Siena Place To Stay

We stayed at Hotel Chiusarelli when we were in Siena with a RS tour. A few years ago, we were back in Siena and stayed at the same hotel. It's very handy if you're taking the bus from Florence because the bus stop is just a few blocks around the bend. Also, the breakfast had a very nice assortment.

Check Alma Domus. It's close to the buses and San Domenico church. although the center of town is uphill, it's not too far away (and the whole town is up and down anyway). It's close enough to be able to go back during the day and some of the rooms have views up to the duomo with balconys, although they do ask that people not eat in the rooms. Has private baths and breakfast, nothing fancy but well priced.

I will second Hotel Chiusarelli. Close to the plaza to walk. Decent breakfast included. Had parking if need. Helpful staff for us.

Can you tell me about noise please for Hotel Chiusarelli? In Rick's book says it's on a busy street and expect traffic noise at night.

As I remember the street was lightly traveled at night. We had room facing the road and do not recall being disturbed by traffic.

Perhaps a long day playing tourist had me predisposed to sleeping soundly

If you are a light sleeper, and you end up in a street facing room, ear plugs would likely solve any noise issue.

There are many rooms that are not on the street side.

I second Alma Domus. Great location, clean and not expensive.

RC, during our first stay at Hotel Chiusarelli, we had a room facing the back - actually had a view of the soccer field behind it. During our last stay, we were in a room overlooking the front of the hotel. They gave us a gigantic room that time - more like a layout for a family. We like to sleep with our windows open. We'd occasionally hear some people walk by, but it didn't keep me from having a good night's sleep. If it's more of an issue for you, you could ask for a room that doesn't face the street.

Did not have noise issues at chiusarrelli. It is on a busy road but was quiet at night. We were there in November so the caveat isour windows were closed.

Highly recommend the Antica Residenza Cicogna. Small b and b in the old town. We stayed there for 2 nights last Nov. Great rooms ( each room is differently decorated, we stayed in the liberty room), Superb breakfast, the owners always have a smile and it's very close to the Duomo square and the piazza del Campo. Super deal for the price.

We loved Siena and am sure you will too.
Have a great trip!

Thanks for all the suggestions. After doing more reading I am leaning to Albergo Bernini. Terrace views for breakfast and twilight are pulling at my heart.

yogibaba, what incredible photos!

Alma Domus! I've stayed there several times and my son just stayed there for 4 nights in September. The price is very affordable. Make sure to get a room with a view...it's a spectacular vista over the city.

Hi Anita, it looks very enticing. At this point it's a real toss up between Alma Domus and Albergo Bernini. Did you find noise any distraction as Rick cautions about that?

I've stayed at both Alma Domus and Albergo Bernini. Alma Domus is much larger and has somewhat of an institutional feel, but it's impeccably clean and the breakfast is very nice. I don't remember noise being an issue even though one of my rooms was near stairs. Do request a room overlooking the duomo. Albergo Bernini is small and thus more intimate and charming, and the view from the terrace at breakfast is nice (although it may be cold eating out there in March). Either place would be a good choice, but between the two I prefer Alma Domus.

Thanks Frank, that makes me feel better about Albergo Bernini. I don't mind cold as long as it's not rainy, I'll be coming off a ski trip so Tuscany should feel like the tropics.

Why though do you prefer Alma Domus?

I like the brighter rooms, the larger public spaces and the lower prices. I also had my own balcony where I could sit outside and read.

You can see photos of the b and b and my time in Siena on yogictravel.wordpress.com
We loved Siena and am sure you will too.
Have a great trip!

Great photos yogibaba! We also loved Siena. We stayed into the evening and had roasted chestnuts from a street vendor. What a treat!

Just to throw something out there, more on the cheaper side but Hotel (or Albergo) Tre Donzelle or Albergo Cannon D'oro - both central and cheap. I stayed in each 10 years ago when I lived in Siena and had guests, but from reviews they look about the same now. Never stayed in the two you mentioned, but I can tell you that both look to be a little outside of the busiest part of the city (in a good way - very accessible) and are right by a delicious restaurant (with a great view) - Pizzeria di Nonno Mede.

I love Albergo Bernini. Been there three times. They have rooms with shared baths as well as private baths. I have never had a problem getting a room WITH a bath. The view from their balcony is fantastic! Clean, basic rooms with a great location. It is affordable and has been listed in RS books. They have a bulletin board in the hall with thank you notes from guests and Rick and his family's note is smack dam in the middle of the board.

Smack dab, not dam!

I don't remember noise being an issue at all at Alma Domus.

Be that as it may, I really appreciate the input. I've opted for Albergo Bernini. No bad reports and I just love the views I see from one of the two terraces. I fell I don;t so much need a view in my room as I will enjoy having breakfast or an aperitif. Ciao!

Yea! You will love the Bernini. There is a cute little shop almost straight across the street that I liked to shop at. And the two restaurants on the street behind the restaurant are good too. You are a stones throw from St. Catherine's church and the bus station, as well. There is a little gift shop in the church. Catherine is the patron saint of nurses so I bought her medal for my nurse daughter. March is a great time. Should not be "too many" tourists at that time. That is when I usually go. Check out the beautiful Easter displays in the windows.

Yes to Albergo Bernini! I can’t imagine a more spectacular view than that terrace. The proprietors are wonderful and the location is great. You will love it .