Striking Siena, the crown jewel of Tuscany, is a feast for the eyes with its Gothic skyline, medieval streets, and that famously striped cathedral. It’s the perfect base for culture lovers—and when it comes to hotels, Siena delivers. Inside the city walls, expect romantic B&Bs tucked into historic palazzos, ideal for a stylish stay near the action. After peace and views? Head just beyond the centre for boutique villas and elegant countryside escapes with postcard-perfect vistas.

For some of the best views in Siena, climbing the 500 steps of Torre del Mangia is well worth the effort — it towers above the red-bricked Palazzo Pubblico, which also houses the city’s main museum filled with masterpieces not on display in churches or civic buildings. Siena’s beating heart is its historic Palio, a thrilling horse race held in the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, where the city’s 17 contrade (neighbourhoods) fiercely compete in a tradition dating back centuries. The Palio keeps local pride alive, with each contrada offering its own lively mix of cafes, gelaterias, shops, and an unmistakable sense of identity.

The Best Places to Stay in Siena

For a Special Occasion

• Grand Hotel Continental, Siena’s sole five-star gem, pairs an unbeatable Piazza del Campo location with historic opulence—Murano chandeliers, frescoed halls, and antique-filled rooms. Impeccable service arranges everything from truffle hunts to hot-air balloon rides, if you can bear to leave.

Within Siena’s Walls

• Il Battistero is a stylishly restored palazzo in central Siena with just seven elegant rooms, stunning San Domenico views, and luxurious bathrooms. Original tiles and beams shine, and the bar doubles as a wine-tasting cellar—small in size, big on charm.

For the Views

• For unforgettable Siena views, Campo Regio Relais is a romantic B&B with just six antique-filled rooms. Sip local wine on the terrace as you gaze at the Duomo or rooftops. Room five, with a four-poster bed and luxe touches, is pure indulgence.

Best Pensiones

• Family-run since the 1920s, Palazzo Ravizza is a charming pensione just outside Siena’s historic centre. Expect old-world elegance—tiled floors, beams, vaulted ceilings—and rare perks like free secure parking. No restaurant, but top-notch bars and trattorias are steps away.

For a Private apartment or villa

• If you think a self-catering option would best suit your needs then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Pisa Airport is Tuscany’s largest, and quite convenient for Siena, meaning it’s about an hour and a half way by car, or about two and a half hours away by train. Florence Airport, Amerigo Vespucci, is a bit closer still, about an hour away by car, but still about two and a half hours by train.
• If you plan to hire a car, which we would advise if you want to get out and explore further afield, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Siena’s busiest time is during the Palios, the famous horse races that take place at the end of July and mid August, but Siena’s festival calendar is pretty packed all year, with lots of food and wine festivals. Siena gets Tuscany’s summer visitors, who need to brace themselves or temperatures of 30°C+ here, but if you’re able to, the weather will be more pleasant in May, June or September, October. Christmas is a special time in Italy, and Siena is welcoming and beautifully decorated at Christmas, even if there is more chance of rain.

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include all our recommendations for the best places to stay in Tuscany.
• You might also want to consider the best hotels in Tuscan towns,
• Or search for the best hotels in Cortona, Montepulciano, San Gimignano, or Arezzo.
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly gurus for personalised advice.