Good morning all.
A friend stayed in a monastery /convent in Venice a few years ago and liked it.
I wonder if any of you have recent experience with a stay in this type of accommodation ?
Looking specifically at Rome and Florence.
Please share your thoughts about them and whether you’d recommend a stay in one.
If so, which ones?
They do get decent reviews and the prices can’t be beat!
I’m not a traveler that needs much more than a clean safe place to stay for a couple of nights, so was just thinking about it for a future trip.
Thanks!
Posted by
571 posts
I have stayed at several over the years and have never been disappointed. Always clean and quiet with a fair price. Truly a unique experience. Be sure you are clear on house rules. A little Italian is always helpful but there always seems to be an English speaker.
Brad
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12398 posts
I'm sure you'll get some responses, but in the meantime, here are a few threads that you can look through and get some information about monasteries and convent stays in Italy.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/convents-in-rome-8f161e73-2a79-4232-ba68-d27892e7bdee
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/santa-elisabetta-convent-in-rome
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/lodging-costs-in-italy
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
5316 posts
Years ago, We stayed at il Rosario near the Colosseum. Based on that experience, I would totally stay at a convent again. However, we are not night owls and some of these places have a curfew.
Posted by
Vancouver
71 posts
Years ago, we stayed at Hotel Alma Domus in Siena as a base and visited Florence as a day trip. Safe, clean, pleasant and central. It seems to still be available on Booking.com, although there look to be upgraded rooms and prices compared to our spartan stay.
Posted by
Greeley, co, usa
3084 posts
Mardee’s first link contains my views on 3 - 2 in Rome, 1 in ?florence.
In Venice - Istituto San Guiseppe, located between Rialto and San Marco. No breakfast but 2 groceries nearby plus plenty of restaurants. English speaking no -nun staff at reception weekdays, nuns o. weekends, Stayedtwice.
Assissi - Isituto Beata Angelina. right across from the Bascilica. Clear view from the rom we had. Only my hotel room with a view of the Matterhorn years ago comes close to the absolutely wonderful view !
Both booked thru monasterystays.com and the Venice one booked directly for my second visit.
Totally recommend
Posted by
AZ 🌵
3631 posts
Mardee’s second link contains my information about https://www.romacasaperferie.it/ It is a block away from Largo Argentina and an easy walk to most sights.
In Florence I stayed close to the train station and Galleria dell Accademia at https://www.anticadimorasantanna.com/en/
This year I am staying at monasteries in Bologna and Verona. Although all are simply furnished, they have all been very clean. All have provided a simple breakfast of breads, cheese and cold cuts.
The first monastery I stayed at was in Salzburg three years ago.
I use Monastery Stays for research, but always book direct. Verona is the only one that wanted one night deposit, €80. All others have been pay at check in or check out.
Posted by
OP
Western Canada
4204 posts
Wow, thanks everyone for such great information!
Much appreciated.🙂
Posted by
tampa, florida, usa
125 posts
A friend and I recently (April 2026) spent two nights at a monastery in Verona. We loved it. Room was clean, spacious, simple. Had everything we needed. Had a simple breakfast included. Was about 60 dollars per person a night. Highly recommend Domus S Bernardino. Regina