Best Hotels in Siena: Where to Stay in Tuscany's Medieval Capital

Siena rewards staying overnight. The city transforms after 6pm when day-trippers from Florence leave — the streets empty, the Campo fills with locals, and the city becomes a very different place. Staying one or two nights inside the walls is the right way to experience it.

Historic centre (inside the walls)

Budget (€70–110/night): Limited options but they exist. Small guesthouses and B&Bs in the streets near the Campo or the Duomo. Often family-run, with basic rooms in medieval buildings.

Mid-range (€110–180/night): Good selection of boutique hotels in the historic centre. Many in converted medieval structures — stone vaults, terracotta floors, some with city views. The streets between the Duomo and the Campo are the best location.

Top-end (€200–500/night): Grand Hotel Continental Siena (in a 17th-century palazzo on the main street, Banchi di Sopra, with original baroque frescoes throughout), Palazzo Ravizza (a Renaissance palazzo with garden), and several smaller luxury B&Bs. These are among the better high-end options in Tuscany.

Just outside the walls

The hills immediately outside Siena’s medieval walls have a number of agriturismi and country hotels that are 10–15 minutes’ drive from the centre.

Agriturismo and countryside (€80–200/night): This is often the best value in the area — particularly for dinner-included options where Tuscan farm food (pici pasta, ribollita, wild boar ragù) is served in stone farmhouses. The Chianti Classico and Crete Senesi areas just outside Siena have dozens of options.

Palio dates: booking rules

The Palio runs on 2 July and 16 August each year. Hotels in Siena:

• Fill up 3–6 months ahead for these dates
• Charge significantly elevated prices (often double normal rates)
• May require minimum stays of 2–3 nights

If you want to attend the Palio, start looking at hotel availability in January for the July race, and in March for the August race. The surrounding area (Castelnuovo Berardenga, Monteroni d’Arbia) has cheaper alternatives with a 20-minute drive to Siena.

Parking and access

Siena’s historic centre is ZTL-restricted — no driving unless you have a hotel key that gives temporary access. Most hotels inside the walls have arrangements for loading/unloading luggage and directing guests to parking. Car parks are at Piazza del Sale, Piazza Amendola, and Stadio Artemio Franchi. Electric bus service (Pollicino) runs from the car parks to the centre.

If arriving by train (from Florence or Rome), the station is 2km below the city — take the city bus (no. 3, 10, 17) up the hill; it’s a steep climb on foot. Alternatively, a pre-booked airport transfer to Siena from Florence or Pisa airports delivers directly to your hotel, avoiding the train and bus connection.

Booking tips

• Book 4–6 weeks ahead for spring and autumn; 2–3 months for summer. Siena’s hotel stock is limited.
• The area east of the Campo (towards Porta Romana) has less tourism pressure and slightly lower prices than the main streets.
• For more than 2 nights in Siena, consider mixing one or two nights in an agriturismo outside the walls — different experience, better food, equally good value.

Named hotel recommendations

Grand Hotel Continental Siena (Banchi di Sopra 85) — A five-star in a 17th-century palazzo on the main street, with original baroque frescoes in the public rooms and some bedrooms. Doubles from approximately €250/night as of 2026. Central location, 5 minutes’ walk from the Campo.

Palazzo Ravizza (Pian dei Mantellini 34) — A three-star in a Renaissance palazzo with a garden and views over the surrounding countryside. Family-run since 1929. Doubles from approximately €120/night. One of the best-value atmospheric hotels in Siena.

Hotel Athena (Via Paolo Mascagni 55) — A modern four-star near Porta Romana with a panoramic terrace and swimming pool overlooking the Tuscan hills. Doubles from approximately €110/night. Good for those who want comfort and views rather than a medieval setting.

Albergo Bernini (Via della Sapienza 15) — A small two-star near the Duomo. Simple rooms in a central location. Doubles from approximately €75/night. The best budget option inside the walls.

Borgo Scopeto Relais (approximately 10km south-east of Siena) — An agriturismo in a restored Tuscan hamlet with pool, olive groves, and vineyard views. Doubles from approximately €150/night with breakfast. The dinner menu uses estate produce. A car is essential.

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For the full Siena travel guide covering the Piazza del Campo, the Duomo, and what to see in the medieval contrade. For accommodation across all of Tuscany — from Siena to the Chianti countryside to Florence — our hotels in Tuscany guide covers the regional options. For eating and drinking in Siena: the Siena food guide covers pici, panforte, and the best trattorias. For day trips and the Val d’Orcia wine country, see day trips from Siena.