Going on July 4. Palio begins July 2. When does it end? Which train from Rome? Any lodging suggestions? Anyone ever stayed at The Duomo? Thanx

The Palio is just a one-day event. You are wise to be making your reservations now. I have heard from others that the Duomo is a fine hotel, but we chose Alma Domus on the recommendation of someone else here on this forum (and Rick Steves) and were delighted with it. Couldn't believe it was rated only one-star, as it was far nicer than the 3-star we had in Rome. Sometimes hotels want to keep their rating lower for tax purposes, and I suspect that is the case here. It is right by the San Domenico Church, which is also the main bus stop for buses to practically everywhere. We found it to be quicker and easier to take the train from Rome to Florence and then backtrack by bus to Siena. Bus drops you off at San Domenico, and it's just a few steps down the hill to Alma Domus, while the train station is pretty far away from everything and you have to take another bus or taxi back into the center of things. The bus leaves from near the train station (across a side street) in Florence. Their (hotel) phone is 011-39-577-44177, fax 011-39-577-47601. Our double was only about $50-55 in October. It might be a bit more for the Palio, but I doubt it. Siena is a lovely spot in its own right, and a good day trip base.

Joyce--Thank you, I had given up on this posting and was just going to wing it. I read about that hotel in Rick Steve's, but passed it by due to the rating. Will take another look. Where did you stay in Rome? We are looking at La Residenza. For Florence, the Monna Lisa.

We stayed at the Domus last May, and Joyce may have seen my posting (glad you liked it!). I'd recommend it, too. Really a great spot, easy to find (follow Rick's directions), big clean QUIET rooms. The nuns who live there/run it go to mass everyday at 7:00 or so, so if you must leave early, as we had to, try to make arrangements before morning. They don't do any business until after mass. We took the train from Florence, caught a city bus at the Siena station, but weren't sure we were a the right place to get off -- so we stayed on the bus and got off out in the country, had to walk back about 3/4 mile. And then back up the city's hills! The "square" the bus stops at (Ricks' book) doesn't resemble other squares, so keep your eyes open, and get off before the bus turns around and heads out of town. We had to take a taxi back to the station in the morning because it was a holiday (no buses). We called from the pay phone at the Domus, managed to communicate, and the driver was at the door in minutes. About $8 back to the train station. P.S. Be sure to see Catherine's head in the church.

Ellen--I saw your message and I thought I would mention our experience with the Hotel La Residenza in Rome.

We were there last year and liked it very much. It is on a quiet street off the Via Veneto near the Spanish Steps. Our room was large and very nice and
the breakfast is wonderful. The only pitfall was
when we discovered at night a nondescript building
across the street turns into a nightclub with a lot
of comings and goings. I would recommend that you
ask for a room not on the street side. Otherwise it
was a great experience and we will stay there again.

Casa Colibri at Siena is a lovely hotel on the second floor of a palazzo just five minutes walk from the Campo. It's run by a very friendly older couple. The hotel has no lift, in case you are not so mobile. I can't remember their address but found them in a CIT brochure.
Bon voyage.

Actually, the Palio ends about 2 minutes after it starts, that is the horse race. The whole day however is filled with medieval pageantry that is really super. You can watch the fantastic costumed parade and join the locals in cheering for their favorite district from anywhere. To see the race, however, you have to either get there extremely early to stake out a spot or pay a fortune ($150 per seat when we were there). We ended up watching the race with the locals on a bar TV. One teenager got so distraught when her team lost due to the customary cheating that she grabbed my husband's arm and sobbed like she had just lost her best friend! After the race we joined the crowd for the frenzied running through the streets, following the winning horse to the cathedral. It was great!