One of the great things about traveling is that you get to stay in a nice, comfortable accommodation where someone else is responsible for changing the sheets and keeping your room clean. Unfortunately, most of us are programmed to automatically book a hotel when considering places to lay our head during vacation.
If you’re like me, you may be a little more adventurous and prefer unusual digs that most tourists would not only dream about but be totally unaware of its existence. Staying at a monastery or convent is a perfect off the beaten path mode of lodging that more people are taking advantage of these days. As an added bonus, it helps to create lasting memories and is kinder to your wallet.
Once a former hospital, Park House Guesthouse is located in Liverpool, England and is run by Augustinian nuns. All rooms are en-suite and the available amenities are television, beverage equipment, ironing facilities, on-site parking, and full board. A theater and library, as well as shops and restaurants, are nearby. Rates start at 32€ pp.
A view of one of Park House’s double rooms
The number of monks and nuns is dwindling; so many monasteries and convents are beginning to offer their properties for short and long term lease. It makes sense to offer the available quarters for rent because the revenue helps to pay for the upkeep of the often aging structures.
Some are still fully functioning entities while others have been converted to Inns and B & B’s rather than be left empty. While they may not offer creature comforts like four and five-star hotels, this would be a great opportunity to enjoy the historical aspect of such properties.
In most instances, the daily rates are between $25.00 to $95.00 US for singles and doubles; $100+ for suites, the rooms are average size, some meals may be included and bathrooms are likely shared. While these accommodations are available worldwide, US properties may tend to be a bit more modernized while European ones are more historical treasures.
My friend, Eileen Barish runs a website and sells guidebooks that spotlight European monasteries and convents. You will be amazed at the excellent deals that can be had for staying at such elegantly stoic landmarks.
Monasteries and convents are often sought out when people are looking for their own personal spiritual retreat. The grounds are quiet, one can walk the gardens in peaceful introspection and there are many places where you can sit in solitude without being disturbed.
This type of pilgrimage or retreat is not suitable for the tourist because most of the time is spent in prayerful silence and religious worship. While they do not proselytize or force feed their religious beliefs, they only ask that you respect their standards of conduct. Please note that they may also have standing curfews that are strictly enforced. If curfews are a concern, be sure to ask about their policies before booking your stay.
Maison Notre-Dame du Chene is a spiritual pilgrimage located in Loire, France. While there is a separate house for families and groups to use for celebrations and meetings, the guesthouse is primarily reserved for those seeking religious sanctuary. All guestrooms are ensuites and breakfast is served daily; rates begin at 35€ pp.
In her books about European Monastery lodging, Good Night & God Bless [II]: A Guide to Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe – Volume Two: France, United Kingdom, and Ireland (Good Night & … Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe)
, Trish Clark provides detailed descriptions of each type of facility.
There are directions on how to get there, along with general tourist information and some ideas for things to do and see in the surrounding area. It also lists nearby restaurants and pubs.
Located in Kent, England, this 13th-century order of the Carmelites provides single, double and family rooms at rates beginning at 26€ pp including breakfast. The Friars Aylesford Priory has an on-site restaurant and sits on acres of park-like grounds.
One of the eighty bedrooms located in the Friar’s guesthouse
The beauty of the entire experience is that you’ll never know what hidden gem you will find in your research on monasteries and convents. A perfect case in point: Maison du Seminaire in Nice, France. Located at the foot of the Mediterranean Sea, this beautiful former Seminary has 60 rooms that rents for 70€ per night.
Each room is en suite, has televisions and telephones and wi-fi and parking are free. The rooms are Bijou, but the views more than make up for that. There is a restaurant on the first floor that opens out onto an outdoor terrace. From that vista, you will get to see the rich and spoiled frolic on the beach or watch them sail by on their luxurious yachts.
The delicious irony for you, my dear budget traveler, is that you get to enjoy the same beach for a mere pittance compared to what they’ve paid.
What’s not to love about this location?
Fantastically magical views from the outdoor terrace.
So, what do you think, dear reader? Would this type of accommodation be appealing to you? Or you may have already had the good fortune to stay at one of the monasteries or convents. If so, where did you stay and would you recommend it to the rest of us?
! Border Breaker ! says
January 16, 2011 at 6:41 amluxury accomodation ftw!
Renee says
January 16, 2011 at 8:38 amC’mon now….I just went to your website and you strike me as someone who can forego a Heavenly(®) bed for something a bit more extraordinary. Challenge yourself! ;-D
Carole Timpson-Wiltowski says
October 29, 2016 at 8:09 amI’ve stayed in a couple of monasteries and convents some have really comfortable accommodation (Douai Abbey, Upper Woolhampton particularly). They are geared up for providing retreats or budget accommodation to the weary traveller. Also, they’re often in historically interesting building with really tranquil surroundings and are somewhere I would recommend.
Renee King says
November 1, 2016 at 1:55 pmThanks, Carole! I appreciate your sharing more convent/monastery resources with everyone.
robin says
January 16, 2011 at 9:14 amUnusual accommodation can sometimes be the highlight of a trip.
inka says
January 16, 2011 at 12:18 pmI went to boarding school run by nuns. Would love to return as a hotel guest so they would have to make my bed.
Renee says
January 16, 2011 at 12:27 pmOk, Inka….you made me spit out my coffee!
Michael Figueiredo says
January 16, 2011 at 3:46 pmI wouldn’t mind waking up with that view from Maison du Seminaire one bit!
Jozef Maxted says
January 16, 2011 at 4:01 pmI think its good to consider staying unusual places like this. My eldest brother stayed at a monastery for a month once!
Jeremy B says
January 17, 2011 at 12:03 amThis type of accommodation definitely appeals to me. I like the budget aspect, enjoy the peace of quiet, and would definitely be interested. Hotels are the typical place to stay for most but I really like this information and all the different options for monasteries.
Renee says
January 24, 2011 at 11:13 amAgreed 100%…I would feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven…no pun intended.
Adam says
January 17, 2011 at 3:39 pmWhat a cool experience it would be to stay in some of these places. We are always looking for new and different places to stay, especially if it’s good on the ol’ wallet. We prefer to stay in hostel-type accommodations (still in a private room) while traveling anyway, so these would be right up our alley. We always prefer to spend our money on experiences and forgo a bit of comfort, so this looks like the best of both worlds.
Renee says
January 24, 2011 at 11:12 amWouldn’t this be a fantastic experience? I am definitely planning on staying in one the next time I’m in Europe.
Suzy says
January 22, 2011 at 3:26 pmDefinitely a great option in terms of accommodations. I’m going to Ireland for a month so I hope to stumble upon a few monasteries/castles to stay in on my time there.
Renee says
January 22, 2011 at 4:43 pmSuzy,
Do a google search on Mercy Int’l Center and Marino Institute of Education in Dublin, Glenstal Abbey Monastic guesthouse in Limerick. There seems to be plenty of options in Ireland….good luck and have a great time.
Sandra McLeod Humphrey says
August 10, 2011 at 5:35 pmWOW–I LOVE the idea! I stayed at a monastery about twenty years ago and I loved it! The beauty of the grounds was almost overwhelming–it was like being in a whole different world! Thanks so much for your great blog!
Lyn says
November 9, 2011 at 11:26 pmI haven’t thought of a Monastery as a place to stay, but what a great idea. So different and so much atmosphere in these old buildings, and you can but wonder about what went on behind these walls many many years ago. I’m sure most would have an interesting history. And where would you get a room with a view like that?
Renee says
November 14, 2011 at 10:24 amAmen, Lyn! It’s such a novel idea but I would imagine would be so peaceful….sometimes, that’s just what the doctor ordered.
nathalie says
January 5, 2012 at 10:34 amBetween sea and countryside, Discover benedictine’s life and spiritual retreat this is St Anne of Kergonan Abbey, in Brittany (France).
The guesthouse is open all year round to individuals or groups.
You could see all detail on http://www.kergonan.org. (we have English version)
nani says
June 20, 2012 at 3:59 amThe Friars Aylesford Priory is interesting for me! thank you for the information
Lisa says
February 18, 2013 at 11:03 amI would definitely stay at a monastery or convent. I would love the peace and quiet. Great post you’ve written here–truly useful!
Dianne says
April 26, 2013 at 8:42 pmDear Rene, I am looking for a place like this for one to three months in Southern California. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
Shana Manuel says
August 26, 2013 at 11:06 amGreat advice for saving on hotel rooms! I’ll definitely have to try this one out!