It may surprise you to learn that some Catholic convents and monasteries offer accommodations to travelers. This tradition dates back to the time of Saint Benedict. Benedictine monks and, later, nuns, were required to show true hospitality to everyone. Today, some convents offer low-cost rooms to travelers.
It’s easiest to find information about convent lodgings in Italy, but some convents in Spain and France also rent rooms to travelers. Meals may or may not be offered.
Convent rooms are usually simply furnished, without TV’s, radios or telephones. Bathroom facilities may be down the hall. Meals may or may not be offered and there’s usually a curfew. You’ll need to learn some words in your host country’s language in order to communicate effectively with the nuns. Some convents will accommodate families, but others only rent rooms to women.
Many convents only accept cash payments. Some ask for donations instead of charging a fixed rate. If you stay at this type of convent, remember that the sisters must buy food and pay their utility bills and that donations are their main source of income. Be as generous as possible so that the sisters can continue to offer hospitality to your fellow travelers.
Apartment / Cottage RentalsIf you’d like to save on both lodging and food costs, renting an apartment or cottage is the way to go. Vacation rentals (often called “holiday” or “self-catering” apartments) are available nearly everywhere. You can book apartments online. Take the time to do some research before choosing a vacation apartment. Check travelers’ online bulletin boards for reviews and recommendations. Read guidebooks and newspaper articles about your destination city; apartment rentals are becoming more popular and are receiving more media coverage.
Carefully review your rental agreement before you book an apartment stay. Some landlords require you to pay separately for electricity or heating. Others charge cleaning fees. You may need to bring sheets and / or towels. European beds are sized differently than America bed, so flat sheets are probably your best choice. Ask about cancellation policies and payment options. You may forfeit your security deposit, or more, if you cancel.
When you arrive, ask the landlord or property manager about nearby grocery stores and restaurants. Make sure you understand how to operate all the appliances and door locks. Find out when and how to return the key, and ask about end-of-stay cleaning requirements.
Youth HostelsYouth hostels are not only for the young, but also for the young at heart. You don’t have to be a backpacking college student to take advantage of the worldwide youth hostel network. You do, however, need to be open-minded about room furnishings and floor cleanliness, as these vary greatly from hostel to hostel. Shower shoes and a bath towel are hostelling essentials.
In youth hostels, you sleep on your bed (usually a bunk bed) in a special sheet sewn together at the bottom. Blankets and pillows are provided. Sheet and hand towel rental is usually included in your room cost. Each morning, you’ll be asked to bring your sheets and towels downstairs for laundering. You may also be asked to sweep your room.
Many youth hostels offer two- and four-bed rooms as well as single-sex dorm space. You’ll be able to find out in advance if your room has en-suite facilities – most do. Breakfast is usually included in your room rate. Hostels have evening curfews, and you’ll probably be locked out of the hostel during the mid-day hours. While you can’t bring your own food into a hostel, snacks and drinks are available at reasonable cost. You can usually pay to eat dinner at your hostel, and you can probably arrange to buy a picnic lunch.
Youth hostels tend to fill up quickly. Especially during the summer months, you may find that some hostels are quiet, while others are popular with party-oriented students. Try to find hostels with "family rooms," the two-and four-bed rooms that may have a private bath. You'll have more privacy in a family room.
People of all ages stay in youth hostels, so you may encounter family groups, school field trips, and even business travelers. You’ll have an opportunity to meet travelers from all over the world and from every walk of life.
