Siena Hotels-- Albergo Bernini, Villa Elda or Palazzo Ravizza?

We loved Albergo Bernini but I don't know anything about the others. The amazing thing about Albergo is the terrace with the view! The hosts (very sweet, helpful early 20's women) helped us with ideas, reservations, rental car, etc. This hotel is a social place with mostly Americans. Many guest share wine and cheese out on the terrace. The rooms...well, they need some updating. We had a shared bath...it was ok. If you go there it isn't for the rooms, but the sacrifice is worth the terrace! We were there this last Sept. and Siena was one of our favorites!

Italy Lover,

As with the previous post, I haven't stayed in the others but would also recommend Albergo Bernini. The terrace was also a big favourite with me (I think I mentioned that in one of my earlier posts).

I found the room quite comfortable, but certainly not luxurious. I think they've done an incredible job of fitting modern conveniences into an 800 year old building.

Happy travels!

I will also vouch for Albergo Bernini. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking Siena is one of my favorite memories. I also spent an entire afternoon up there reading and enjoying the view. The hotel has a great location and is close to some good restaurants. Plus - I thought the decorating job was charming. I have photos of the terrace and my room if you're interested.

I would highly recommend the Villa Elda. We were in Italy for two weeks last summer and it was our favorite hotel we stayed in. A short walk from the Campo and situated in a quiet residential area of Siena. Also, very close to the bus station. The owner and staff are very helpful. Check out all the positive comments on Trip Advisor. Villa Elda is rated #1 of all hotels in Siena. Rick Steves recommends it as well. That's why we stayed there and we were very pleased. Good luck! You'll love Siena.

I have had great success with www.tripadvisor.com for my travels. Even hints like which room to request, owners attitudes, thin walls & mattresses and location. A lot of pictures are posted as well.

Palazzo Ravizza. We stayed there earlier this year and it is just lovely. The front rooms of the hotel have views of the Duomo and the rooms at the back have a fantastic view over the country side. There is a large garden terraced area at the back so everyone can enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding country side. They also have a parking area which is a real bonus. Staff were excellent, rooms large and the meals good too. Couldn't recommend it more highly.

My complaint about Albergo Bernini was that they require you to MAIL a check or money order to hold your room. We did that but Italy doesn't have the best mail system it seems.

We were literally leaving Florence to get the bus for Siena when I read the email that they'd cancelled our reservation because they didn't get the money order. Fortunately, our host in Florence was able to suggest Palazo Brucchi which was really wonderful, we'll be staying there again in May.

The hassle of cancelling the mo and waiting 90 days for the refund was a real pain.

My wife and I stayed at Villa Elda for 3 nights in July, and we really liked it. It's in a nice, quieter part of town. It added about 10 minutes more walking to get to most sites, but the walk was pleasant. The staff there was very helpful, especially Georgia.

I think I accidently hit the send button during my first attempt at a reply.

My second attempt: I have stayed at both Albergo Bernini and Palazzo Ravizza. I can highly recommend Palazzo Ravizza (I stayed there in 2000 and again in 2003)based on their service, the ambience inside the hotel and the views.

Yes, Albergo Bernini does have a great terrace view; but it's a cramped terrace sharing space with drying laundry. The rooms are horrid, noise is a huge problem and we felt as though we were intruding whenever we passed through the dining room, where the Bernini family were actually having their meals, to walk up the stairs to the terrace.

We had planned to stay 2 nights at Albergo Bernini but checked out after the first night and checked into Palazzo Ravizza.

And, yes, it's a drag that you have to send a deposit via check or money order.