I am curious about what people think about staying in one of these in Rome and Naples?
I am a single traveler and have never considered this. I have checked online, and they seem quiet and in great locations.
Any help and info would be appreciated.
Lisa
Hi Lisa -
While you are waiting for responses from first-hand experiencers, these previous threads might be helpful for Rome:
https://search.ricksteves.com/?button=&date_range=2y&filter=Travel+Forum&query=rome+monastery+stay
I haven’t stayed in Nap,es but have stayed at 2 in Rome ( as well as ones in Venice, Florence, and Assissi ). My wife and I wouldn’t stay anywhere else.
The 2 in Rome were Casa per Ferie ….Margherita Caiani and Casa Maria Immacolata, both in Prati. The first does not have A/C so I wouldn’t stay there mid summer.
I had a monastery stay for the first time in Rome 3 weeks ago. More accurately is is a guiest house run by the nuns of the monastery. Casa per ferie Santa Lucia Filippini
It was somewhat basic, but had everything I needed and more. Elevators, very clean, comfortable bed, mini fridge, ample storage space, good shower, AC that cooled the room in minutes. I requested a courtyard view and it was very very quiet. The breakfast was ample with lots of choices. The location was central, I walked to most places. There were multiple bus lines and a supermarket just meters away. I took taxis to/from Termini (train station) at about €13 each way. Good restaurants that were literally 5 minutes' walk.
I stayed at the Rome monastery Chani linked for four nights two years ago, https://www.romacasaperferie.it/ Rooms are basic but ensuite, very clean, elevators, manned front desk. At the time it was less than €100/night. Request a room overlooking the interior courtyard. It's a short walk to the Jewish Quarter, Pantheon and other sightseeing and restaurants. Area is safe to walk around at night. I took an evening food tour in Trastevere and walked back to the hotel at night alone.
I've stayed at five monasteries in several cities during three trips and only one I would not return to (in Verona). I am a solo mid-70's female traveler. I always book directly with the monastery for better terms, cancellation policies. If there is no booking page, I book through their contact page or by emailing them.
I stayed in a monastery guest house in Venice. It had a curfew- that didn't bother me as I had no intention of wandering the Venice streets after midnight. The entrance door would be buzzed open by a worker or nun. The room was clean and plain - think college dorm room. The room key had to be left at the reception window when I left each morning for a day of sight seeing. It was located on a side canal - quiet location. There were no religious symbols in the room.
The place I stayed at did not include breakfast. It had a kitchen with fridge, dishes and cooking tools. I bought items for my breakfast and had to label them with my name and room number.
The bed was okay- don't expect a plush mattress like you would find in a 4 or 5 star hotel.
Edited to add- it had AC and windows that could be opened, but no screens.
