Florence and Siena hotel

jennifer, It would help to have some idea on your price criteria for the hotel. In Siena you might have a look at Albergo Bernini. It's changed hands since I last stayed there, but I stopped by for a visit with the new owners and everything seems to be about the same so I'd have no hesitation at all staying there again. In Florence you could consider Katti House B&B. I haven't stayed there yet, but I had a nice visit with Katti and her mother a few weeks ago, and based on that would recommend it. Unfortunately I couldn't find prices on their website but I believe the Guidebook has information on prices. The food in their adjoining restaurant is great and there's a VERY convenient Laundromat right across the narrow street! If you'd prefer more of a "budget" hotel in Florence, have a look at Hotel Aldobrandini which is in a very convenient location, only a short distance from Firenze SMN station and right at one part of the San Lorenzo market. The facilities are somewhat "basic", but the rooms are clean and comfortable, although a bit "unconventional" in some ways. The owner is incredibly helpful and if you need Museum reservations or whatever, he can help with that. I stayed there a few weeks ago, and would definitely stay there again. There's also a fantastic restaurant just outside the front door of the hotel. Happy travels!

In Florence, I have stayed several times at the Archi Rossi Hostel and think it's great. It's less than 5 minutes' walk to the bus to Siena and the train station, only slightly more to the Academia or the Duomo. The rooms in the annexe are en suite hotel rooms. They have a strictly enforce quiet policy from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. I'm sensitive to noise and haven't been bothered. They have very good free walking tours in the mornings, on-site coin-op washers and dryers (detergent provided), free wifi, and more.

Hi
we stayed in Katti house's newest rooms and recommend them. Great people.

In Florence, we really enjoyed Hostel Archi Rossi. We also stayed in a private room in the annex. We didn't have any troubles with noise, either. Our room was directly across the hall from a cute rooftop terrace. We would stay there again. In Siena, we stayed in Hotel Porta Romana. Perfect in all ways. We parked our car and walked back into town (15 minutes). The location makes it easy to get out of Siena, too. The grounds are gorgeous with a beautiful terrace, perfect at sunset with a glass of wine, and a wonderful garden where breakfast is served.

Wow, thanks for all the fantastic ideas! I really appreciate it and will put these at the top of my list! Thanks again!

Sorry but additional questions: narrowing it down and looking at Hotel Athena or Hotel Garden as well, what do you all think of these? Thanks in advance!