Staying in a Monestary
 

We are traveling to Italy in late September, early October . Hoping to visit Venice, Cinque Terra, Florence and Rome. Does anyone have advice on staying in a monestary ? The idea sounds appealing for budgetary reasons . We are a married couple and don't expect luxery, but love great architechture and historical features. It would be great to find a monestary that has both. We'd like to be centrally located and don't mind curfews.

There are hundreds of convents/monasteries in Italy, but I think it's a two night minimum (due to laws). Some are quite budget while others can be very expensive (hundreds of euro a night). Some you can't tell the difference from a hotel.

What do you want to spend per night? What amenities do you need?

See www.monasterystays.com

We are looking to spend 100 USD or less if possible. Willing to go higher if the location or ambience deems it worthy. As far as amenities, we mainly just need a private bathroom and cleanliness.

Do you know if the prices quoted on monasterystays.com are any higher than contacting the monestary/convent directly ? or is it more than worth it to have the communication handled for you ? I'd be willing to make personal contacts if the price was significantly lower. Thanks for the help !

"Do you know if the prices quoted on monasterystays.com are any higher than contacting the monestary/convent directly ?"

I would think so. They are a booking service and must make a profit somewhere along the line. You can try to contact the monastery directly (but may have a language problem).
I once stayed in a convent in Perugia and this is what I did.

For any reservation I always check several places for prices. After I do that, I contact the property itself (if possible) and get their price. Sometimes they don't communicate personally and only want to go through third parties. Sometimes they will communicate with you. Usually the property's prices are better because the commission isn't involved.

The prices on monastery stays are marked up, sometimes as much as 15€ per night for a single. I don't use them and book directly with the convent. I have a list with direct contact for each of your cities, but am at work at the moment so will have to post it tonight.

There isn't much choice in the CT and your budget is a bit low ($100 is only 70€) for Rome if you want to be in the heart of things. The most convenient/cheapest convents book up early. I only stay in ones with private bath (I don't want my bathroom down the hall or to share). I also pick ones with late curfews.

Rome seems to have more monastery and convent opportunities (and I guess that makes sense). Here's a list with pictures and contact info for the many options in Rome - Good Luck!

http://tinyurl.com/Rome-convents