The only luxury hotel in Siena's centro storico, or historic center, the Grand Hotel Continental is a lovingly restored Renaissance palazzo -- originally a wedding gift from Pope Alexander VII -- and is within a stone's throw of all the city's iconic sights. Rooms range in size and style, but all are inflected with Tuscany's signature Renaissance gilt; lower-priced rooms still have ornate chandeliers, heavy drapes, and rich upholstery, while suites have high, frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and panoramic views of the city. Apart from a wine cellar bar and a fine-dining restaurant serving gourmet Tuscan cuisine, there are few other common spaces or facilities (there's no fitness center, pool, or spa), although the grand ballroom would be a memorable place for events. The high price tag is hard to justify given these missing features and the slight wear in some of the rooms, but then there are no comparable options with this level of grandeur and the location can't be beat.
The only luxury hotel in Siena's centro storico, or historic center, the Grand Hotel Continental is a lovingly restored Renaissance palazzo -- originally a wedding gift from Pope Alexander VII -- and is within a stone's throw of all the city's iconic sights. Rooms range in size and style, but all are inflected with Tuscany's signature Renaissance gilt; lower-priced rooms still have ornate chandeliers, heavy drapes, and rich upholstery, while suites have high, frescoed ceilings, antique furnishings, and panoramic views of the city. Apart from a wine cellar bar and a fine-dining restaurant serving gourmet Tuscan cuisine, there are few other common spaces or facilities (there's no fitness center, pool, or spa), although the grand ballroom would be a memorable place for events. The high price tag is hard to justify given these missing features and the slight wear in some of the rooms, but then there are no comparable options with this level of grandeur and the location can't be beat.
Renovated in 2010 in a contemporary vintage style, the 65-room Hotel Italia offers Siena's mid-range hotels quality competition -- sometimes for about an equal or even cheaper price. Although there’s no on-site restaurant or pool, the hotel has worked out a deal with its upscale sister property Hotel Garden where guests can indulge in half-board meals and free use of the pool. While located within walking distance to most Siena attractions and many restaurants and bars, people specifically visiting Siena for Il Palio may find the 25-minute walk to Piazza Il Campo inconvenient. Others may find the property's location off a busy road to be noisy.
Renovated in 2010 in a contemporary vintage style, the 65-room Hotel Italia offers Siena's mid-range hotels quality competition -- sometimes for about an equal or even cheaper price. Although there’s no on-site restaurant or pool, the hotel has worked out a deal with its upscale sister property Hotel Garden where guests can indulge in half-board meals and free use of the pool. While located within walking distance to most Siena attractions and many restaurants and bars, people specifically visiting Siena for Il Palio may find the 25-minute walk to Piazza Il Campo inconvenient. Others may find the property's location off a busy road to be noisy.