LJ

Has anyone experienced staying as a tourist in monasteries or convents in Italy? <BR><BR>I just received a book written by an American woman with listings and &quot;how to&quot; info on accomodations in religious facilities. Some look fascinating and they are very inexpensive, many less than $25 per night.Its full of technical detail (maps and <BR>instruction on contacts and dates of availability). But it is mighty short of info on environment, atmosphere or ambiance or whatever you choose to call it.<BR><BR>Perhaps I am being unduly cautious, but at such low prices I wonder what the &quot;feel&quot; of the place is like...hushed and spiritual and demanding the same of guests? Or easygoing and friendly and inclusive in their hospitality?

jimcolorado

Hi again LJ: Since I had to burst your bubble on Skin-so-Soft, let me pay you back. My wife and stayed in convents in Rome, Siena, and Venice. Mostly our experience was VERY positive. There are a fewdrawbacks, and I can discuss in detail. E-mail me at [email protected] and let me know your questions.

Sally

We stayed a t a convent in Rome and really enjoyed it. Try the search function on this forum and you will get a lot of information. We found the atmosphere very pleasant and inclusive. We are not Catholics.

Andrea_expat

We stayed at a convent in Siena, and it was lovely. There was a small courtyard in the front full of flowers and little tables (several people took advantage of them to write in their travel journals). Inside and the rooms were a bit spartan, but not more so than some of the budget hotels I've stayed in. The rooms had small balconies, though, that overlooked Siena - wonderful view.<BR><BR>I think if you use both the book and other online resources (including Fodors, of course!) to narrow down your choices, you should be able to find some good ones.

Lesli

Andrea -<BR><BR>If you are referring to the Alma Domus in Siena, I've also stayed there, and it has gorgeous views if you get a room on the right side of the building. However, it's a hotel run by nuns, not really a convent (despite the curfew!)<BR><BR>I've heard very good things about several of the convents that rent rooms in other cities in Italy. Most do have curfews though, which is a consideration for me; perhaps not for those who are early to bed, early to rise types.

melann78

We considered doing this for our honeymoon in May, but after calling around to a LOT of them (and having a LOT of them speak NO English), we decided it wasn't that much cheaper than to stay in a bed and breakfast, which is what we are doing. There is a very informative book though called &quot;Bed and Blessings&quot; out there, though I can't recall the author. It's very comprehensive and helpful, giving phone numbers and practical advice.

LJ

Thanks all, esp James ( I have sent you a message). I am not surprised to hear of the language difficulties as most &quot;religious&quot; speak languages other than English (like French or Spanish for obvious reasons) if they speak something in addition to Italian.<BR><BR>FYI, the book is called (Staying in) Italian Monasteries by Eileen Barish and is available through Amazon.com. It is quite good, with my personal reservations as noted.