Unique Accomodations

[KAT2000]

Good Morning everyone! More Questions (we are just starting the serious planning for our trip):

I'm interested in staying in unique and different places, like convents or whatever. Does anyone have recommendations for these type of places in Madrid or Barcelone, Rome or Venice?

Is it usually a problem if we aren't married to stay in the same room? Are there single or double beds? I've been looking for a good website with info. . . maybe I should look for a book.

[Kim]

There are a few books you may want to look at:

The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries
Eileen Barish

Lodging in Spain's Monasteries
Eileen Barish

Europes Monastery and Convent Guesthouses
Kevin J. Wright

Bed and Blessings
June Walsh (think there is a new edition coming out)

If your bookstore doesn't have them, Amazon does.

We stayed in one place in Siena run by nuns before we were married and it wasn't a problem. I'd check with each place individually though cause it will depend. I'm sure the books will give that sort of info too.

Also check out my section on unusual hostels for hostels in castles, box cars etc:
www.guideforeurope.com/castlehostels.html

Kim

[WillTravel]

Here's one list for several Italian cities:
www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html

The two Eileen Barish books are excellent. At my local library, they're reference books.

If you are willing to spend a bit more, look into paradors in Spain. These are classic old buildings like castles or palaces that have been turned into government-run 4* hotels.