A complete guide to where to stay in Siena (+ the best places to stay in the city centre, hotels with free parking and villas with a pool near Siena).
Siena lies right in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and endless vineyards. It’s part of the famous Chianti wine region, making it an ideal base for exploring the Tuscan countryside. From here, it’s easy to take day trips to picturesque towns like San Gimignano, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Siena, my full guide has you covered. I’ve also included some beautiful hotels just outside the city for that classic Tuscan countryside vibe.
Where I stayed in Siena
Since I only had a short time in Siena, I chose to stay right in the city centre, within the historic walls. I skipped the area near the train station, as it’s a long walk from the main sights and not the most convenient for exploring the city. And travelling without a car made staying in the heart of the city even easier, since I didn’t have to worry about the ZTL zone. For me, a centrally located hotel was the perfect choice.
💖 My favourite hotel in Siena: Palazzo Ravizza
Perfect for: exploring Siena with ease – just a short walk from Piazza del Campo
What I loved: beautiful, spacious rooms and breakfast on the terrace with panoramic views
Check details & prices: Booking.com | Expedia
I discovered Palazzo Ravizza during my last trip to Siena. I usually stick to at least 4-star hotels in Italy, since sometimes the quality doesn’t match the rating. However, finding a nice 4-star in Siena wasn’t easy. So I booked Palazzo Ravizza, a 3-star hotel, and it turned out to be the perfect choice! Housed in a historic 19th-century building, it felt like a peaceful oasis right in the heart of the city.
I highly recommend booking a room with a view of the gardens and rolling green hills. Waking up to that scenery was absolutely magical. Breakfast is included, with homemade pastries and cakes served on the terrace with panoramic views. And if you’re travelling by car, there’s free parking – a rare find in the city centre. Just be sure to send the hotel your license plate ahead of time so you don’t get fined for the ZTL zone.
Readers’ most booked hotel in Siena
Looking for the ideal Siena stay? With over 3,100 happy guests, Hotel Athena offers free parking, gorgeous valley views, and a central location just steps from Duomo and Piazza del Campo.
Hotel Athena – Most booked hotel
Located within Siena’s historic city walls, Hotel Athena is an ideal base for exploring the city. The Duomo and Piazza del Campo are just a 10-minute walk away. I recommend requesting a room on the upper floors – the views of the surrounding valley are stunning. Don’t miss the terrace restaurant, Mangia, where you can enjoy beautiful sunsets over the rolling hills and the city. Parking is free, and since the hotel is outside the ZTL zone, you won’t have to worry about restricted traffic areas!
Where to stay in Siena (My top picks)
- Centro Storico – for sightseeing (NH Hotel – best hotel in the historic centre)
- Best hotel with a pool – Hotel Il Giardino
- Outside the city walls – if you’re travelling by car (Santa Caterina – best hotel with parking)
- Best Tuscan villa near Siena – Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano
Tips for booking a hotel in Siena
Staying in Siena to explore Tuscany – Siena is a fantastic base for exploring Tuscany, thanks to its central location in the region. That said, I’d recommend using it as a base only if you’re travelling by car. The train station is a bit of a walk from the city centre, so it’s not the most convenient option if you’re relying on public transportation.
Visiting the city for the first time? Check out my full itinerary for one day in Siena, featuring all the must-see sights along with a few hidden gems.
Centro Storico – where to stay in Siena for sightseeing
Centro Storico (Siena’s historic centre) is like stepping back in time. Think narrow, winding streets, charming little squares, and centuries-old buildings everywhere you look. The entire Centro Storico is enclosed by the original city walls, which remain largely intact! At its heart is the iconic Piazza del Campo, one of Italy’s most stunning squares and the stage for the legendary Palio horse race. If you’re coming to Siena to explore, this is definitely the place to stay. Everything’s within walking distance, and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
Siena’s Centro Storico is divided into Contrade, the city’s historic districts. Each Contrada has its own animal, colours, and emblem, with rich traditions tied to the Palio di Siena. Walk around the city and you’ll spot their flags and symbols decorating streets and buildings everywhere.
Centro Storico is the best area to stay in Siena if you want to explore the city on foot. The Duomo and Piazza del Campo are just around the corner, and you’ll find plenty of cute cafés and restaurants nearby. Plus, the Siena–Via Tozzi bus station is nearby, making it easy to take day trips to Florence and San Gimignano!
Skip the lines and see it all! The Opa SI Pass gives full access to the Duomo Complex and incredible views from the New Cathedral Facade – book now before the crowds!
Why stay in Centro Storico for sightseeing
- Centro Storico is the perfect place to stay in Siena – you’ll be just a short walk from the Duomo Complex and Piazza del Campo
- great for easy day trips to Florence and San Gimignano – just hop on bus 131R or 130 from the Siena–Via Tozzi bus station
- a convenient area to stay if you’re planning to experience the iconic Palio di Siena horse race, as it takes place right in Piazza del Campo
Best hotels in Centro Storico
NH Hotel – Best 4-star
NH Hotel is super convenient – it’s right across from the Siena–Via Tozzi bus station, which has direct connections to Florence and San Gimignano. Perfect if you’re travelling with a lot of luggage! The city’s main attractions, including the Duomo Complex and Piazza del Campo, are just a 10-minute walk away. If you can, grab a room with a Duomo view, totally worth it. And don’t miss the hotel’s restaurant, Al Rastrello, for some tasty Tuscan dishes.
Grand Hotel Continental – Best 5-star
Just a few steps from Piazza del Campo, the Grand Hotel Continental is Siena’s only five-star hotel! It’s set in a gorgeous 16th-century palace with an elegant ballroom (Salone delle Feste) and even a medieval tower. That tower now houses a cosy wine cellar where you can taste some incredible Chianti wines. Don’t miss the hotel’s restaurant, Sapordivino, which serves up classic Tuscan dishes with a modern, creative twist.
Albergo Chiusarelli – Best 3-star
For a more affordable stay, consider Albergo Chiusarelli. It’s perfectly located between the Siena–Via Tozzi bus station and Piazza del Campo, making it super convenient for exploring the city. Housed in a 19th-century historic building decorated with charming frescoes, the hotel has plenty of character. Be sure to try the restaurant, Gli Orti di San Domenico, which has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine since 1870!
Regis Condo – Best apartments
If you’re after extra comfort, Regis Condo is an ideal choice. The property offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens, stocked with everything you need. There’s also a laundry room, perfect for longer stays. Breakfast is included at a nearby café just steps from the property. And all the main tourist attractions, including the Duomo complex, are just around the corner.
Best hotels in Siena with a pool
Siena’s historic centre is absolutely gorgeous, packed with narrow streets, charming piazzas, and centuries-old buildings. But here’s the thing – you won’t find a hotel with a pool inside the city walls. There’s simply not enough space to fit a modern swimming pool, which needs room for both the water and a surrounding lounging area. On top of that, many properties inside the walls are historic palaces protected by heritage laws, which severely limit any structural changes.
So, if you want to swim while visiting Siena, your best bet is to look just outside the walls. Even then, good options are limited – the only one I can really recommend is a 3-star place. That’s why my tip is to spend a night or two inside the walls to explore Siena easily. Afterwards, you can move to a hotel just outside the city for a pool and a taste of that classic Tuscan countryside vibe.
Still, if you want to stay as close as possible to the historic centre, here are my top picks for hotels in Siena with pools.
Hotel Il Giardino – Nearest to Centro Storico
If you want to stay within walking distance of the city’s main attractions and have access to a pool, Hotel Il Giardino is your best bet. Located in a quiet spot just outside the city walls, it’s only a 15-minute walk from Piazza del Campo. You can relax in the seasonal outdoor pool or enjoy the hot tub and the Turkish bath. Plus, the hotel offers free parking, which is a huge bonus if you’re travelling by car.
Borgo Grondaie – Best choice
Borgo Grondaie is perfect if you want to explore both Siena and the Tuscan countryside. Set in a charming old Tuscan farmhouse surrounded by olive trees, it’s conveniently located near the train station. Getting into the historic centre is easy – take the new escalators to skip the hill, then it’s a straight walk to the main sights. The seasonal outdoor pool is beautiful, and free parking is available. And you can choose between cosy rooms or larger apartments if you need extra space.
Outside the city walls – where to stay in Siena with a car
Siena’s historic centre is mostly a pedestrian-friendly zone, known as the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Actually, Siena was the first city in Italy to restrict traffic behind its medieval walls! The ZTL helps protect the city’s narrow streets and centuries-old architecture, keeping the historic centre peaceful and walkable. Just be careful – cameras monitor every entrance around the clock. Driving in without a permit can cost you a hefty fine, usually around €80–100.
If you’re driving in Siena, make sure to check if your hotel is inside the ZTL before you arrive. Some hotels are inside the city walls but sit right on the edge of the ZTL, meaning you can reach them without entering the restricted area. For most hotels within the walls, however, this isn’t possible. In those cases, you’ll need to let the hotel register your license plate in advance. That way, you can drive in legally and avoid any surprise tickets.
For peace of mind, I’d recommend staying just outside the city walls if you’re travelling by car. This is especially handy if you’re using the city as a base to explore Tuscany. Plus, the hotels outside the walls usually offer free parking and tend to be more affordable as well.
Best hotels in Siena with parking
Hotel Minerva – Most popular (inside the city walls)
Hotel Minerva sits inside the city walls but right on the edge of the ZTL, making it super convenient if you’re driving. There’s a private parking garage with electric car charging, and you can access it right from the reception. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city and the rolling Tuscan hills from its beautiful garden.
Hotel Italia – Most popular (outside the city walls)
If you’re looking for a place outside the ZTL zone, Hotel Italia is one of the best picks. It’s just steps from the escalators that connect the historic centre to Siena Station, so getting around is super easy. The breakfast here is delicious – think homemade cakes, pancakes, and plenty of savoury options, too. There’s a small paid parking area, but you can also find free parking nearby.
Hotel Santa Caterina – Best-rated (outside the city walls)
Hotel Santa Caterina is set in a charming 18th-century villa in a peaceful part of town. It’s just outside the ZTL zone, only a short walk from Porta Romana, one of the city’s medieval gates. The hotel has a secure private car park (definitely worth booking in advance). But the real highlight is its beautiful garden terrace with panoramic views. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast with a view of the Tuscan hills.
Where to stay near Siena
If you’re spending just a night or two in Siena to explore the city itself, I definitely recommend staying right in the centre. It makes it so much easier to reach all the main attractions on foot.
However, if you’re planning to use Siena as a base to explore the rest of Tuscany, I’d suggest staying just outside the city. You’ll find plenty of hotels with free parking and won’t have to deal with the city’s ZTL (restricted traffic) zone. Plus, you can enjoy staying in a charming villa surrounded by vineyards and olive groves – the full Tuscan countryside dream!
If you go with this option, you can explore Siena either as a day trip or stay overnight. It really depends on how much time you’ve got. For a day trip, the easiest places to park are Parcheggio Santa Caterina, Parcheggio Stadio, Parcheggio San Francesco, and Parcheggio Fortezza. If you can, I’d definitely suggest spending at least one night in Siena, as it’s such a charming city and totally worth it.
Best hotels and villas near Siena
Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano – My favourite
Hotel Certosa di Maggiano is just a short drive from Siena, yet it feels worlds away, tucked into the peaceful Tuscan countryside. Once a monastery, it’s now a gorgeous boutique hotel surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, with a pool and a tennis court. There’s free parking too, which is always a plus! Don’t miss La Certosa Restaurant for authentic Tuscan dishes, and be sure to enjoy a glass of wine at the Magnolia Bar, set beneath a centuries-old magnolia tree.
Certosa di Pontignano – Most popular
If you want to enjoy the Tuscan countryside but still be close to Siena, Certosa di Pontignano is a great choice. Set on a hill in a former 14th-century monastery, it’s just a short drive from the city. The rooms and apartments are spacious, all with amazing views over the hills. Don’t miss the beautiful Baroque chapel or the peaceful gardens. And at the hotel’s restaurant, Il Chiostro di Pontignano, you can try some delicious homemade pasta, from traditional pici to soft gnocchi. Plus, there’s free parking, making it super convenient.
Hotel Palazzo di Valli – Nearest to Siena
Want to stay in a Tuscan villa with stunning views and still be within walking distance of all the main attractions in Siena? It’s absolutely possible when you book a room at Hotel Palazzo di Valli. Housed in a beautiful 16th-century villa surrounded by olive trees, this charming hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the medieval city walls. The rooms are spacious, decorated with frescoes, and offer spectacular panoramic views of the Tuscan countryside. Oh, and there’s free parking too!
FAQs about where to stay in Siena
Siena is a great base for exploring Tuscany since it’s right in the heart of the region. But that’s really only true if you’re travelling by car. The city isn’t connected to Tuscany’s high-speed train network, and its train station sits quite a walk from the historic city centre.
Florence is generally the better choice. It’s better connected by trains and buses, making it easy to explore the rest of Tuscany and beyond. You’ll also find a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and things to do, especially in the evenings. Siena is beautiful and more peaceful, but Florence offers more flexibility for day trips and first-time visitors.
Siena’s usually the better pick. It’s bigger, has more restaurants and things to do, and is a great base for exploring Tuscany by car. Montepulciano is gorgeous and peaceful, but it’s smaller and harder to get around from. It works better for a day trip or a night or two rather than as your main base.
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