Solo Travel Accommodations in Italy – Monastery Stays

If you are traveling solo, one of the biggest expenses is hotel accommodations, since the cost of a single room is usually either the same or just slightly less than that of a double room. A solution to this is to stay in an alternative type of accommodation, either a monastery or a convent. Many of these have been converted into guesthouses since they no longer need all the rooms for nuns and monks. Monastery Stays provides thousands of choices in Italy at affordable prices, in great locations and with considerable amenities.

On a recent solo venture to Italy, I decided to try these alternative accommodations and for the most part was not disappointed. As long as you realize that the rooms are fairly spartan and that a curfew is in place, the benefits of booking rooms with Monastery Stays outweigh the negatives. Here are the pros and cons.

Benefits

Privacy-All rooms are private rooms with a private bath, and can be booked for one person, although Monastery Stays also books rooms for families and more people. Simply because the accommodations are in monasteries and convents, there is no requirement to attend religious services. Every type of traveler is welcome without regard to race, sex, age, marital status, religion or sexual orientation.

Safety-All accommodations are in safe locations and have a curfew in place. The facilities close and are locked down after the curfew and your key is left at the desk each time you exit the facility.

Cleanliness-Although the rooms are sparsely furnished, they are spotless and the same goes for the common areas. These monasteries and convents are cleaner than many hotels.

Breakfast-Breakfast is provided in most locations, and this is usually a simple breakfast such as coffee, juice and a roll or Melba toast. Many locations have kitchens and terraces which you can use to prepare your own food if you choose.

Great locations-Many of these places have beautiful architectural and historical value as well as landscaped gardens in wonderful locations, close to many of the well-known tourist sites, like the Vatican or St Mark’s Square.

Disadvantages

Curfew-If you are not back inside the facility by the curfew the door is locked and there is nobody to reach to get back inside. Additionally if you are leaving early in the morning while the doors are still locked, you may have to make additional arrangements with the nuns or monks on duty to make final payment and to open the exit door early.

Spartan and simple-The beds are not what you would expect in a 3 or 4 star hotel, but more like a thin cheap mattress. Most rooms have a bed with clean linens, a nightstand, lamp and a bathroom which is small and plain, but clean.

Language barrier-Since nuns and monks operate most of these facilities, they speak Italian and not English. Occasionally additional personnel work at the reception area and sometimes they speak some English, especially if they are students or young people.

Minimum stay requirement-A minimum of two nights must be booked at each location, and one night’s deposit as well as the booking fee charged by Monastery Stays must be paid when you make the initial reservation. The remainder is due at check-in or check-out and many facilities require cash while others will accept credit cards.

For an alternative cost-saving choice, check out Monastery Stays if you are traveling solo in Italy.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *