Escalator in Siena?!
 

In trying to narrow down our February Siena accomodations, I keep coming across references to "the escalator".

We want to be outside the city (have a car) but within very short walking distance (two ladies walking alone after dinner).

Should we be seeking a place close to this escalator?

Do you want to park near the escalator or stay near the escalator?

You still have to walk from the town area a little ways to get to the escalator. I was there last year and had to walk between some churches and a deserted square to get to the escalator, then cross the street to get to the parking lot.

I would rather stay right in town and leave my car in the parking lot.

The escalator id to get people down to the parking lot or up to the city. There really are not a lot of great things down at the bottom of it (a hotel, a couple of shops) If you don't want to stay within the walls I would stay outside of Porta Romana (Santa Caterina is a wonderful hotel) which is an easy 15 minute walk from the ciity center.

Thanks, s.u. and s.u.: (ha!)

That helps clarify things. I hear such horror stories about the parking, but we will be there in Feb. so I'm assuming it will be lighter. Thus, we'll probably park in the lot and stay in town. We're 2 ladies and I realize now I've been rather anxious about walking way back to our lodgings after dinner.

Check out Palazzo Ravizza, right outside the city gate. They have parking, and it's a very nice hotel.

Unfortunately, Palazzo Ravizza is a little out of our budget. It looks spectacular! I'm considering something in-town or Piccolo Hotel Oliveta...I believe it's near Palazzo.

Sera:

do you know anything about the "loft" rooms at Palazzo Ravizza? They might squeeze into our budget.

This is the Web site for the Palazzo Ravizza:

http://www.palazzoravizza.it

A double loft room is 100 Euros in February. A single loft room is 80 Euros.

Slight correction to sera, the Ravizza is inside the gate not outside.