Awesome Hotels in Siena

We stayed at the Hotel Chiusarelli when we were on the Rick Steves 17 day Best of Italy several years ago. When we returned to Siena for another few days I booked the same hotel. It’s a handy location near the bus stop from Florence, and the hotel rooms and breakfast were good.

In 2007 we stayed at the nun run Alma Domus recommended by RS. We choose cheaper in-the-center of town lodgings and this one was perfect. Very little English was spoken though. It was near the St. Catherine Church in one of the Palio neighborhoods, where we watched their flag practice. The narrow winding streets were easy to get lost in. We loved it.

Second recommendation for the Alma Domus. I've stayed there several times. In the past couple of years they did some very nice (and needed) upgrades. May I suggest upgrade your room choice - the balcony is not very deep but should be enough for an early morning and late night gaze up and down the medieval city. Absolutely spellbinding! The room, the bathroom (especially the shower) are much more comfortable. They have also upgraded their breakfast selections. It'll get you started but don't look for an extravagant buffet. Last year I noticed the level of English at the front desk was much better - my Italian isn't too bad (should be better after 17 trips but that's another story) but I did notice people with no Italian were getting good directions and answers in English. Sad, this was on my list for this trip. Oh well, it's been there for centuries so I expect it will be there next year.

You might look into the Hotel Palazzetto Rosso at Via dei Rossi 38-42. They have a website. The street is quiet and a walk to the Campo is only 5-10 minutes.

I also enjoyed my stay at Alma Domus. An added plus is that it's quite close to a great gelateria...Il Masgalano. Wish I was having some of their ginger and honey gelato right now. (Sigh...)

We also enjoyed the Alma Domus. Ask for a room with a view, wonderful!

Last October we stayed at Rick Steves recommended Antica Residenza Cicogna, a charming 7-room medieval B&B, with a homey elegance and an ideal location on Villa delle Terme. Elisa was a wonderful and solicitous hostess. Nice breakfasts, great location, and reasonably priced. I would stay there again for sure.

I will ditto the above for Antica Residenza. Simply lovely, quiet location in the middle of everything, great small restaurants nearby. I do hope they can survive this, as we would gladly stay there again if we returned to Siena.

Hotel Chiusarelli

if you go in the Summer, be sure to get a room with a working a/c.

No fans, no window screens and no breeze.

Breakfast and location good