Hotel Monastero Sant'Andrea

Don’t let the two stars put you off. This is a lovely, peaceful hotel, and I’d stay again when I return to Assisi. It’s close to the Basilica of St Francis, and some rooms look out toward it. There’s a small chapel guests can use, an elevator for luggage, and my room on level 3 had a mini fridge. Some reviews said there wasn’t one. The breakfast is continental rather than a large buffet, and there’s no gym or TV in the room, so don’t expect those extras. Getting here by taxi can be uncertain because the road slopes up narrowly. It’s difficult, but not impossible, for a driver to reach the hotel.

Travelling by yourself? I hope you get a single room, No 26th on the 5th floor. The early morning view is wonderful. It’s a perfect spot to reflect, talk with the cosmos, and follow a very good Sta Chiara’s meditation. I invite you to try it: Let your thoughts drift like ripples across water. There’s no need to stop them. Rest before the still surface of the mirror. Whenever your mind wanders, gently return to this: “I place my mind before the mirror of eternity.” Feel your awareness settle into clarity, and notice the quiet opening beneath your thoughts.

The Basilica is right across the road, with plenty of important sites and good restaurants within walking distance. From the professional staff to the clean rooms and comfortable beds, everything made this feel like a gem in the heart of Assisi. Hotel Monastero Sant’Andrea has breathtaking views of St Francis’ Basilica. I recommend it to anyone looking for a peaceful stay in a welcoming, unique place. Compared with everywhere else I’ve stayed, this place is in a class of its own.

The location beside the Basilica is great, and breakfast was lovely. The sunset view from the rooftop was remarkable. The only drawbacks were the air conditioning switching itself off sometimes and the rather thin walls. We could hear people talking in the next room when they spoke loudly.