This site has been a God send and everyone (almost) has been helpful and informative. I don't know the rules of this site and please excuse me if I'm asking too many questions with very little to offer anyone else, but I appreciate the help just the same.

So has anyone stayed in Siena that would like to recommend their accomodations?

The Palazzo Ravizza, with a room at the back looking out on the garden and the green rolling hills of Tuscany. It is within the walls, but has its own parking lot outside the walls (if you are there by car; you drive in once to leave your luggage and once to pick it up again).

Half-board is sometimes required, but it is no hardship, as the food is good and served in the garden in fine weather.

It's also close to Il Campo and to almost anything you might want to see in Siena.

Thank you so much, but what does "half board" mean?

"Half-board" means taking breakfast and one other meal -- generally dinner -- at the hotel.

I have stayed at St. Catherine Hotel which is just outside the wall. The hotel has a beautiful yard that overlooks the mounts and valleys. The staff were wonderful. It's located close by for walking into the center or just outside the hotel is a bus that will take you (3 min ride) and drop you off at the center. There is also parking there for a fee. I'm going back next week. It's lovely.

Is there a website for St. Catherine's hotel? I've been looking everywhere and cannot find it.

It helps to look for an Italian hotel under its Italian name: Hotel Santa Caterina.

Eileen:

Here you go: http://santacaterina.hotel-siena-hotels.com/

Enjoy!

We also liked Santa Caterina a lot. If possible, get a room on the back, because of the views and to avoid being near the road.

We have stayed in siena many times. We have stayed at Cannon d'Oro. Simple but great location, about a 3 min walk from the Campo. This past April we stayed at Alma Domus (a convent). Rooms were very basic but we had a small balcony with a view of the duomo. It is prbably about a 10 minute walk to the Campo.

Another rec for Palazzo Ravizza.

Just returned from Siena and stayed in a loft room at Palazzo Ravizza. We loved the location and the room, though probably not quite as nice as the other types of rooms -- was just fine for our needs. We also had a great view and thought it was the best breakfast we had at all of our hotel stays.

What price range do you have in mind?

We also loved Palazzo Ravizza! Yes, a room over-looking the back garden and the hills of Tuscany is sooo romantic. They have a great included breakfast in June. We weren't required to purchase any other meals at the hotel, and breakfast was included.