Certosa di Maggiano is the most atmospheric place to stay near Siena. The building began life in 1314 as a Carthusian monastery and has been turned into a small luxury hotel, a member of Relais & Chateaux, in quiet gardens a short drive from the old town. The cloister, the preserved medieval chapel and an antique-filled library give it the feeling of a private house rather than a hotel. It is rated five stars and offers an outdoor pool with loungers, a restaurant called Il Chiostro, a poolside bar, a lounge and a cafe, along with a tennis court, and an 18-hole golf course next door. Yoga, Pilates, meditation and e-bike tours are on the activity list, and in-room massages can be arranged. It suits couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants calm and service more than a base inside the walls.
Location and getting around
The hotel stands on Strada di Certosa, outside the historic centre, about twelve minutes from Piazza del Campo by car. That distance is the trade-off, because you will not wander out of the door into the lanes as you would from a hotel in the centre.
The advantage is quiet, space and free parking on site, which also removes the stress of Siena's limited traffic zone. An airport shuttle can be arranged on request for a fee, and taxis cover the short ride into town. If you plan to see the sights on foot, ask the hotel about transfers.
The rooms
The hotel offers five room types, from basic and classic rooms to deluxe rooms, a suite and a suite with a terrace. Rooms are individually furnished with antiques, and the setting means there is no uniform look, so ask which room suits your needs when you book. There is no lift, and upper floors are reached by stairs only, which may not suit guests with limited mobility or heavy luggage.
Food and drink
A free breakfast buffet is served each morning, which is unusual at this level, and the restaurant Il Chiostro serves dinner in a setting that is hard to match in the city. A poolside bar and a lounge make it easy to spend a day on the grounds. Reviews of the hotel are exceptionally strong, and guests often single out the staff, the gardens and the breakfast.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners, celebrating guests and travellers who value a slow, restful stay between days of sightseeing. Families are not excluded, but the atmosphere is quiet and the stairs and the pool mean children need supervision. One pet is allowed for a fee, and service animals are exempt.
Good to know
Check-in starts at three in the afternoon and check-out is before eleven, with late options subject to availability. Free WiFi covers the property. The hotel has no spa as such, although massages can be booked. The pool is outdoors, so check seasonal availability if you travel in the cooler months.
Book early for spring and autumn, when the grounds are at their best and the hotel fills quickly. Because the hotel is a short drive from the centre, plan your evenings so you are not rushing back, and consider dinner on site on at least one night.
Why stay here
- ✓Former Carthusian monastery setting
- ✓Il Chiostro restaurant
- ✓Outdoor pool with loungers
- ✓Free breakfast buffet
- ✓Free on-site parking
- ✓Tennis court and golf next door
- ✓Medieval chapel and library
- ✓Pets welcome for a fee
Good questions
Is breakfast included at Certosa di Maggiano?+
Yes, a buffet breakfast is served daily and is included in the rate.
How far is Certosa di Maggiano from Piazza del Campo?+
About twelve minutes by car. The hotel is outside the historic centre, so plan on a taxi or the hotel's help with transfers.
Does the hotel have a pool and parking?+
Yes, there is an outdoor pool with loungers and free on-site parking. Check pool availability for the season you travel in.
