Arriving at 20:00 at Siena train station. Staying at Alma Domus. Questions: will we be able to check in at that hour; can we walk from station to convent or should we use taxi or bus? I will fax Alma Domus with these questions, but thought someone who has stayed there recently might have a tip. Mille grazie.

The curfew time is 11:30,you should be able to check-in, but it is better to let them know ahead.

It is in the old town,near the town gate and bus terminal(about 5 minutes walk), about 10 minuters bus ride from train station. You could take taxi, or bus to the terminal, than walk down the alley besides church San Domenico.

Thanks, Judy, for the info. Did you enjoy your stay at Alma Domus? Were there any English speakers on the staff?

To Suzshe: You are quite welcome.

I stayed at the hotel for 4 nights because of the location(close to bus terminal,in old town) and room rate. The room was very basic and clean,a window with great view of Duomo. I can't really say enjoyable,but it was a convenient place to stay.

Non of the staff I have met spoke Englaish.

Suzshe-
We stayed at the Alma Domus for two nights on our first of many visits to Italy. It was a unique experience. As Judyc says, very basic and clean--it is a convent after all. The small bathroom included sink, toilet, bidet and overhead shower nozzle and drain in the floor--make sure you protect anything you don't want to get wet! Bed situation was 2 twins with appropriate convent wall art. The best was the fabulous view from window and balcony over the rooftops and up into the city center. You feel like you have a catbird spot overlooking the city sights and sounds. The nuns keep to themselves and I wouldn't expect any advice or conciege like services. Location, as stated was very convenient to the city center-10-15 min walk and to the bus stop. We enjoyed our stay and visit to Siena. Ciao, Paul

Do any of you remember whether the Alma Domus has a telephone in the room?

Wife and I stayed in the Alma Domus 2 years ago and remember that it did have a phone in the room. The only phone in the several convent rooms we stayed in. Taxi is necessary from the train station. Busses were always packed. Taxi can drop you within 100 feet of the front door. Only one person on staff spoke a little English. He was an African, very polite. E-mail me if you want further info. Esp, info on great little tratoria near by. Only complaint about this place was that the beds were incredibly squeeeky, and the hallways echoed a lot of noise.

we stayed here in 2000, fine place but we found it difficult to make the curfew (11pm at that time) after eating at a FANTASTIC restaurant in Siena called the Cane e Gato, where a meal really takes about 4 hours. We had to sprint home and were still late. If I had it to do again, I would not stay there so we could have enjoyed this glorious meal more. Really, it is that good. There are postings on here about it, this is where I heard about it. good luck. And from my memory I think a cab would be best from the train station.

whoops! didnt realize that original post was from 2 months ago!

Thanks Jim and Jck:

Prior to seeing Jck's post we had pretty well decided we didn't want to have the curfew (same restaurant choice, too!). We're thinking we'll go with the Palazzo Bruchi B&B. It's right in town, too, so we can linger over dinner. Can't wait!

MAKE A RESERVATION FOR CANE E GATO!! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!!!