Check Out These Heavenly Hotels That Used to Be Houses of Worship Gabby Teaman January 17, 2023 Europe, general, International Travel, Travel Guide From Buddhist temples to Catholic convents, the world is filled with hotels that used to be houses of worship. Some are plain, modest buildings that reflect piety. Others were designed with lavish architecture and ornate decoration to manifest the glory of their religion. No matter what kind of stay that you’re hoping to have, you can do something unusual with your travels when you book a room in a converted church. Here are just a few hotels that used to be churches around the world to put on your shortlist! Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa — Amalfi, Italy The Monastero Santa Rosa Hotel & Spa was originally a monastery in 17th-century Italy before it was converted to the luxurious haven it is today. The glittering infinity pools overlook the Gulf of Salerno. And resident Michelin-star chefs can whip up everything from tender cuts of veal to fresh-caught scallops served with a foie gras cream. Aside from the architecture, you’d never guess that this resort was once home to nuns. It’ll be a great choice in lodgings if you enjoy historical settings but don’t want to sacrifice modern amenities. L’Iglesia Hotel — El Jadida, Morocco The L’Iglesia Hotel is a gem among gems on our list of hotels that used to be houses of worship. The now-hotel was originally built as a church in the 19th century, but it underwent a makeover in later years to embody the glamor of 1940s Morocco. This included baroque rugs, clawfoot tubs, wireless radios, and art sourced from dealers all around northern Africa. The end result is both modern and vintage, classy and kitschy; the blend of aesthetics is just as compelling as the amenities offered by the front desk. It’s a UNESCO site that could double as a stylish, Instagram-worthy resort. How unique is that? You may also like: 5 Beautiful Churches in Manila You’ll Never Forget Hotel Casa Santo Domingo — Antigua, Guatemala Guatemala is no stranger to churches, but the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo stands out from the rest. For starters, it overlooks the natural wonder of three separate volcanoes, including the still-active Fuego. It also has grandiose architecture that combines the old weathered brick of the convent with the creature comforts of softly-lit saunas and Jacuzzis. Last but not least, there’s a Guatemalan museum right on site, so you can explore everything from scrolls to sculptures to learn more about Guatemalan history during your stay. Church Boutiqe Hotel Nha Tho — Hanoi, Vietnam Looming over the streets of Hanoi with a cathedral-style tower, the Church Boutiqe Hotel is located just a stone’s throw away from the real deal: St. Joseph’s Cathedral. It used to be a place of residency for the clergy. They didn’t have spa treatments and dangling chandelier back in the 1880s, of course, but these upgrades have been welcomed by guests. Some folks even rent out the hotel for weddings and other major events. It has that lofty, sprawling kind of elegance that’s perfect for living luxuriously in the heart of Hanoi. Augustine, A Luxury Collection Hotel — Prague [Above image “The Augustine Hotel Prague (1)” by Gary Bembridge on Flickr – licensed under CC by 2.0] How would you like to chat with real monks during your stay at a monastery? At Augustine, it’s just one of the experiences that you can cross off your bucket list. Others include sipping champagne on a terrace, touring historic chapels and libraries on site, and sleeping in a former astronomical tower. Augustine is such a place of rich cultural heritage that it took years to open; there were concerns about archaeological preservation. Eventually, however, the right deals were made, and the hotel has blossomed as a reflection of Prague’s beauty, history, and character. Sozo Hotel — Nantes, France Nothing says “house of worship” like the stained glass windows of a historic chapel, and you can marvel at them firsthand at the Sozo Hotel. Located within France’s fast-growing Loire-Atlantique district, it’s a boutique hotel based out of a 19th century church, and it has a delightfully austere décor even as it offers everything that a weary traveler could want. The rooms might have plain grey walls, but there’s also fast Wi-Fi, waterfall showers, complementary slippers, and 24-hour room service. You don’t have to live like a monk even though you’re staying in a priestly place! Have you ever been to a hotel that used to be something else? Tell us about it below!
