Rating: 
Summary: Good reference
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Good reference
Review: I absolutely disagree with the book's critics. 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 accomodations 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 intil 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!
Rating:
Summary: Good reference
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Good reference
Review: I absolutely disagree with the book's critics. 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 accomodations 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 intil 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!
Rating: 
Summary: sophistication on the budget
Review: I originally bought the book because I needed suggestions for low cost accomodations for my next trip.After I read the book,I ended up planning the whole vacation around the theme "Monasteries in Italy".The brief but rich info on the history,art,location,traditions,makes the monasteries and convents in this book a most desirable spot to visit for themselves.The author gives all the practical info needed (price, directions, people to contact, restrictions that may apply)for a successful lodging in the most sought after locations in Italy , as well as in the most remote,pristine places.This book is by far the richest and the most helpful when it comes to convent lodgings in Italy.
Rating:
Summary: Tuscany by day, Monastery by night
Review: My wife and I took our bicycles to Tuscany for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We spend such little time in our rooms when we travel, but we like to be centrally located when we bike into town. The monasteries, besides for their beauty, cleanliness, and hospitality, were in the heart of where we wanted to be. One on the nicest things about this book is the inclusion of a letter (translated into Italian and English for you) for you to fax or mail to make reservations (a must if you have biked 35 miles that day and do not want to find the inn is full!!) The letter worked perfectly and we always had a reservation, a smiling face, and a clean room waiting for us at the end of our daily ride!! Use this book and you will have an adventure!!
Rating:
Summary: Tuscany by day, Monastery by night
Review: My wife and I took our bicycles to Tuscany for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. We spend such little time in our rooms when we travel, but we like to be centrally located when we bike into town. The monasteries, besides for their beauty, cleanliness, and hospitality, were in the heart of where we wanted to be. One on the nicest things about this book is the inclusion of a letter (translated into Italian and English for you) for you to fax or mail to make reservations (a must if you have biked 35 miles that day and do not want to find the inn is full!!) The letter worked perfectly and we always had a reservation, a smiling face, and a clean room waiting for us at the end of our daily ride!! Use this book and you will have an adventure!!
Rating: 
Summary: The most inaccurate and disappointing guidebook we've used
Review: This guidebook was exciting to read initially, and despite uninspiring black and white photography of the "monasteries," something we were highly motivated to use on our most recent trip to Italy. The problem was, the author clearly compiled this book from phone interviews - not from personal experience - and her information is completely inaccurate. Since our trip to Italy - using this book - my husband and I are tempted to surmise that this woman has never even been to Italy. We attempted to find and stay at six monasteries in the book. With an absolutely exhaustive effort, we found three, but absolutely could not find the other three properties using this book's directions. This, despite great maps, and several stops to ask locals. And we're experienced travelers who go to Europe several times a year. Someone who wasn't familar with the country and had reservations (which we know better than to lock into), would have been extremely frustrated. Her driving directions are not only vague, but very inaccurate. (We tried to find one property in the city of Savona on the Italian Riveria which she instructs you to find by following the "signs to the shrine" which lead you to the monastery, which is "on an enchanting hillside above the city." There are no such "shrine" signs - they actually say "Santuario," and the property is a two-star hotel located 10 km out of town. The people running the hotel knew absolutely no english, and wanted $34.00 per person for two twin beds in a tiny dark room.) What this book does not tell you, is that more often than not, "monasteries" that welcome both men and woman of any religious orientation, year-round without requiring them to be on a spiritual retreat, are actually two to four star hotels owned by the order. Completely separate from any convent, church, abbey or magnificent old romantic stone building you may see a picture of in this book. (Or imagine in your mind's eye.) The properties we found were primarily "casas." Boarding houses (hotels) owned and operated by the order. In fact, the only one we stayed in was very nice - a four-star hotel right on the beach that cost $120 a night. The book said the hotel was "closed for religious purposes" the month of November, but the people at the front desk told us that was not true. The hotel was purchased at one point by an order. It was a great place to stay - but not cheap and not a monastery. A far cry from the amazing "donation" and "under $30 a night" the author touts on the cover. This guide book lacks the frankness most good travel books contain. It doesn't tell you the real story, and doesn't give you any smart tips. We found the prices quoted in the book continually misleading. Those prices ($32 a day with breakfast), are typically per person, not for a double. Most travel books outline costs clearly so you don't make common mistakes traveling internationally. This one does not. The tip off was examining the book carefully and finding "thank-yous" to the monasteries for the photos they sent the author, and additional "thank-yous" to someone working the phones in Italy. Over the phone is not the way to create a guidebook. This is more like an outdated phone book. If you want to order this guide for the names and phone numbers of diverse hotels - some of which may have more reasonable prices than the norm in Italy - a better guidebook would be "Let's Go" or "Frommers Italy for $70 a Day." We've used both successfully. For a unique "old world" experience of Italy, keep looking. This book will let you down, and drive you completely crazy with it's blatant sloppiness and inaccuracies. Too bad. Great idea, poorly implemented. Someone should do this right.
Rating:
Summary: The Guide to Lodging in Italy's Monasteries
Review: This is a GREAT book! Took it on my last trip to Italy and stayed in the most beautiful, historic places, had home cooked meals and learned more about Italian life and culture than staying in a regular hotel. There's also loads of information about local activities and sights to see for each monastery. And for the budget conscious, the monasteries were less expensive than hotels in the same area. I definitely recommend this book for your next trip to Italy. The author also wrote one about Spain and I can't wait to use it there!
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous way to see Italy!
Review: This is a great book! Took it with me on my last trip to Italy and stayed in some magnificent and historic monasteries where we had home cooked meals and hands-on insight into Italian people and culture. And most nights cost less than the hotels in the same area. The book also tells you about places to visit and local events. This book really enhanced our visit. I already have the author's other book about the Monasteries of Spain. Can't wait to use them both again. Happy travels to you all.
| 
