monastaries

[hyzenthlay]

my french boss told me to look into staying at monastaries in place of hostels/hotels. he says they are very inexpensive and often in the most peaceful, secluded areas like high in the alps. has anyone done this? can you just show up that day and ask to stay there?

[WillTravel]

You need to look up several books:
Bed and Blessings
Lodging in Italy's Monasteries
Lodging in Spain's Monasteries

I stayed at this convent in Florence, and it's very good: www.fmmfirenze.it
Here are a bunch in Italy, particularly Rome:
www.santasusanna.org/comingToRome/convents.html

Most convents or monasteries do not concern themselves with your religious beliefs or practice. However, some do request that you be staying there for a reason related to faith. Most will have curfews.

Here's one other site. The order has guesthouses in many countries, both in Europe and elsewhere.
www.brigidine.org/