Are Monasteries and Convents an Affordable Lodging Secret?
I’ve never stayed in a religious house, but my wife has on several occasions when she was traveling on her own. Most of her stays were in either Rome or Jerusalem. • In addition to low rates, she found quiet conditions. Where offered, food was generally basic but good. Often, resident monks, nuns, brothers, sisters, and such provided outstanding suggestions about local sightseeing. Most were relatively accessible to public transportation. • On the downside, she obviously found no room service and no in-room cable TV&8212sometimes no TV at all. And depending on the religious affiliation, some prohibited alcoholic beverages on premises. • None of the places where my wife stayed required any test of religious affiliation, but you might encounter that at some locations. None required participation in any religious activities or services, either, although you find that requirement at some monasteries and retreat houses as well. Some operated on a single-sex basis; others were co-ed. • Secur
