Siena with a rental car: Should I stay within the city wall or outside

Driving within Siena's city center is restricted to local cars and policed by automatic cameras. Driving or parking anywhere marked ZTL (zona traffico limitato) will get you a hefty ticket. Technically, hotel customers are allowed to drop off bags at their hotel before finding a place to park overnight, but in the opinion of some travelers getting permission to do so isn't worth the trouble, and some who post here have found that they got tickets anyway, despite "getting permission" to drop off bags at the hotel.

I put city center in italics (above) because I'm not clear on 2 things relevant to your question: 1) exactly where the city walls are (you say, twice, "within the city walls") and 2) I haven't found a map of the Siena ZTL.

Perhaps someone here knows more about this and can post?

But since no one had yet posted to your question, I thought it was better to give you a heads up on the Siena ZTL, even though I don't have complete information.

It's possible the Siena accommodation you're considering can advise you on parking (although people posting here have had limited luck trying to get parking advice from Italian hotels by e-mail).

It seems the agriturismo would have easier parking. But there are some countervailing advantages to sleeping in the Siena historic center.

Some travelers choose not to have a car in Siena, but if you need a car both before and after Siena, then that advice won't work for you.

I don't know where you found to stay IN Siena or how much it is, but next month we are going to be staying at an agriturismo just outside of Siena for 85 euros per night. What time of year are you going?

Hotel Athena.
St. Marcos Gate.
Worked out great for us.
We had room 606 I think. Anyway, request a room at least on the 6th floor that overlooks the valley.

http://www.hotelathena.com/eng/come_arrivare.php

Reviews

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g187902-d241747-Reviews-Hotel_Athena-Siena_Tuscany.html

We loved this hotel. It is in a 70's decor time warp, but it feels like a Luxury Hotel with a three star price. All the staff were very nice and extremely helpful with suggestions and driving directions to hill towns.
Parking is free. Definitely check out the Terrace in the evening.

This June we stayed at Agri Borgo Sichelle, in Castllina in Chianti, 22 kilos (14 miles) up the road from Siena and loved it. It is about 1/2 mile from the freeway, has wonderful owners that speak excellent English, has a pool and self contained apts. Our apt. was only $75EU/nite, and had a view to die for. There were lots of excellent restaurants nearby. See the reviews in Trip Advisor.

We stayed within the walls about six years ago and driving in to drop luggage was very nerve wracking. At that time I don't think they were as strict with ZTL's. Our hotel failed to tell us which porto to enter for easy access to the hotel (Hotel Duomo). We entered Siena on the porto which was exactly opposite of where we should have entered--Porto Tufi--there are about seven porto/gates. It was not a fun experience driving through the city which was packed with pedestrians. Do everything possible to avoid this situation.

Andrea, we'll be there in October. Which agritourismo are you staying at for 85 euros? Can anyone else recommend an agritourismo close to Siena for 100 euros or less? Agritourismo Marciano is unfortunately booked. Thanks again.

We are staying at Agriturismo Marciano. It is an organic winery and they also make olive oil. Check out their website. It comes very highly recommended on Trip Advisor. I learned about it from Sheron, who posts here on the helpline. She said staying there and eating the optional dinners they cook were the highlight of their trip. I can hardly wait to experience it for myself. I think they have 8 rooms. I booked mine quite some time ago. If you are interested you should look into it ASAP, as they may already be booked for October.

Il Mulino di Quercegrossa, up the Chianti Highway about 8 miles north of Siena, has double rooms for 75 to 85 euro. It is situated among vineyards. We loved the views and the pools there, although I don't know if the pools will be open in October.

http://www.mulinodiquercegrossa.it/sito/

Been there and done that...it will make a man out of you. It's doable but listen to advice on where to enter city and be ready to call hotel for precise directions (more than once if necessary). They will also point you to a car park for the car. I discovered that the one way streets "didn't mean me" if my hotel was down that street. Even Italians think we're courageous to drive in Siena but it makes some great stories!! good luck