Striking Siena has one of Tuscany’s best known skylines, and its liquorice all-sort cathedral, its domes and bell-towers are well used in Tuscan guidebooks and brochures. It is also home to an extraordinary art collection, much of it of the religious variety. So it’s easy to fall in love with Siena’s aesthetics, and if you agree that the city's near divine Gothic architecture is a highlight, then you might also agree that the best places to stay in Siena are the ones with the best views of it! Our Gurus have picks-with-a-view both within and without the walls. There’s quite a bit of choice when it comes to accommodation in Siena, but the majority within the historic centre of town is in the form of converted palazzos, villas or mansions-turned B&Bs. Siena does have a grand grand dame hotel, plus a number of charming lodges just outside the centre of town, and a handful of more modern properties too.

For one of the best views in town you'll need to climb to the top of the 500 step Torre del Mangia, which is the tallest tower on the red Palazzo Pubblico. Siena’s museum is in the same building, and houses many of the city’s finest artworks — the ones that aren’t to be found in their original positions within religious buildings, or civic ones.

Siena’s most famous festival is the Palio: the world-famous horse race around its Piazza del Campo, where Siena’s 17 neighbourhoods, or contrade, compete as they have done for hundreds of years. The continued vibrancy of the Palio today has helped keep each contrada unique. Neighbourhoods are close-knit and vibrant, all boasting their own pasticcerie and gelaterias, restaurants, bars, cafes, hairdressers etc., and there’s plenty of contrade pride and loyalty. If you want to experience the Palio for yourself you definitely need to book into one of the best places to stay in Siena as soon as you find availability, it’s extremely competitive, and you might need to book years in advance.

The Best Places to Stay in Siena

For a Special Occasion

• The Grand Hotel Continental is Siena's grand dame hotel, and the only five star property in the area. Its location is unbeatable, steps from the Piazza del Campo, and the decor is truly historic. The public spaces are glorious, with Murano glass chandeliers, floor-to ceiling frescoes, terracotta floors and period furniture, and the 51 rooms and suites are almost as impressive, with grand marble bathrooms and antiques galore. The service is incredible, and if you can drag yourself away from the elegant surroundings the staff will be happy to organise truffle hunting, hot air ballooning or whatever takes your fancy really!

Within Siena’s Walls

• Il Battistero is a chicly renovated palazzo in the centre of town, with seven rooms and suites and views of San Domenico. As well as restoring elegant details to the palazzo, like repairing the beautiful floor tiles and exposed beams, the palazzo had big beautiful bathrooms added. The bar isn’t just a bar, it’s also a wine tasting cellar.

For the Views

• If a view of the town centre is on your list the Campo Regio Relais may be the hotel for you. Romantic and stylish, this B&B has some of the best views in town. Settle yourself on the terrace with a glass of something local and peer wonderingly at the 14th century Duomo or simply over the rooftops. Its six rooms and suites are furnished with well selected antiques, and beautiful fabrics, if you feel like pushing the boat out, go for room number five — a luxurious treat with four poster bed, antique furniture and of course those spectacular views.

Best Pensiones

• Owned and run by the same family since the 1920s, the Palazzo Ravizza is a pensione located just outside the historic centre of town. Its thirty bedrooms ooze old world charm and elegance — think tiled floors, wooden beams and vaulted ceilings. Another plus for an Italian hill top town is the free and secure parking — a bit of a rarity these days. There is no restaurant, but you’re surrounded by excellent bars and eateries.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pisa Airport is Tuscany’s largest, and quite convenient for Siena, meaning it’s about an hour and a half way by car, or about two and a half hours away by train. Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci, is a bit closer still, about an hour away by car, but still about two and a half hours by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Siena’s busiest time is during the Palios, the famous horse races that take place at the end of July and mid August, but Siena’s festival calendar is pretty packed all year, with lots of food and wine festivals. Siena gets Tuscany’s summer visitors, who need to brace themselves or temperatures of 30°C+ here, but if you’re able to, the weather will be more pleasant in May, June or September, October. Christmas is a special time in Italy, and Siena is welcoming and beautifully decorated at Christmas, even if there is more chance of rain.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Tuscany? or maybe just the best luxury hotels in Tuscany?
• You might also want to consider some of Tuscany’s other historic centres, using our Gurus’ recommendations for the best hotels in Tuscan towns, or you could go straight to our recommendations in Cortona, Montepulciano, San Gimignano, or Arezzo?
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.