The Book

Good Night and God Bless is a guide to alternative tourist accommodation in convents, monasteries, abbeys and Christian hotels in Europe run by various mainstream Christian religious denominations. As a result of a shortage of religious personnel, coupled with the increasingly high financial overheads in maintaining their ancient buildings, some religious orders now meet costs by offering accommodation.

The book is about how to find inexpensive, good quality accommodation in places that are unique, safe, comfortable and friendly—certainly a refreshing change from the innumerable tiny, over-priced hotel rooms so common in Europe these days.

The listings include convents and monasteries that are open to tourists and holidaymakers, as well as accommodation for those seeking a spiritual experience or wishing to make a pilgrimage or retreat. There is a difference to the type of experience you can expect from these two different types and that needs to be considered before you undertake to stay in these styles of accommodation.

Open Houses are those religious orders that open their doors to tourists. They have a relaxed, informal atmosphere where guests are able to enjoy their holiday in a casual manner. Although there are no strict rules and regimes, basic respect for Christian tenets and the religious people living there is understandably expected.

Spiritual Retreats are convents and monasteries accepting guests for spiritual activities and are usually quiet, sober establishments with a prevailing air of peacefulness and piety. Often there is a strict rule of silence. Such places are only appropriate for those who are serious about making a retreat or engaging in spiritual activities and definitely are not suitable for people looking for a hotel kind of experience.

Nevertheless, both types have one thing in common: the hospitality is indisputably genuine.

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