Siena, Italy
Refined Renaissance palazzo hotel in Siena’s historic centre featuring frescoed rooms, Tuscan dining and an exceptional central location
Our review
Getting to the Grand Hotel Continental was a bit hair-raising, the last part involving driving through mainly pedestrianized cobbled streets, thronging with tourists and almost too narrow to take a car. We finally arrived at the hotel that really is right in the middle of Siena, with nowhere to stop. (Drive on a few yards, alert the concierge and wait in the square beside a church. A valet will arrive to take the car and a porter comes with a luggage trolley…)
Our room had a high ceiling and its own fresco, carefully restored by local artists. Through the large windows, which we kept open, the morning sun and the peel of church bells awakened us at 7am, which was lovely. The bathroom was well appointed. My only small gripe is the noisy air-conditioning, which did not seem to be able to cope with the high ceiling, but we were able to open the windows, so it was not a big issue.
The hotel has a magnificent medieval cellar, deep under the floor, which has been refurbished and now holds 3,000 bottles of fine wine, more than any hotel in the city. Two-hour tastings are conducted at a special wine-tasting station; two days notice is required. This is certainly something I would do on my next visit.
The hotel is perfectly placed for sightseeing – it is right on the doorstep of anything one might want to see; it is so good to be able to walk everywhere with so much ease. We found several eating places nearby serving extremely good food, so one does not have to rely on eating in the hotel.
Breakfast was perfectly nice but I did not like the dining room so much, as being open plan with modern furniture, it felt at odds with the historic traditions of the rest of the hotel and somewhat lacked atmosphere. The formal dining room seemed more attractive, but we did not eat there.
Concierge and front of house staff were very helpful and overall we had an enjoyable stay.
Final words: Lovely historic hotel right in the heart of Siena.
Rooms
Grand Hotel Continental Siena offers approximately 50 rooms and suites set within a restored 16th‑century palazzo. Each room is individually designed, showcasing frescoed or beamed ceilings, terracotta floors, period furnishings and marble bathrooms. Suites provide generous living space and views over Siena’s medieval streets or landmarks, combining historical character with modern comfort.
Food and Drink
Sapordivino is the hotel’s signature restaurant, serving refined Tuscan and Italian cuisine beneath an elegant glass‑covered courtyard. The menu highlights traditional recipes prepared with seasonal local ingredients in a sophisticated setting.
The Lounge Bar by Sapordivino provides a stylish space for aperitifs and cocktails, complemented by access to the hotel’s historic wine cellar, which hosts curated tastings featuring regional and international wines.
Wellness
The hotel focuses on bespoke relaxation rather than a full spa, offering in‑room massage treatments and access to wellness facilities at a nearby partner property. This approach preserves the tranquillity of the historic palazzo while maintaining high‑quality wellness options.
Facilities
- Refined Tuscan restaurant and lounge bar
- Historic wine cellar with tastings
- Elegant Salone delle Feste ballroom
- Concierge and valet services
- Meeting and private event spaces
- Pet‑friendly accommodation
- 24‑hour room service
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Grand Hotel Continental is located on Via Banchi di Sopra in the heart of Siena’s historic centre. Piazza del Campo, Siena Cathedral and the city’s main museums, boutiques and cafés are all within a short walk, making it an ideal base for exploring Tuscany’s cultural heritage.
Getting there
Address: Via Banchi di Sopra, 85 – 53100 Siena
Arriving by car: Nearby private garage, preferential pricing for hotel guests, valet service for pick up and delivery. Getting to the hotel by car involves driving through a pedestrian area, and then parking temporarily in the square opposite the hotel. It's best to call the hotel when a few minutes away.
Arriving by train: Siena Station – 2,2 Km
Arriving by air: Amerigo Vespucci Airport, Florence – 65 KmGalileo Galilei Airport, Pisa – 105 KmFiumicino Airport, Rome – 250 Km
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.