Recommendations for Hotels in Florence and Siena

Laural, it's very easy to get from the center of Florence to the airport, about 20 minutes on the tram. When we were in Florence last summer, our hotel clerk recommended we take the tram to the airport, rather than a taxi. Cheaper and faster. The tram terminus is very near the train station, which is, of course, very near the center.

We stayed at Hotel Torre Guelfa, which has a wide range of prices. We had one of the nicer rooms, and it came to just about $300 a night. I think for just one night, I'd choose another hotel, or at least a less expensive room. The breakfast is amazing, by the way.

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy-reviews/hotel-torre-guelfa-in-florence-a-quirky-but-fun-splurge

Thank you, Jane. I read your review and others regarding the Hotel Torre Guelfa. That is the hotel we will be using during our stop on our RS Tour. Unfortunately, for that date, their quote was even more than $300/night. And for an overnighter, it was more than what we wanted to spend. We will look into taking the tram to get to the airport. Does it run at 4:00 am?

Laural, I'm not sure it runs that early.

I just found this website, which says it runs from 5:30. https://www.introducingflorence.com/tram

What time is your flight?

Oh how fabulous that you'll have 3 nights in Siena! One of my favorite hill towns.

In Siena, I enjoyed my two-night stay at Hotel Chiusarelli https://www.chiusarelli.com/en/home/
My caveat is that I have not been there since 1998, so no recent experience; but judging from their website, it still looks lovely. It is likely still listed in the RS guidebook. The most recent Tuscany guidebook I have (2013) indicates that you can ask for a "Rick Steves Discount when you book," but who knows if that's still the case. Can't hurt to ask.

Ask for a quiet room. Near San Domenico Church (you'll hear bells in the AM), so a longer and hilly walk to Il Campo (which I felt was a plus, being further away from crowds). It's not too far from the Duomo. No matter where you stay, be prepared for lots of hills, which is part of Siena's charm. It is walking distance from the train station as I recall, which is why I chose it.

Don't rush the Duomo in Siena. If you're into it, there is so much detail to appreciate, including the mosaic tiles on the floor and many busts of the popes. Great description and self-guided tour of the Duomo in the RS guidebook.

For Siena check Antica Residenza Cicogna. It's in the RS book. Stayed there 2019, and again this past fall. Inexpensive (around 330€ for 3 nights) , lovely owner and breakfast, in the heart of the town.