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Hi, Has anyone stayed at the hotel Moderno in Siena? Whats your opinion or do you have a better choice. Thanks Myra

There are lots of other 3 star choices: try the Arcobaleno, or the Santa Caterina, or the Garden hotel. They are all nice places.

Thew Santa Caterina, outside the Porta Romana, is very nice, but I didn't like the 10-15 minutes walk uphill to the campo. (I'm chubby & not a walker!)

Myra, try the Hotel Chiusarelli, near San Domenico church. Very nice and friendy staff. Good location. In another trip we stayed at a villa from which we could see the Duomo. If you are interested let me know. Ismael

My write up of Piccolo Hotel Oliveta (1/2 block down from Hotel Santa Caterina: Piccolo Hotel Oliveta Via E.S. Piccolomini, 35 53110 Siena Phone: 0577-283930 Fax: 0577-270009 Email: [email protected] http://www.olive.../index.uk.html POC: Antonio Ginanneschi (owner), Alexandra, and Serena 1 week cancellation policy 200.000L/night with buffet breakfast, parking, and all taxes. Paid with Visa This was our favorite hotel! Our hosts, Alexandra and Antonio, were wonderful. They were very attentive, informative, and helpful to answer any questions we had. They provided suggestions for our stay and visit around the area. The hotel was once a farmhouse, then a student house. Our room "G" was quite large with twin beds, 2 chairs and a round table, dresser, t.v.; the bathroom was near the entrance, while the shower stall was at the opposite end of the room. This room was once 2 separate rooms. Our window had a partial view of the valley and the reception building. In the reception building, there is a computer/library room, the breakfast room, and a lounge/bar. Quite cozy and comfortable. We felt so much at home; were offered complementary wine and cheese one night, and were given small bottles of first pressed olive oil. For other information on Italy, see my travel page http://www.luvtotravel.homestead.com/home.html

Dear Myra Hi!! I am from Siena and maybe can help you, the Moderno is not a great place as its right on a rather busy main road, they have built in front of it an escalator that takes you directly into the old city underneath the ancient walls, both the Hotel Oliveta and the S.Caterina are well run and clean. Inside the walls my choise is the Pensione Palazzo Ravizza, great location,a very caracteristic structure and very friendly girls at the desk try and get a room overlooking the back garden if possible. The prices are reasonable but you must pay half board, no problem as the restaurant is excellent and you can choose having lunch or dinner. The other hotels I saw that were written down the Arcobaleno or the Garden are way out of the storical centre and you would have to use public transportation to go back and forth. The e-mail of the Ravizza is [email protected] web site www.palazzoravizza.it For any further info please do feel free to contact me

Is there a web site for Hotel Chiusarelli? Thanks Myra

Ismael Tried to email you. Tell me more about the Hotel Chiusarelli. Is it near the soccer stadium? Do you know of a hotel near the stadium? Thanks Myra

I agree with Monica, especially if you are driving--they have good parking. Dario, good to see you on this forum--you can be a valuble asset.

Myra, the Chiusarelli is indeed next to the stadium and San Domenico basilica. It's a 3-star property, with a/c and a small private parking lot (if full, there's the stadium public parking next door). Web page is at http://web.tin.it/chiusarelli/

Dear Bob Hi!! Thank you for your welcome. I have been working with tourists for the last 13 years as a tour guide and many people have come through me having read comments about my tours on this message board. The least I can do to be thankful is to help people that come to Siena. I honestly can say to Myra that I have picked up many people at the Chiusarelli and I have never heard anyone rave about it...I repeat saying that the best reports I have always got from the Ravizza, if parking is your problem they have a private free car park behind the hotel.

Dario, I read your recommendation about the Palazzo Ravizza. I have a room on hold at the Hotel Duomo- should I keep it or change? Location and parking are important because we're only staying 1 night! Thanks, Judi

The hotel Duomo has a great location in town, best if you don't have a car, if you get a room with a view I wouldn't bother changing, in the end all you need is a clean bed and bathroom, right? If that is the case, stick to it..

We really enjoyed staying at the Duomo. We were on the top floor with a wonderful view of the cathedral. We would certainly stay there again!

Re: Hotel Duomo- we do have a car and the hotel receptionist said there's parking 10 minutes away- I hope we can get into the city and find the hotel as quickly as possible. Judi

I just got a response from hotel Chiusarelli and they are booked for Sept. Would like that location, as my husband is a runner and he can use the soccer field or park. Any recommendations for another hotel in that area. Thanks Myra

We emailed and called two hotels listed in the Rick Steves book, including the Chiursarelli, received answers within one day, booked via email, FAXed credit card info. to them and they confirmed the reservations. The prices in Rick's book were better than on Expedia.com. One hotel honored a discount Rick mentioned, reducing the rate as we talked on the phone. Good luck!