Most people simply visit San Gimignano for a day trip, and the accommodations in town are pretty limited, but Foresteria Monastero di San Girolamo is a very quaint and relatively affordable option. The dormitories are run by friendly Benedictine nuns.
The Location
The monastery and hostel are on the far side of the town from the bus station at 26-32 Via Folgore da San Gimignano -- about a fifteen minute walk through town. The easiest way to find the hostel is to keep following the signs for the archeological museum. Just keep walking past the museum and the monastery and dorm entrances are on your right. They also have a car park which you can use for an extra per-night charge. It is located right by the Porta San Jacopo, so this is also a pretty appealing option if you're driving through Tuscany.
Rooms and Bathrooms
When you check in, you get two keys -- one to the door (no curfew!) and one to the room. There are a number of rooms ranging from two to five beds in each room and every bed has a small shelf with an electrical outlet. Also in each room is a writing desk and some wooden folding chairs as well as a lovely view of the Tuscan countryside. The bathrooms are private to each room and they are spacious and clean. The room comes with free sheets and two towels.
Common Spaces
There is a kitchen on the first floor and a sparse room where breakfast is served. Breakfast costs extra, as does the use of the kitchen. Beyond this, there is no real common space and no internet, but there is a nice bench across the street where it is pretty lovely to just sit and watch the stars. This is a very quiet hostel, particularly as it seems San Gimignano is not the most popular overnight option for backpackers, but the environment is warm and inviting.
Summary
La Foresteria is a quiet and peaceful option when spending the night in San Gimignano. It is an austere place (fitting, as it is run by nuns) but a comfortable place to stay! If your bus is in the afternoon, you can leave your bag at the front desk, but check-in and check-out times are limited to 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and 5:45 p.m. If no one answers the dormitory's buzzer, you might try the monastery bell, which is just a short walk to the right.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2009
Location/Contact
