Incredible Churches That Are Now Beautiful Hotels

There's something so uplifting about stepping inside a church and finding yourself surrounded by amazing architecture and art. Religious sites are often designed to impress, or at the very least, to bring about a sense of serenity. ​​It makes sense then that several savvy hoteliers have taken holy spaces like churches, monasteries, and convents and transformed them into stunning accommodations for travelers. From cliffside cathedrals to reconstructed rectories, there are numerous former places of prayer worldwide that are now holiday havens.

These unique hotels are so much more than just heavenly places to rest your head. Many are located in historically significant buildings. Some have been beautifully restored to their former glory, while others mix modern design elements with original features to create reinvented spaces. All of them provide tranquil places for rest and reflection, as well as public spaces like pools, lounges, and restaurants where you can commune with others. If you're looking for an enlightening place to stay on your next holiday, these are some awe-inspiring places of worship that have been converted into beautiful hotels.

Wake up to sunlight streaming through stained-glass windows at Martin's Patershof. The hotel is located in the heart of Mechelen, Belgium, in a former Friars Minor convent built in 1863. The neo-Gothic architecture has been preserved, so you'll find ecclesiastical elements throughout, like vaulted ceilings and ornately carved pillars. Modern touches include whirlpool tubs, Salus beds, and Nespresso machines.

The most affordable rooms at Martin's Patershof occupy the old cloister and are cozy with practical, modern furnishings. For those who want a bit more atmosphere, the suites in the former alcoves of the church feature original elements like stone columns, pointed arches, and stained-glass windows. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, but for a fee, you can enjoy the buffet breakfast served in the former church sanctuary under the altar. The hotel also has a small lobby bar that serves Belgian beer and cocktails.

Step back in time at the Stanbrook Abbey Hotel in Worcester, England. This gorgeous hotel is set in a former 16th-century abbey and features much of the original architecture. As you walk through the hallowed halls, you can take in Gothic arches, stained-glass windows, and stone cloisters. When you're not exploring hidden corners of the hotel, you can roam the expansive gardens spread across 26 acres. For sweeping countryside views, climb the 140 steps to the top of the bell tower.

The nuns at Stanbrook Abbey may have lived in austere spaces, but the current rooms are anything but. The suites have been thoughtfully designed with luxurious furnishings and textiles like ornate wallpaper and carpets. The feature rooms are especially charming. One has a hand-carved wooden bed frame and a fireplace in the bathroom. The other has a sloped roof that frames a circular stained-glass window. For larger groups looking for a private escape, the Manor House is a five-bedroom country manor with a kitchen and a walled garden.

Staying at the Belmond Hotel Monasterio in Cusco, Peru, can be a spiritual experience. The sacred grounds were once home to an Inca palace and later a 16th-century Spanish seminary. For nearly four centuries, Jesuit priests trained clergy here and expressed their devotion to God through art and architecture. Stroll through the stone hallways adorned with Baroque pieces or sit in the courtyard with its bubbling fountain and 300-year-old tree, and you can almost feel the presence of the priests.

Today, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is both a luxury hotel and a national historic landmark. It's almost like a living museum with original stones from the first construction, 17th-century religious paintings, and a gilded chapel. The rooms hint at the past but have all the modern conveniences you could ask for, including king-sized beds, marble bathrooms, and iPod docks. They can even be oxygen-enriched for those feeling light-headed from the high altitude. Book one of the suites, and you'll also have your own private balcony, terrace, or patio.

You don't have to be a believer to see that The LINE DC is a pretty special spot. The dramatic neoclassical building was built in 1912 as the Church of Christ, Scientist. Now, it's a hip hotel that adds to the diversity of Washington's trendy Adams Morgan neighborhood. Within the walls, you'll find 220 contemporary, pet-friendly rooms, an independent radio station that broadcasts from the lobby, and the happening No Goodbyes restaurant. There is also a rooftop yoga space, a 24-hour gym, and a community center that artists and non-profit organizations can use for events and exhibits.

Each room is unique at The LINE DC. Bespoke furniture includes vintage nightstands and brass bed frames. Original paintings and photographs line the walls, and the desks are topped with micro libraries. In the bathrooms, there are handmade bath products and fluffy bathrobes. Large windows offer views over the city. If you need extra space, the Monument View Suite is palatial, with its own living room, dining area that can be converted to a boardroom, and a 1,300 square-foot terrace that offers panoramic views of Washington's skyline.

The medieval and modern converge at the Kruisherenhotel Maastricht, a unique hotel in the historic district of Maastricht in the Netherlands. After five years of extensive renovations, the former 15th-century Gothic church and monastery reopened in 2005 as a design-forward hotel. The 60 minimalist rooms are spread across the old monastery, gatekeeper's residence, and a new annex. Most are thoroughly modern, with plenty of white and just a few pops of color from the designer furniture. However, some rooms hint at the former monastic space in the wooden ceiling beams and religious-themed artworks.

One of the most striking areas of the hotel is Spencer's, a restaurant and bar located in the nave of the old church. The tables are set against the backdrop of huge stained glass windows, and modern light fixtures shaped like giant saucers hang from the ceiling, contrasting with the stark lines of the stone walls. The bar is a popular spot for tapas-style bites and wine-tasting flights.

Stroll through the leafy courtyards of the Quinta Real Oaxaca, and it's easy to see how the nuns who lived in this former convent experienced beatitude. Graceful stone arches open to verdant gardens, and birds frolic in the fountains. Inside, the corridors are cool and lead to tranquil corners. Now that it's a luxury hotel, the site also has modern amenities like a pool, fitness center, and a gorgeous garden restaurant. It's an idyllic spot for those looking for a peaceful place to stay in the bustling city of Oaxaca and a fascinating place in Mexico for history buffs.

The Quinta Real Oaxaca started life as the Santa Catalina de Siena Monastery. The original structure was built in 1579 and soon expanded into a sprawling convent featuring stunning Spanish Baroque architecture and design. After the nuns were expelled due to Mexico's 19th-century reform laws, parts of the building became a jail, a municipal palace, a Masonic lodge, a school, and, finally, a hotel. The building's rich history can still be seen today in the rustic Cantera stone walls, tiled floors, and faded frescos.

Set in a spectacular landscape of unique rock formations, Argos in Cappadocia is an otherworldly spot. The hotel was built around a medieval monastery originally carved out of the cliffs and featured an underground tunnel network. Inside, you'll find winding staircases, secret passageways, and suites with private pools in caves. The hotel was designed to blend into the landscape, so the suites and common areas are built directly into the rock walls and feature natural wood and stone throughout.

There is so much to see and do within the hotel and beyond its volcanic walls. Grab a seat on the patio at the Nahita Lounge to tuck into Turkish fare and take in views of the "fairy chimneys" of Pigeon Valley. Stop by the Bezirhane event venue to see the site of the ancient monastery. Walk through the resort's vineyards to see how the region's Emir grapes are grown, and, of course, a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia is an absolute must to see the lunar-like landscape from above.