Siena hotel
 

Folks, I was sent to Tripadvisor, but frankly, found it exhausting and ambiguous. (One hotel had 6 reviews and each was way different than the next. I kept wondering, "were they all at the same hotel"? And all the dates were pretty close together!)

Anyway, we are looking for just one night, maybe two, in Siena Oct 20/21st. We won't have a car, but we are not opposed to staying on outskirts, as I see that taxis and buses are reasonably priced and available. Ideally, we'd like someplace with nice sunset view of the area (balcony?) We are also on a budget, so would like to start at under 150 euros if we can. We also would consider bed and breakfast or alternative arrangements. Winery/private/old farmhouse, etc is ok. We need twin beds (she kicks!) and in suite bathroom.

If ANYONE can recommend a place or two, I would be SOOOOOOOOOOO thankful!!!

Thanks bunches!

We'll be in Siena next month and have reservations at Cannon d'Oro Hotel. It's within the historical center, easy to walk to everything and 300 meters to the bus station. Since you will only be there for a short time I wouldn't consider staying outside the center, to much time wasted getting to where you will want to be.

We stayed in the Hotel Chiusarelli in 2001 and again in 2004. We would return. In 2004 a double room in at the end of February was about 120 euros. I had the Hotel Moderna recommended to me on that trip but it was full.
The Chiusarelli is on the north end of the city center near the soccer stadium and the Dominican church. It has a a few parking places. It's about a 10 minute walk to the Campo.

There are 2 I like:
Palazzo Ravizza
Santa Caterina

Both are top end 3 stars and nice.

I can second Hotel Chuisarelli. It is a good location if you have a car, as it is short walk to the center of town, but far enough so that it easily navigable by car and there is ample parking as I recall. It is on a somewhat main road, but noise was not a problem (ask for a room in the back.) I have read some reports of rude/bizzare behaviour by the staff, but I that was not my experience.

Can recommend Palazzo Ravizza. Within walking distance of the plaza and great sunset view from our room over-looking Tuscany. Stayed for 3 nights in 2003.

We also enjoyed the Chuisarelli. The public spaces are particularly nice, even elegant. The included breakfast was excellent.The advice to insist on a back room is right on. The hotel is on the main road with considerable bus traffic since the main bus station is just around the bend. We found the staff to be pleasant and helpful.

Thanks so much to all of you. I will look at these right away and see if any availability. Tico, if you have a good stay next month at Canon D'Oro, I hope you will post it here. :) Thanks again and I'm open to more suggestions, in case these are all booked.

The Hotel Chiusarelli looks awesome. Can someone please tell me what "half board" means? The other option is "B&B" and I assume means bed and breakfast.

Thanks!!!!!!!

"Half board" means two meals a day, usually breakfast and dinner.

Our stay at the Chiusarelli was very positive as noted earlier. However, I am concerned about the many negative reports on TripAdvisor. So, Positives: Our room was on the ground floor in the back facing the soccer stadium. It was clean, quiet, in very good repair, nicely furnished and had a very nice fully tiled bath, although as is common, the tub did not have a shower curtain. If there was a game in the stadium or something going on in the park, we would have heard it although we are of the early up and out types rather than sleep in. Church bells ring in the early morning, but we like that- it is part of the ambiance. Rooms in the front are NOT desirable. Between the bus traffic and the motorcycles I doubt you would get a good sleep. The breakfast buffet was one of the better ones we had on that trip.
Many of the TA reviewers complain of rude staff. All I can say, that was not our experience. The young lady at the desk, and later others were most friendly and helpful. We came without a reservation, having checked out early from a hotel within the walls that was very uncomfortable and had a foul odor. We explained our situation and were offered an excellent rate and shown what was to be our room without having to ask. Under the circumstances, they could have taken advantage but did not.

Thanks to all who responded. I tend to think that people who travel more tend to be "fairer" in their reviews. People here at Fodors seem to understand that "good service" in America may be "poor service" or "excellent service" in another country. We have booked at the Chiusarelli and will give you a trip report come October! Grazie!!!

Hi sarge56

Reporting back on Cannon D"Oro in Siena.

We only sent one night here and wished it had been more. The hotel is a very short walk(100 meters) from the bus station. We took the bus to Sienna from Rome. We had two rooms, a single for my daughter and a double for my wife & I. My daughter was happy with her room (Room #5) it was on the first floor quiet & dark, the view was of a brick wall across the narrow street. On the other end of the spectrum our double was on the top floor and spacious by european standards, full of sunlight and a delightful view of the Siena rooftops, diving swallows and the hills of Chanti glowing with golden late afternoon sun. WoW!

This hotel is very simple, no frills. Don't bother with the breakfast or the coffee included in the price of the room. The front desk people were very friendly & helpful. Total cost for both rooms was 179 Euro's

The website for this hotel shows views only looking out from the front of the hotel. You won't see the view from Room #37 on the website. I walked around the outside of the hotel and it seems that many rooms may not have a view to get excited about, be sure to ask for a room with a view when you book.

This hotel is perfectly situated for all the great sites in the heart of Seina

Both time we stayed at the Chiusarelli, we had rooms on the front one on the ground floor and one on the next floor up. We were disturbed by any traffic noise.

tico, thanks bunches for reporting back. I tried to book at the Cannon D'Oro, but they had no openings on the day we needed, so we booked at the Chiasurelli. But next trip...we may just check out the D'Oro! Thank you again, everyone, for input. :) We are SOOOO excited! :)