A Great Way to Save on Travel: Monastery and Convent Stays

Monastery Stays S1 E5

 I love to travel, but the reality is that traveling costs money.  I have a secret to share…

• To save on travel costs, I always want to try to save money on accommodations.
• This leaves me free to spend money on food, experiences, etc.
• For me, Accommodation doesn’t have to be fancy.  I am there to visit a destination, not a hotel bar (although having one helps)
• The place you sleep in is just that– your bedroom.  It isn’t your living room or kitchen– that is outside – in the neighborhood, restaurants, etc.
• Minimum requirements:  good value, clean, safe, well located.  Other than that I don’t care.  
• What doesn’t matter to me:  size of room, elevators, breakfast, and small shampoo bottles.
• I always research to see if there are monasteries or convents at which I can stay:  Monastery and convent stays include abbeys, religious owned or managed properties.
• Urge you to research and consider staying in a monastery or convent.  Don’t laugh or judge.

Monasteries and convents:

• Offer lodging to people of all faiths, open to everyone.  You do not have to be Catholic or any other religion to stay there.
• To me, it’s the ultimate in shopping local.  Let’s face it, these places are available bc of a decline in people entering the religious communities.  These places have had to turn to offering accommodations to visitors just to make ends meet.  Many rooms have been upgraded, refurbished and made ensuite, so  you have a private bathroom.
• Without doing this, many would close, and likely be bought up by hotel chains, turned into luxury accommodations and charge a ton of money.
• Primarily in Europe but also other places across the world.

What are monasteries and convents offering accommodations like?

• Many if not most have been upgraded and refurbished
• Can be working places or specifically for visitors
• Primarily in Europe but are also in the US, and around the world.
• Although I seem to notice Asia offers more retreats rather than general overnight lodging
• Monasteries generally in rural communities.  Abbeys and convents more centrally located

That said,

• These places are not hotels per se.  Not usually offering a lot of luxuries. 
• If you want chocolates on your pillow or your bed turned down at night, then this is not the place for you.
• If you are ok with spartan furnishings, then this might be the place for you 
• What it does offer are modestly appointed rooms that are clean, safe, and economical

Pros:

• Very economical room prices.  Far lower rates than staying at a hotel
• Often centrally located and are considered an oasis in the middle of busy cities.  You might have a garden, chapel, or walled courtyard on the property
• Unique way of visiting or even staying longer than you normally would since you can save money this way.

Cons:

• Rooms book well in advance.  You should make reservations as soon as you commit to your trip
• Cancellation policies are not always visitor friendly.  Many times I would find rooms that were completely non-refundable no matter what.  Forcing you to rely on travel insurance for canceling.

May be a curfew- for Over50 travelers, may not be a big deal. For younger travelers who go clubbing, then remember this. Usually 10-Midnight

• Might also be a minimum stay

Three websites I use:

1. Monasterystays.com- focuses mainly on Italy, with a few listings in Austria and Slovenia
2. Must submit a travel plan to the website requesting lodging.  The website operator will then contact the properties on your behalf and let you know if they have room
3. There are online reviews of places

1. Monasteries.com - around the world, but primarily Europe.  See listings for Egypt,
2. Site includes tips for staying in a monastery
3. Online reviews
4. Italy most prevalent place for these stays. Fewer in other European countries
5. Again, have you go through this platform to make a reservation request

1. Goodnightandgodbless.com (my favorite)
2. Reviews and photos, same as other ones

If you decide to try this option: REMEMBER!

• Be super careful about their cancellation policy
• Always double check reviews on sites– you can cross check with tripadvisor.com, other monastery stay sites mentioned above, and even booking.com may have a listing.
• Book well in advance, you aren’t going to be able to find openings on the spot
• Double check the location– is it in an area near to things you want to see, or close to public transportation links?  Always do a bit of background research about the neighborhood or general area.

Will put all the links in my show notes.

Will be taking a break from recording for the next several weeks while I do some off season traveling and return with experiences to share with you.