Good Night and God Bless: A Guide to Convent & Monastery Accommodation in Europe: Austria, Czech Republic, Italy Review

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(More customer reviews)"Good Night & God Bless" dropped into my hands directly from heaven on the wings of angels, or so it seemed.
In it, Trish Clark gives us heavenly insider information on convent and monastery accommodations in three of the most romantic and picturesque countries in Europe: Austria, the Czech Republic, and...ah!...Italy.
The actual hard information in the margins is so complete and good that it preempts questions arising from her wonderful descriptions of these remarkable lodging opportunities in the main text. The author even divides information for readers seeking spiritual retreats or those just wanting to soak up the ambiance of these sacred places.
You don't have to be a monk to sleep in a 13th century monastery in Tuscany, with a balcony overlooking a quiet, rose-clustered cloister garden -- or a nun to breakfast on coffee with steamed milk and just-out-of-the-oven pastries in a 500-year-old Austrian convent. "Good Night & God Bless" makes accessible fabled places that only the clergy and their friends knew about in times past. But more than that, the book educates us on the origins of these splendid institutions and the rich historical context in which they are set.
Whether you are planning a trip or just wanting to travel from the couch, get hold of Good Night & God Bless and read it from cover to cover -- it really is a blessing.
Joseph Dispenza, author of "The Way of the Traveler: Making Every Trip a Journey of Self-Discovery" and "God On Your Own: Finding a Spiritual Path Outside Religion."

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Ever Slept in a Bishop's Bedchamber?Good Night and God Bless is the modern traveler s Bible. This unique guide lists details of atmospheric and affordable accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys and Christian hotels across Europe. It is aimed at tourists and travelers seeking a unique experience as well as those pursuing a pilgrimage or religious retreat.Most of these alternative accommodations are run by various mainstream Christian religious denominations. Religious orders have traditionally offered hospitality as part of their ministry and a bed and a bite to eat was provided for the cost of a donation. However, these days offering hospitality has become a means of survival. Taking in overnight guests is a practical way for religious orders to raise revenue and a cheap, safe, clean and often well-located accommodation option for travelers.The book appeals not only for its quirky, eye catching, pick me up title but equally and more importantly for its very concept. It is an informal and user-friendly travel guide which brings together tantalizing cultural tidbits and tourist trivia amidst the popular and sometimes controversial, but always fascinating, backdrop of history and religion.

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Sanctuaries, The Complete United States: A Guide to Lodgings in Monasteries, Abbeys, and Retreats Review

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(More customer reviews)I love the idea of this book, and I love its execution. I've called a half-dozen places all across the USA to make plans to visit, and most of them have not even known that they were listed in this book! The places listed for New Orleans indicated that they wouldn't want to be in the book if they had the choice - so I don't know how they got in the book in the first place. It's very disappointing, to say the least. Still, the book overall inspires me to find unconventional lodging arrangements when I travel.

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The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries Review

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(More customer reviews)I absolutely disagree with the book's critics. (CORRECTED)
We have used this book to identify lodging possibilities on several trips to Italy. I have found the contact information a good starting point. Perhaps I an showing my age, but I never rely on only one source for any information. We verify everything.
Every directory has some minor flaws. That's why you need to use information from directories with an open mind. For example, on one occasion, a fax number was answered repeatedly by a human. On a hunch, I sent the fax to the "voice" number, and it was promptly answered by the fax. Either the numbers were switched in the directory, or the numbers were correct and the equipment was switched. Either way, no problem. In another case, we found that one convent had been severaly damaged by an earthquake and was not accepting reservations.
As far as the rooms go, we have stayed in over 10 Italian convents and monasteries in the last few years. Some were relatively modern and some date back to the 11th century. Generally, convents and monasteries are in the old sections of the cities and provide more realistic experiences within the culture.
We do not expect the convents and monasteries to be a four-star hotels, nor have several hundred Euro nightly rates. Most of the rooms were modest. (One was luxurious, even by US standards.) All had modern bathrooms in the room, (except one which was 10 feet down the hall). All were very clean and orderly with good security. Some had late (or no) curfews. Some even had television.
We are quite satisfied with the accommodations because we use our room only for reflection and rest, and spend most of the time exploring Italian culture and history.
As far as getting more information on the portential lodgings, we simply plug the name of the convent into a search engine and often we are directed to a web-site for that facility, or at least that order. If you score a hit with the search engine, you may be able to conduct your transactions on-line or via e-mail. But, again, the information in this guide helps you get started with your research, by giving you the names and locations.
This book simply starts you in the right direction by telling you where to look. If I expected all my questions to be answered without having to do research, I'd consult a travel agent.
Please keep in mind that it may be helpful to send faxes during Italian business hours. Some of the convents and monasteries seem to turn their faxes off during their night-time hours. This was quite aggravating until I figured it out and send my faxes (successfully) at a different hour. Also, if there is a technical problem, their fax may be out of service for several days (or longer).
Buon viaggio, signori e signore!

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