Grand Hotel Continental Siena is the splurge choice in the city. It stands on Banchi di Sopra, the old town's main shopping street, and sits about three to five minutes on foot from Piazza del Campo and about five from the cathedral. The hotel is rated five stars and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. It has a courtyard lounge bar where aperitifs come with live music, a restaurant called Sapordivino, a second bar, a cafe and an English afternoon tea served daily. Yoga classes are held in the frescoed Salone delle Feste. For a trip built around art, long dinners and being able to step out of the door into the heart of the old town, it is the most comfortable base on this list.
Location and getting around
The hotel is on Banchi di Sopra, a pedestrian-friendly street in the historic centre, so most sights are on foot. Piazza del Campo and the cathedral are both within about five minutes, and the Torre del Mangia is just beyond the square. Cars are a burden in Siena because the centre is a limited traffic zone, and the hotel offers valet parking for a daily fee, with free off-site and street parking mentioned for those who prefer to save. An airport shuttle is available on request for a fee.
The rooms
Twelve room types are listed, from classic singles and doubles to superior and deluxe doubles, a deluxe room with a view, a deluxe room with Duomo view and terrace, triple and family rooms, connecting rooms, a Noble Junior Suite, a Heritage Suite and a Panoramic Suite. The Duomo-view terrace room is the one to pick if you want to wake up to the cathedral. Air conditioning may be restricted to certain hours from 1 November to 15 April, so ask about heating and cooling when you book.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners, anyone celebrating, and travellers who want a service-led stay with a restaurant and bars on site. Families are accepted, with family rooms and babysitting for a fee, though some outdoor terraces may not suit small children. Dogs and cats are allowed, one per stay, within a weight limit and for a fee.
Good to know
Breakfast is not included in the rate, and the buffet is served daily from early morning to late morning for an extra charge per person, so compare with a cafe breakfast if you are on a budget. There is no swimming pool or spa on site, though guests can use a sister property's pool and tennis courts, and a gym is not listed.
A city tax applies per person per night for a few nights, at a lower rate in winter. Check-in starts at three in the afternoon and check-out is before noon.
Why stay here
- ✓Courtyard lounge bar with live music
- ✓Sapordivino restaurant
- ✓Daily English afternoon tea
- ✓Frescoed ballroom with yoga classes
- ✓Rooms with Duomo view and terrace
- ✓Valet parking for a fee
- ✓Free WiFi and elevator
- ✓Pets welcome for a fee
Good questions
Is breakfast included at Grand Hotel Continental Siena?+
No, breakfast is not included in the standard rate. A buffet is served daily for an extra charge per person.
How far is it from Piazza del Campo and the cathedral?+
The hotel is about three to five minutes on foot from Piazza del Campo and about five from the cathedral. It is on Banchi di Sopra in the historic centre.
Does the hotel have a pool or spa?+
There is no pool or spa on site. Guests can use a sister property's pool and tennis courts, so ask the hotel how it works.
