#1 Just watched "Stealing Beauty" with Jeremy Irons and Liv Tyler... Liv is a cutie but she did not stand a chance against the beautiful Siennese (?) landscape. Thanks to all of you who suggested the movie. <BR> <BR>#2 Hotel Arcobaleno in Sienna <BR> Has anyone stayed there recently? How far (walking) is it from Sienna <BR> <BR>#3 Driving into Sienna... Is there parking ouside the walls, inside ??? How does one arrive by car and tour then area. <BR> <BR>Thanks people, give me some info PLEASE!!!

Haven't stayed at the Arcobaleno. It's outside the cuty walls, close to the train station. Once it's only about a 15 min stroll (uphill) to Piazza del Campo, I shouldn't worry about parking. Just leave your car at the hotel (it has a parking lot). Should you want to drive closer to the old city centre, the 2 largest parking lots in Siena are a) around the stadium and b) in the Fortezza Medicea. In the high season these parking lots fill around 10am . <BR>Paulo <BR> <BR>

We just got back from Italy and spent 5 days in Siena. I do not know the hotel you mentioned but it is a pretty good walk from the train station area. Parking is a challenge anywhere in Italy but in January they were getting ready to open a new parking garage (our friend told us about 10 days but that is "Italian time")Siena is a wonderful "walking" city and I know you will love it. If I can be of any other helg, feel free to E-mail me.

hi pat- can you suggest a hotel in sienna end of april? <BR> <BR>thanks, geri <BR>

Don't know what you are looking for, but when I was there, I stayed at the Alba (?) Domus, a hotel run by nuns near the top of the town and the SITA bus station (much closer and easier than the train.) <BR> <BR>My single room had a lovely painted iron double bed, with a large balcony and an INCREDIBLE view of the Duomo and the terraced gardens alongside it for the equivilant of about $40 U.S. The bathroom was down the hall and rather spartan, but spotlessly clean. <BR> <BR>The only downside is the curfew, which I believe was 11:30 pm.

It's possible to park near the Fortezza and walk to the Campo in about 10-15 delightful minutes. That's what my wife and I did for most of a week last June. Just drive to the Fortezza and look for the signs. There are both paid and free spots. There are several pastry stores and restaurants on the way downtown should you grow fatigued.

Our choice hotel in Siena is the 3-star Chiusarelli. It's convceniently located within the city walls, has a small garage of its own and should it be full the big parking lots of the stadium and <BR>Fortezza Medicea are just steps away. It's also 100mts from the intercity bus station should one decide using the bus to tour the hills of Tuscany. To the Piazza del Campo it's only a 10min stroll through Siena's main shopping street. It has all the ammenities including a/c and is probably the cheapest 3-star in the old town. It's housed in an old restored villa with a very nice internal patio. It has a reasonable restaurant (though it's usually filled with tour groups). Finally, you may book without breakfast (reasonably cheaper than including it) and have it in Piazza del Campo instead for the same amount your saving. I can't tell you that the hotel has lots of <BR>character, though. It's run, say, professionally, lacking that "family" atmosphere. You should be able to get a room in April for Lit 165,000 (without breakfast). Bookings may be done on line. Look at <BR>http://web.tin.it/chiusarelli/indexing.htm <BR>Paulo <BR>