Can anyone give input on the Palazzo Ravizza and the Hotel Santa Caterina in Siena? My husband and I are planning on staying at one or the other in early May, and there is quite a price difference.

Didn't stay in either , but would like to suggest you also consider Villa Elda, a lovely B&B. We stayed there for 6 nights. I belive it is #1 or 2 in Tripadvisor.

Both are good choices, but the SC is on SS2 which is your road for all daytrips south--assuming you will have a car. The walk into the Campo is about :15 and is a bit uphill. We especially liked the breakfast at SC. Good luck !

Another vote for Santa Caterina. Perfect location. With a bus stop right out front for the short trip into centro storico if walking is not your thing. Parking on the premises. If weather permits, breakfast in the garden is magical. And one room has a small balcony that looks out on quintessential Tuscan views. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

We were very happy with the Palazzo Ravizza -- good location, friendly staff, nice breakfast. We stayed in one of the less expensive rooms (up in the attic) and would opt for one of the nicer rooms next time if the budget will allow. I've also heard good things about the Santa Caterina. If there is a big difference in price, I'd probably choose whichever hotel is more reasonable. Have a good trip.

Thanks for everyone's feedback. I think we're going to go with the Santa Caterina, as it's a bit less expensive and looks very nice, perhaps easier to be out of town a little bit since we'll have a car, with all that that entails!

I stayed at Palazzo Ravizza in October. Gorgeous sunset view from my room... but I thought it was overpriced for a 'tired' room. Public areas were fine. Onsite parking. Breakfast was nothing to write home about (have to disagree with a previous response)!

I stayed at Palazzo Fani Mignanelli last year. It's a nice hotel within the walls and I had wonderful service from everyone. Carmine was great for local information. However, even with the earplugs provided in the room, and the thick windows, I could still hear the partiers at the bar downstairs loud and clear till about 4am EVERY night. If I ever stay in Siena again, I think I would choose the SC myself.

Yikes rebroc1! That's not good. I stayed at Palazzo Fani Mignanelli many years ago and did not notice the noise. Loved my room and the hotel.

Ya, and I'm a light sleeper. Other than that, I loved the place.

I'll throw in another rec for The SC...delightful place...BobNav is right about it being much more convenient exit for daytrips. The parking in the rear gets very tight at times... (we had a sort of a one-and-a-half story room, with the queen bed on a platform..quite nice, I had never seen this type of room before..our window looked out over the garden.

BobNav...I figure this is about the fourth or fifth match in hotels you and I have had (Hotel Orta, Marvao pousada, Estalagem do Convento in Obidos, and now the good old SC. Am I missing any? Shows exceptionally good taste, eh!

stu tower

el, can only speak for the Palazzo Ravizza which we stayed at a few years back. It has been highly recommended on this board. The view from the rooms in the back reminded me of the scenery in a Renaissance painting. A bit worn, but that's the charm.

Enjoy Siena...