We will be traveling to Rome, Florence, and Venice, and someone suggested staying in convents or monasteries in these places. We are interested in something relatively inexpensive but want basic comforts. Does anyone have experience with these? Can anyone suggest particular places to stay or sources of information about convents and monasteries?
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
It's my preferred mode of travel in Italy. Whether you like it depends on what you mean by "basic comforts." Rooms are very simple, spotlessly clean, possibly with a phone, but definitely no TV or radio. Sometimes the bathroom is down the hall, but again they're always been spotlessly clean, in my experience. There will be a curfew, and you need to observe it. I like the simplicity and the typically quiet atmosphere, as well as having a chapel in the building. Last fall I paid €45-€50 in the cities you mentioned.
Little or no English will be spoken, but I've always found the sisters to be very kind as I try to communicate with them. When I've had a complex message, I go to a tourist information office and ask them to write it; I gave that to the sister at the desk and that approach has always worked for me.
You need to be comfortable without concierge or tourist information services(although sometimes the sisters will have printed tourist information or maps or guidebooks available… Just don't count on it). You also need to be flexible and adaptable, and not expect a hotel experience.
My computer has died, so I don't have easy access to old travel records. But if you're still interested, PM me and I can give you some suggestions on finding the places I've stayed in Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
One other thought. If you're interested in taking this approach, a good way of starting would be the website Monasterystays.com. They include a small fee in their prices, but it's the easiest way of getting complete information about the amenities of various convents and monasteries. When you book at yourself, as I do, there can be a fair amount of uncertainty About specific amenities. I'm fine with that, but not everyone is. Also that website will provide you with communications in English, so you don't need to deal with the language barrier during booking.
Posted by
Boulder, Colorado, USA
437 posts
In Venice, we stayed here http://www.pietavenezia.org/it/istituto/casa_per_ferie/tariffe_2014/
A former orphanage and now a lovely B&B with excellent A/C.
Clean and quiet with shared bathrooms.
Posted by
752 posts
www.monasterystays.com
And
www.bookingmonasteries.com
Are two good websites I used in Italy for booking convents.
If I think of another website I will post it here.
Full of loving, caring staff, there is a price range, very popular lodging for travelers from all over the world.
Maybe No TV or WiFi in rooms though, and TV and WiFi maybe only in common area lounge.
Check where bathrooms are.
Breakfasts vary too, I still can't look at a Rosetta bun 'cause that's all I got every morning at my last convent stay in Rome. I began sneaking out at 6 AM for breakfast at a bar across the street.
L O L!