Siena's Medieval Soul: A Guide to the Most Authentic Luxury Hotels
Siena's Medieval Soul: A Guide to the Most Authentic Luxury Hotels
Siena
Welcome to Siena, the enchanting heart of Tuscany and a masterpiece of medieval urban design. This UNESCO World Heritage city is famous for its magnificent fan-shaped square, the Piazza del Campo, and its historic ‘Palio’ horse race. From its Gothic cathedral to its winding alleyways, this guide to the best luxury hotels in Siena reveals the city’s most historic stays.
Welcome to Siena: The Gothic Heart of Tuscany
Welcome to Siena, the enchanting and beautifully preserved heart of Tuscany and a true masterpiece of medieval urban design. This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage city is world-famous for its unique and breathtaking, fan-shaped central square, the Piazza del Campo, which is the historic stage for the passionate and thrilling ‘Palio’ horse race. From its spectacular, black-and-white striped Gothic cathedral to its labyrinthine and atmospheric winding alleyways, this comprehensive guide to the best luxury hotels in Siena will reveal the city’s most historic, charming, and deeply authentic stays for an unforgettable journey into the Tuscan soul.
1. Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione
The Place: The only 5-star hotel in the heart of Siena’s historic center, this magnificent and opulent hotel is housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century palace. The hotel is a true treasure trove of history, featuring original frescoes, magnificent antiques, and a spectacular ballroom. It offers an unparalleled and deeply historic luxury experience for its guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent Salone delle Feste, a spectacular and beautifully preserved ballroom with incredible, original frescoes, is a true architectural jewel of the city.
1. Grand Hotel Continental Siena – Starhotels Collezione: A Palace in the Heart of the City
The Place: The only 5-star hotel located within the ancient walls of Siena’s historic center, this magnificent and opulent hotel is housed in a beautifully restored and protected 17th-century palace, the Palazzo Gori Pannilini. The hotel is a true treasure trove of history and art, featuring magnificent, original ceiling frescoes, priceless antiques, Murano glass chandeliers, and a spectacular and historic ballroom. It offers an unparalleled, deeply historic, and truly palatial luxury experience for its discerning guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent Salone delle Feste is a spectacular and beautifully preserved ballroom with incredible, original frescoes by the artist Ciro Ferri. It is a true and breathtaking architectural jewel of the city and a magical space.
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2. Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano
The Place: A unique and deeply historic hotel housed in a magnificent and beautifully restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery, located just outside the city walls. This former monastery is a true oasis of peace and tranquility, set within beautiful Italian gardens. It offers a serene and exclusive country-house experience with a magnificent swimming pool for its guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and very large outdoor swimming pool, which is set within the monastery’s beautiful and serene historic gardens, is simply spectacular.
2. Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano: A Serene Monastery Escape
The Place: A unique and deeply historic hotel, the Certosa Di Maggiano is housed in a magnificent and beautifully restored 14th-century Carthusian monastery, located just a very short drive outside the city walls. This former monastery is a true and undisputed oasis of peace and tranquility, set within beautiful and serene classic Italian gardens. It offers a deeply serene, exclusive, and authentic country-house experience with a magnificent and large swimming pool for its guests.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and very large outdoor swimming pool, which is beautifully set within the monastery’s serene and historic gardens and is surrounded by ancient cypress trees, is a simply spectacular and deeply relaxing oasis of tranquility.
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3. Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais
The Place: An intimate and deeply charming historic residence with an unbeatable location in the very heart of the city. The hotel is celebrated for its breathtaking and direct, panoramic views of the magnificent Piazza del Campo and the Torre del Mangia. It offers a romantic and highly personalized experience with beautifully decorated, historic rooms for its guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular, direct, and uninterrupted views of the world-famous Piazza del Campo from the hotel’s beautiful breakfast room and main suite.
3. Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais: A Window onto the Campo
The Place: An intimate and deeply charming historic residence, this relais boasts an absolutely unbeatable and highly sought-after location in the very heart of the historic city. The hotel is celebrated for its breathtaking, direct, and completely panoramic views of the magnificent and world-famous Piazza del Campo and its soaring Torre del Mangia. It offers a romantic and highly personalized experience with beautifully decorated, historic rooms and an atmosphere of refined elegance.
My Top Pick: The spectacular, direct, and completely uninterrupted views of the world-famous and magnificent Piazza del Campo from the hotel’s beautiful breakfast room and its highly coveted main suite are simply the best in the entire city.
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4. Grand Hotel Villa de Geggiano
The Place: A magnificent and historic 18th-century villa, a national monument that has been in the same noble family for over 500 years. Located in the beautiful Chianti countryside just outside Siena, the villa offers the unique and unforgettable experience of staying in a private, aristocratic home. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and vineyards.
My Top Pick: The unique and truly unforgettable experience of staying as a guest in a magnificent and historic private villa, surrounded by family history and antiques.
4. Grand Hotel Villa de Geggiano: A Noble Family Residence
The Place: A magnificent and deeply historic 18th-century villa, a designated national monument that has been in the same noble family, the Bianchi Bandinelli, for over 500 years. Located in the beautiful and rolling Chianti countryside just a short drive from Siena, the villa offers the unique and truly unforgettable experience of staying as a guest in a private, aristocratic home. It is surrounded by beautiful, formal Italian gardens and its own vineyards and was a filming location for the movie ‘Stealing Beauty’.
My Top Pick: The unique and truly unforgettable experience of staying as a personal guest in a magnificent and deeply historic private villa, surrounded by centuries of authentic family history, priceless antiques, and beautiful art, is truly special.
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5. NH Siena
The Place: A modern and comfortable hotel with a convenient location just outside the historic city walls, next to the main bus station. The hotel is known for its spacious, contemporary rooms, many of which offer beautiful views of the old city. It provides a practical and sophisticated base, especially for travelers arriving by bus or car.
My Top Pick: The beautiful, panoramic views of the historic, red-bricked Sienese skyline from the hotel’s comfortable and very well-appointed upper-floor rooms are fantastic.
5. NH Siena: A Modern Room with a Historic View
The Place: A modern and very comfortable hotel with a highly convenient location just outside the historic city walls, next to the main city bus station. The hotel is known for its spacious, clean, and contemporary rooms, many of which offer beautiful and sweeping views of the historic old city. It provides a practical and sophisticated base, especially for travelers who are arriving by bus or car and who prefer the amenities of a modern hotel.
My Top Pick: The beautiful, sweeping, and panoramic views of the entire historic, red-bricked Sienese skyline from the hotel’s comfortable and very well-appointed upper-floor rooms are fantastic, offering a wonderful perspective of the city’s unique beauty.
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6. Hotel Athena
The Place: A classic and popular hotel with a fantastic location, situated just inside the historic city walls. The hotel is particularly celebrated for its magnificent and spacious rooftop terrace, which offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the entire historic city and the beautiful, rolling Tuscan countryside that surrounds it for the guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular and expansive rooftop terrace, which offers breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views of the city and the Tuscan hills, is simply magnificent.
6. Hotel Athena: A Rooftop Overlooking Tuscany
The Place: A classic and perennially popular hotel, the Hotel Athena enjoys a fantastic and convenient location, situated just inside the historic city walls and offering easy access by car. The hotel is particularly celebrated for its magnificent and very spacious rooftop terrace, which offers some of the most breathtaking and sweeping panoramic views of the entire historic city and the beautiful, rolling Tuscan countryside that surrounds it for the many guests.
My Top Pick: The spectacular and expansive rooftop terrace is the hotel’s undisputed highlight. It offers breathtaking, 360-degree panoramic views of the entire city and the iconic Tuscan hills, and it is simply magnificent, especially at sunset.
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7. Hotel Garden
The Place: A charming and historic hotel housed in a beautiful 18th-century villa, set within its own magnificent and vast park. Located on a hill just outside the main city center, the hotel offers a tranquil and scenic retreat. It is known for its beautiful swimming pool, its historic atmosphere, and its stunning panoramic city views.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and very large outdoor swimming pool, which is set within the hotel’s vast and beautiful historic park, is a true oasis.
7. Hotel Garden: A Historic Villa with a Pool
The Place: A charming and historic hotel, the Hotel Garden is housed in a beautiful 18th-century villa and is set within its own magnificent and vast private park. Located on a peaceful hill just outside the main city center, the hotel offers a tranquil and highly scenic retreat from the bustle. It is known for its beautiful and very large swimming pool, its historic and traditional atmosphere, and its stunning, panoramic views of the historic city.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and very large outdoor swimming pool, which is beautifully set within the hotel’s vast and historic private park, is a true and rare oasis in the city, perfect for relaxing during the hot Tuscan summers.
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8. Il Chiostro del Carmine
The Place: A unique and deeply historic hotel housed in a beautifully restored 14th-century convent, complete with a magnificent and serene central cloister. Located in a quiet and authentic part of the city, the hotel offers a deeply tranquil and atmospheric experience. It provides a unique opportunity to stay within a piece of the city’s rich history.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and beautifully preserved 14th-century cloister, which serves as the serene and historic heart of the entire hotel, is truly spectacular.
8. Il Chiostro del Carmine: A Serene Convent Stay
The Place: A unique and deeply historic hotel, Il Chiostro del Carmine is housed in a beautifully restored and protected 14th-century convent, complete with a magnificent and incredibly serene central cloister. Located in a quiet and highly authentic part of the city, near the university’s botanical gardens, the hotel offers a deeply tranquil and atmospheric experience. It provides a unique opportunity to stay within a beautiful and important piece of the city’s rich religious history.
My Top Pick: The magnificent and beautifully preserved 14th-century cloister, with its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful, original well, serves as the serene and deeply historic heart of the entire hotel. It is a truly spectacular and calming space.
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9. Hotel Certosa di Pontignano
The Place: A spectacular and deeply historic hotel housed in a magnificent 14th-century Carthusian monastery, located in the beautiful Chianti countryside just a short drive from Siena. This historic ‘Certosa’ is a true oasis of peace, featuring three beautiful cloisters, magnificent Italian gardens, and its own historic church. It offers a unique and unforgettable retreat.
My Top Pick: The incredible and deeply atmospheric experience of staying within the serene and historic walls of a magnificent and vast 14th-century Carthusian monastery.
9. Hotel Certosa di Pontignano: A Monastery in the Chianti Hills
The Place: A spectacular and deeply historic hotel, the Certosa di Pontignano is housed in a magnificent and vast 14th-century Carthusian monastery, beautifully located in the heart of the Chianti countryside, just a short and very scenic drive from the city of Siena. This historic ‘Certosa’ is a true oasis of peace and tranquility, featuring three beautiful and distinct cloisters, magnificent formal Italian gardens, and its own historic church. It offers a unique and unforgettable historic retreat.
My Top Pick: The incredible and deeply atmospheric experience of staying within the serene and historic walls of a magnificent and vast 14th-century Carthusian monastery, surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside, is truly unforgettable and deeply peaceful.
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10. Hotel Palazzetto Rosso
The Place: A chic and stylish design hotel housed in a beautifully restored 13th-century medieval building in the heart of the city. The hotel is known for its unique and creative interior design, which masterfully blends ancient architectural features, like magnificent wooden beams, with bold contemporary art and furniture. It offers a sophisticated and artistic experience.
My Top Pick: The unique and impressive interior design, which creates a vibrant and sophisticated dialogue between the building’s deep medieval history and contemporary art.
10. Hotel Palazzetto Rosso: A Fusion of Medieval and Modern
The Place: A chic and very stylish design hotel, the Palazzetto Rosso is housed in a beautifully restored and historic 13th-century medieval building in the very heart of the city. The hotel is known for its unique and creative interior design, which masterfully and playfully blends the building’s ancient architectural features, like magnificent original painted wooden beams, with bold, contemporary art, design classics, and modern furniture. It offers a sophisticated and deeply artistic experience.
My Top Pick: The unique and impressive interior design is a true highlight. It creates a vibrant and sophisticated dialogue between the building’s deep and palpable medieval history and the best of contemporary Italian art and design.
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Bonus: Borgo Santo Pietro
An exquisite and world-renowned 5-star Relais & Châteaux estate, this 13th-century hamlet has been transformed into one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in the world. Located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, it features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a holistic spa, a cooking school, and vast, magnificent gardens, offering the ultimate in bespoke, ultra-luxury rural escapism.
Bonus: Borgo Santo Pietro: A Fairytale Tuscan Estate
The Place: An exquisite and world-renowned 5-star Relais & Châteaux estate, Borgo Santo Pietro is a magnificent 13th-century hamlet that has been transformed into one of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels in the entire world. Located in the beautiful Tuscan countryside, a scenic drive from Siena, it features a Michelin-starred restaurant, a holistic spa, a cooking school, an organic farm, and vast, magnificent gardens, offering the ultimate in bespoke, ultra-luxury rural escapism and indulgence.
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Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Siena for your trip:
- For ultimate, five-star palace luxury in the city center: The magnificent Grand Hotel Continental Siena is the undisputed top choice.
- For a serene and historic monastery escape: Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano offers an unforgettable and tranquil experience just outside the walls.
- For the most breathtaking Piazza del Campo views: The intimate and romantic Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais is simply unbeatable.
- For a unique countryside villa experience: The magnificent Grand Hotel Villa de Geggiano allows you to stay in a noble family’s historic home.
Expert’s Opinion: One to Choose?
Here’s our recommendation to help you choose the perfect luxury hotel in Siena for your trip:
- For ultimate, five-star palace luxury in the city center: The magnificent and deeply opulent Grand Hotel Continental Siena is the undisputed top choice for a grand, historic, and truly five-star experience.
- For a serene and historic monastery escape: The beautiful and exclusive Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano offers an unforgettable and deeply tranquil country-house experience just outside the ancient city walls.
- For the most breathtaking Piazza del Campo views: The intimate and deeply romantic Residenza d’Epoca Campo Regio Relais is simply unbeatable for its direct, iconic, and world-famous vistas.
- For a unique countryside villa experience: The magnificent and historic Grand Hotel Villa de Geggiano allows you the unique and unforgettable opportunity to stay as a guest in a noble family’s private historic home.
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Travel Guides: Siena, Italy
A stay at a luxury hotel is the perfect start to your Sienese adventure. To make the most of your trip, here is a travel guide that complements the article on luxury hotels in Siena.
1. Best Time to Visit Siena
- Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-October): These are the absolute best times to visit Siena. The weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the beautiful city and for enjoying the magnificent, rolling hills of the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
- The Palio: For a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime, and deeply historic experience, visit during the famous and thrilling Palio horse race, which takes place on July 2nd and August 16th. Be sure to book everything far in advance.
- Summer (July-August): The weather can be very hot, and the city can be crowded, especially around the Palio dates. The evenings, however, are beautiful and lively.
1. When to Go?
- Spring (April-June) & Autumn (September-October): These are the best times to visit, with warm, pleasant weather perfect for exploring the city and the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
- The Palio: For a truly unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit during the historic Palio horse race on July 2nd or August 16th.
2. Getting Around Siena
- Walking: Siena’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage historic center is a true joy to explore on foot. However, be prepared for steep, narrow, and hilly medieval streets. Comfortable shoes are absolutely essential for navigating the city.
- Buses: A local bus service is useful for traveling from the main train station or from the large parking lots, which are located at the bottom of the hill, up to the historic city center.
- Car: The historic center of Siena is largely a restricted traffic zone (ZTL). A car is not needed for the city itself but is essential for exploring the beautiful Tuscan countryside.
2. Getting Around Siena
- Walking: Siena’s magnificent UNESCO World Heritage historic center is a true joy to explore on foot, but be prepared for steep, narrow, and hilly streets.
- Buses: A local bus service is useful for traveling from the train station or parking lots up to the historic center.
3. Must-See Sights
- Piazza del Campo: One of the most magnificent and unique medieval squares in the entire world. It is the true heart of the city and the host of the Palio. Be sure to climb the Torre del Mangia for breathtaking panoramic views.
- Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): A spectacular and breathtaking masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, famous for its incredible, inlaid marble mosaic floor, its stunning striped marble facade, and its magnificent Piccolomini Library.
- Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum: The magnificent city hall that dominates the Piazza del Campo. It is home to the Civic Museum, which contains the famous and important frescoes of ‘The Allegory of Good and Bad Government’.
- The ‘Contrade’: Explore the different and unique historic neighborhoods (‘contrade’) of the city. Each of the 17 contrade has its own unique identity, fountain, museum, and symbols, which are central to the Palio.
3. Must-See Sights
- Piazza del Campo: One of the most magnificent and unique medieval squares in the world. Climb the Torre del Mangia for breathtaking panoramic views.
- Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena): A spectacular masterpiece of Italian Gothic architecture, with a stunning striped marble facade and an incredible mosaic floor.
- Palazzo Pubblico and Civic Museum: The magnificent city hall that dominates the Piazza del Campo, home to famous frescoes.
- The ‘Contrade’: Explore the different historic neighborhoods (‘contrade’) of the city, each with its own unique identity and symbols.
4. Unique Experiences
- Experience the Palio: If you visit in July or August, witnessing the incredible passion, the historic pageantry, and the thrilling, bareback horse race of the Palio is an absolutely unforgettable and deeply Sienese experience.
- Enjoy the Local Cuisine: You must try the delicious local Tuscan specialties like ‘pici’ pasta (a thick, hand-rolled spaghetti), wild boar (‘cinghiale’), and the famous, dense, and spiced ‘panforte’ cake, which originated in Siena.
- Explore the Tuscan Countryside: Use Siena as a perfect base to explore the world-famous and unbelievably beautiful rolling hills, the cypress-lined roads, the magnificent vineyards, and the medieval hilltop towns of Tuscany, such as San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Pienza.
- Walk through the Via di Città : Stroll along one of Siena’s most elegant and beautiful medieval streets, lined with magnificent historic palaces and traditional shops, to truly soak up the city’s unique atmosphere.
4. Unique Experiences
- Experience the Palio: If you visit in July or August, witnessing the passion and pageantry of the historic Palio horse race is an unforgettable experience.
- Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Try local Tuscan specialties like ‘pici’ pasta, wild boar (‘cinghiale’), and the famous ‘panforte’ cake.
- Explore the Tuscan Countryside: Use Siena as a base to explore the world-famous rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns of Tuscany, such as San Gimignano and Montalcino.
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