Tuscany questions
 

Leaving next week for Italy. I have a limited amount of time for Tuscany/Umbria and want to make the best of it. We plan to stay 2 or 3 nights in Siena but am open to suggestions on where to stay in Siena or other towns. What suggestions do you have?
Thanks!

Bonnie
With such little notice it may be difficult to get many of the places most would recommend here. This is very much a busy time of year.

"We plan to stay 2 or 3 nights in Siena but am open to suggestions on where to stay in Siena or other towns."

This seems a bit confusing. Are you set on Siena? Are you looking for other suggestions (not Siena),and so on.
We need more info.
Will you have a car?
Where are you coming from/to?
One advice;no matter what, get a room with air conditioning.

We will have a car. I realize that 3 days is not enough time but that's all we can spare on this trip (have 18 days total for Germany and Italy)
I had thought that Sienna seemed like a good place to use as a base and then drive to explore some of the other towns.
What are your thoughts on Cortona? (yes, I was influenced by Under the Tuscan Sun)
At this point I'm thinking of going to Montepulciano, San Gimangiano. Would Montepulciano be a better place to stay then Sienna?
Thanks for the input.

At this late date, you should see what if anything is still available as it is high season and lodging at a premium. That might be the determining factor, rather than what your first choice would be.

The towns you list are all good base points.Siena is much larger than the rest and depending where your hotel is driving to and parking might be more tedious.Your hotel coul help you on this point.

But, this is one of the most beautiful areas you will ever visit.Too bad you cant spend a couple of days more

Ditto Dfusto's comments. Find lodging first and then figure out what towns you can see.

Suggestions: Look for lodging in towns that are lower on the tourist radar, and that's not Siena or the other towns you mention. Umbria might be easier than Tuscany. Check www.venere.com.