up in the air-

I would like to try to stay in some different places: Convents, Monasteries, University dorms, anywhere interesting. We are going to be hopping around Europe and I was looking at houses where the family rents a room - but they seem like they only want people who are going to stay for a while. I am going to try out a couple of hostels. If anyone has had a good experience (or awful one that you can warn me about) - please let me know!
I am going to be staying in London, Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, Nice/ Monaco, Switzerland (haven't decided where), Florence, and Rome.

Thanks for your ideas / suggestions!

Posted by Ceidleh

Boston, MA, United States

03/14/08 01:32 PM

1806 posts

I'm a big fan of university housing rented to tourists and have had excellent experiences each time I stayed (including London School of Economics which has properties all over London at great rates, considering how expensive London is).

In Amsterdam, try the Hemp Hotel - but book as early as you can. In Bruges, try Lybeer Travellers' Hostel.

Before you book a room at a convent or monastery, I would check the rules very carefully. I know many (especially in Italy and some in France) have very strict rules about curfews and you could find yourself locked out if you come back even 10 minutes after curfew. I have heard religious orders offer a nice, clean/simple room and usually a decent breakfast - but I'm in my 30s, not 18, so the whole curfew thing is not something I want to be bothered with.

Posted by Terry

Bend, OR

03/14/08 01:49 PM

576 posts

I LOVE staying in these kinds of places, too! Besides having unique, fabulous character, they're usually much cheaper. A better deal than a luxury hotel all the way around, in my book. In Florence, we stayed at Istituto Gould. While not a convent or monastery, it's sort of a Protestant version of that. It is a former palazzo donated to the church to raise money to fund programs for underpriviledged children. You can stay short periods and it's only about 58 Euros for a double with bath. An excellent bargain in a great location across the Arno in Florence.

Posted by Linda

Tallahassee, Florida

03/15/08 03:12 PM

1 posts

I will be in Amsterdam this July for about 6 days and have rented a houseboat. It has a full kitchen so I can cook if I want. It's through CityMundo and they have apartments as well. Haven't been yet but the pictures look good!