We are traveling with another couple and are looking for a nice place to stay (without breaking the bank) in both Siena (3 nights) and Florence (2 nights). Does anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks!

Please give your price range to make recommending easier. I might also do a search..there have been hundreds of posts here on that subject...

theyings

I have not stayed in Siena, but for Florence, I recommend Hotel delle Arti, a 3-star hotel with big rooms and very centrally located, within walking distance to the Duomo. I stayed there for 3 nights in May 2006 and I think I paid Euro170 per night for 2 pax including breakfast.

Enjoy!

S

In Florence, I can recommend the Relais Cavalcanti. It is a very small and charming hotel, situated very close to the Uffizi and Ponte Vecchio. For two couples it would be especially nice because guests have 24/7 access to a pretty dining room/kitchen area with lots of windows, a large dining table and chairs. It would make a great place to enjoy some wine and some down time. I wrote a detailed trip report about it and other Florence recommendations:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34813784
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For Siena - Palazzo ravizza(great reviews on Slowtrav) and Palazzo Fani Mignanelli..

We stayed at Mario's hotel in late Oct. The location was perfect, close to the train station and walking distance to all the sites. Our stay at the Hotel was perfect, not one complaint.

We stayed at Palazzo Ravizza in Siena for 3 nights in 2003. It was very nice.
http://www.palazzoravizza.it/

The deal we had was half-board, which we wouldn't do again, as we quickly got bored with the menu. One of the best things about the hotel is the parking arrangement it offers, behind the hotel so it's not necessary to drive within the city walls. You do not want to be trying to drive in Siena! The easy parking made it simple to get out to take day trips to towns like San Gimignano, montepulciano, and monteriggioni, and volterra - all great places.

Check out Venere.com. It's by far the best website for booking accommodation in Europe. I use it all the time, particulary useful as it has a good review section. I stayed in the Hotel Globus with friends about 3 years ago and would recommend it.

venere.com is great for research but I have often found better pricing elsewhere or direct with the hotels.

In Florence: Relais Grand Tour. Loved, loved, loved it, October 2006. The website is pretty accurate, too. Management is wonderful -- atmosphere & decor are whimsically beautiful, location is perfetto. We stayed in the Actor's Suite. I can't wait to return!
http://www.florencegrandtour.com/

In Florence we liked the Hotel Globus. It's in the San Lorenzo Market area and about a 10 minute walk from the Duomo. Of course, Florence is such an easy city to walk around, you're not really far from anything.