Bed & Breakfast Il Casato - Siena

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: 3 women

stayed in May 2008

The staff and accomodations are very nice..well located and Siena is beautiful and quiet. The B&B is older than I expected, but all was very nice.

Guest name: Barbara Glissendorf, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in May 2008

We loved this place. We had a fantastic suite, with an incredible view of the city and of the Tower. While this suite appeared to be the best in terms of view, other rooms had private terraces and views as well. The breakfasts were good too. There was a problem with hot water one morning - we were told that they had just put in a new hot water heater and things were still being adjusted. Otherwise, we would have to rate the place "fantastic"! We would definitely stay there again.

Guest name: NG, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Friends

stayed in Apr 2008

What a beautiful, cosy place to stay in Siena! The staff was extremely helpful, although the in-room breakfast arrived half an hour later than ordered. I would advise taking a taxi from the bus stop or the train station, as we would have wasted a lot of time climbing up and down Siena's steep streets looking for it.

Guest name: KS, USA

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Group

stayed in Apr 2008

Location of Il Casato is very good, you walk only few minutes to il Campo. Breakfast was quite good, unfortunately in early April it was too cold to eat it outside at patio...You can't say that our tripleroom was big but it was spacious enough. Bathroom (especially shower) could have been cleaner. Common areas are very nice and you can spend time there also. We enjoyed our stay and if we go to Siena again, we'll definitely try to stay in same place.

Guest name: SP, Finland

Average rating:  7.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Dec 2007

Il Casato is very near to a public parking, so it's very convenient if you arrive to Siena by car, but it's a bit far from the train Sation. Maybe the info at the web might include some info about what bus number to take to get to the hotel, how to pay the tickets and so on. Il casato is a lovely tower-house very near to il Duomo and Piazza del Campo. Common areas are warm and stylish. Breakfast, served at room is not a buffet but we didn't find it poor at all. Don't go there if you are reluctant to climb stairs with lugagge. No lift. We asked for a suite in the hope that I would be given a superior room and was given a familiar modern two-room appartment for 4 people. It was very big but we were a bit dissapointed, some of the cheaper rooms had vaulted and painted ceilings. On the other hand, the views of Tuscany Fields and Siena from the 3 windows of our room were superb. Il Casato was clean, quiet, confortable, very well located and reasonably priced. Thanks to Marianna, who was very attentive and friendly during our stay.

Guest name: Rafael Moreno Cordoba, Spain

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Nov 2007

The woman at the front desk was very helpful - she told me how to get to Rome from Sienna and even printed out a schedule and prices.

Guest name: EC, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Nov 2007

This was by far the best B&B we stayed in on our Italy honeymoon. We were upgraded to the suite and the young girl working brought us a bottle of champagne minutes after we checked in. The view was incredible and Siena is an amazing city. Breakfast was brought to our room each morning. If you are arriving from the train station, I would recommend taking a taxi to the hotel. It is easy to get around once you've been there for a day, but we were very glad we took a taxi because the streets are like San Francisco, CA. Straight up and straight back down!

Guest name: CW, USA

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Nov 2007

Maps were not too good, but thanks to the nice english-speaking receptionist, we had no trouble to find the hotel. We got a huge room (No. 11), more like a suite, with separate sleeping-room and salon/kitchenette. A little bit unusual to eat breakfast in the room, the breakfast continental standard only with croissant and marmelade (but plus for fresh fruit and yogurt). Hygiene could be a little better, but not dirty in any way. The location is superb, only a few hundred meters from Piazza del Campo and Piazza del Duomo. The house itself has lovely decorations, especially around the upper entrance, and we recommend to take a closer look there. We also recommend the very nice restaurant next door, receptionist can help with reservation.

Guest name: Jan-Petter Hoel, Norway

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Sep 2007

The bathroom was small but adequate. Breakfast served in room was a nice touch. Kind staff. Location and building wonderful. View from our room magical. Great place to stay with a group with many bedrooms clustered around common areas. Lovely terrace. Restaurant next door charming, great food.

Guest name: Jane Applegate, USA

Average rating:  7.7

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2007

Wonderful city, nice little hotel--I'd recommend both. They messed up our reservation, but were apologetic, and did well enough making it right, and everything else was good. It's not the Ritz, but the price is amazing given the location--200 meters from Il Campo, the town square.

Guest name: BG, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Jul 2007

The bathroom in our room (#12) was very cramped, almost unusable. Il Casato is on a street with a lot of activity late at night. That was not of great concern to us.

Guest name: Norman Engelberg, USA

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Jun 2007

A lovely room that opened onto a terrace with beautiful views of the garden and surrounding city. Books,toys and games for children provided in a great room. Very helpful young woman at the desk, who, when I went back a week later looking for something I had lost actually spent time looking for it.

Guest name: Bonnie Ulrich, USA

Average rating:  8.3

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2007

We were on our honeymoon and really enjoyed our stay at Il Casato. We were fortunate to have suite no. 6 which has two marvellous views out over Siena from the main bedroom. Shortly after our arrival a bottle of Asti was produced by Marianna who was helpful beforehand in answering one or two queries I had via email. The cleaning of the rooms and the provision of fresh linen was first class. The breakfast was a little disappointing, one really good cup of coffee, a smaller glass of better quality orange juice and a really good croissant would have been much better than those provided and then the dry toast and slivers of cheese in plastic wrappers would not have been necessary. It was good to have a kiwi fruit. Overall though I would not hesitate to recommend Il Casato. We enjoyed several meals at Trattoria Da Dino in the Via Casato di Sopra, friendly staff, unpretentious and good food.

Guest name: Andrew Stansfeld, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Apr 2007

We stayed for 2 nights in April 2007 and overall we had an excellent stay. The only "problem" is that the reception is closed from about 1pm-3:30pm, which is inconvenient if you want to check-in during those hours. But, that's life in Italy and so you may as well get used to it. The girls in reception were friendly and helpful. We were even offered a better room with balcony at no extra charge on the second night if we desired. But we were happy enough with our room that we stayed put. The room itself was very unique and romantic. The bathroom was narrow and poorly lit around the shower area, but it was clean. I was expecting a very poor breakfast since I had read in other reviews that it consisted of only a croissant and coffee and juice. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't so bad. It wasn't spectacular, but it consisted of a glass of orange juice, a typical Italian breakfast croissant (freshly-baked), as well as some dry toast (sort of like Melba toast) jam, butter and fresh fruit (apple, kiwi). Breakfast is served in the room at the time that you specify when you check-in. That was ok for us and we were full enough that we didn't have to buy breakfast in the city. There are 2 different entrances (Via Giovanna Dupre is the main one, and then there is another one -- I think the name of the street was Via Casato di Sopra). The location was perfect, about a 5 min walk to the main area Il Campo in the heart of Siena. We slept very well and it was as quiet as anyone can expect in a country with heavy traffic in all the cities. The public areas inside the B&B are gorgeous and there is a nice sitting area where you can relax or a small garden and terrace outside. I would definitely stay at Il Casato again and I would recommend it. It's not a 5-star hotel, so it's not fair to make comparisons. It's simple, clean and very unique. It'd be hard to find another place with such a unique atmosphere.

Guest name: Asmund Reppen, Norway

Average rating:  7.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Feb 2007

Reception is only open from 9:00-17:00 with a break for lunch which made leaving our bags on check-out day difficult as we wanted to retrieve them around lunch time. Otherwise a very nice place.

Guest name: Ben Gerdemann, Portugal

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Jan 2007

I had very confortable stay in their beautiful spacious room. Its location is fantastic too. I'll certainly come back!

Guest name: MI, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: 

stayed in Jan 2007

We stayed at Il Casato for 2 very comfortable nights. The rooms were quite spaceous, the staff was very kind. It was a prime location within the heart of Siena and a 5-7 minute cab ride from the train station to Il Casato. The tavern a couple doors down on Via Dupre featured some of the best food I've ever had in Italy-- a mind-blowing wine list, traditional Tuscan dishes, great truffle dishes. Il Casato is a fantastic value, and I can't wait to stay here again.

Guest name: BIANCA COVIO, USA

Average rating:  6.9

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Dec 2006

Very good B&B with excellent position in the city centre. Good service, with breakfast served in room. The warming of the room was not so good, in the morning the temperature was slightly low.

Guest name: Yuri Di Carlo, Italy

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Nov 2006

What a wonderful place. Such excellent value for money. Myself and my husband and my mum stayed for 4 nights in November 2006 and we both had a terrace with our rooms. You could see the tower in Il Campo from my mums. It was central, beautifully historic, warm and welcoming and I couldn't recommend it highly enough

Guest name: Anna Whitfield, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2006

this place was lovely i would stay again it is a bit pricey though the location is perfect

Guest name: NB, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Oct 2006

Tucked into one of the quaint streets right off the main plaza in Siena, Il Casato was the most charming hotel I have EVER stayed in. The building was an immaculately restored home from the middle ages with cozy common areas such as an enclosed garden and arched ceiling sitting rooms. Our bedroom had a painted fresco on the ceiling, private bath and looked out into the Siena countryside. The staff reccomended the restaurant next door and we were blown away by the atmosphere and quality of food. Appetizer of smoked mozzarella bruschetta was unbelievable! I had limited expectations when I booked Il Casato, because of its reasonable price, I can't believe what a gem we had found! This was my favorite part of our Italian vacation as I could imagine what it might have been like to be a resident of this beautiful city.

Guest name: JODY SANTORO, USA

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2006

The accommodation was great,just as described and the garden was lovely, we didn't use the lounge as it was a bit dark for reading. The location was ideal for exploring Siena and the restaurant next door was fantastic. The staff were very helpful. Having read other peoples reviews I was well aware that the property had lots of steps, luckily we were on the lowest floor and the receptionist helped us with our cases. The only slight complaints I have are that it wasn't made clear in the description that breakfast was served in your bedroom, therefore we didn't meet or get talking to any other guests. We also didn't discover the whereabouts of the kitchen until near the end of our stay. Finally one time we came back via the higher street - Casato Sopra and found that our key wouldn't work and it is a bit of a hike round to the lower entrance. Nevertheless excellent value for money.

Guest name: Jennifer Mccloskey, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2006

Without having fist hand knowledge of other accomodation in the old walled part of Siena it's difficult to make comparison...the building is old, there's no elevator so be ready to lug your bags up or down thin and uneven stairs, from your room you hear most of what goes on in the street. But Siena is that kind of town, very old and with steep stairs and streets. And there is no non-resident parking in the old part of the city unless you park in a parking garage which will cost you about 20 euros/night...at least this hotel was close enough to the wall that we could find parking outside and only be about ten minutes away from the car. Unload your bags and then move your car, you won't need it, and once you've seen the steepness and narrowness of the streets you won't want to drive on them anyway. This hotel is very conveniently located and the young girl at the front desk is the most helpful person in Italy. The best resturant in town is right next door.

Guest name: Peter Masters, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Sep 2006

The small hotel is very nice. It’s like being a guest in the large house of a friend. Several cosy rooms for everyone to use and a comfortable guestroom for yourself. The small breakfast was delivered to the room. The hotel is very near to the central piazza Il Campo.

Guest name: Christian Schmidt, Germany

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Single traveller

stayed in Aug 2006

It was a quite exciting experience to stay close to the heartbeat of the town, so close to where the life of Siena has been built by centuries. The building itself was a breathtaking landmark. A must for everyone who wants to spend a few days in Siena. Bed- breakfast and private terrace in stone! what else? A very cute, pretty and lovely receptionist! well cared details (see the lamps, the libraries, the facilities...). Great and lovable

Guest name: Giovanni Iannaccio, Italy

Average rating:  3.6

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Mar 2006

The biggest problem that we faced was the lack of hotel staff. The only time the hotel is staffed is 9 - 1 and 3:30 - 7:30. We couldn't get in when we arrived and we couldn't call a taxi to leave (missed our train). We would not stay there again, whatever the price!

Guest name: JB, Canada

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

Upon arrival, we were greeted so warmly. Our hostess insisted on helping with luggage in addition to her sunny disposition. We loved the property, being a 1300s building and the garden was lovely. The building has incredible character. Our room worked out fine for us and yet could sleep up to 6 (2 dbls, 1 single bed). The bathroom was larger than most we encountered on our trip (all B&Bs). Location was terrific, in the center of Siena. We were sad to leave such a cool building when we checked out. If you are into buildings with character you will love it....and it is definitely kept up and is clean. If you are not, it won't be your kind of place. I mention this only because a couple we spoke to in the garden seemed less than thrilled with the building...which took me by surprise. I would definitely stay there again and hope to do so when I go back!

Guest name: TD, USA

Average rating:  4.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

I booked a suite, what we got was two rooms that once were good size,but now each had been reduced by about 1/3 or better to accomodate two bathrooms. What was left was filled with tacky painted wardrope furniture and beds (without even headboards) in both rooms. It was two attached bedrooms, NOT a suite by any standards. Breakfast was ALFULL, served in the room, ONE crossant, sugar orange juice and one luke-warm cub of coffee is NOT breakfast. Staff was helpful, it is easy to get to, great restrurant out the bottom door, good location in town were all pluses.

Guest name: Robert Opem, USA

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Oct 2005

Siena is gorgeous, and Il Casato was a delightful little gem in the old city. We had a terrace outside our room which was also a nice treat. Teeny tiny stall shower, but it might just have been our room. If you need to check out early in the morning, be sure to settle your bill the previous day because the owners are not around until 9:30. I would definitely stay at Il Casato again.

Guest name: KH, Hungary

Average rating:  6.3

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Oct 2005

I have mixed feelings about my stay at Il Casato. Firstly, a warm welcome to Siena this is NOT - if you happen to arrive between 1 and 3.30 pm, when the building is completely locked up and inaccessible. Secondly, the address as stated on the web page is actually used as a sort of 'back door' that you can only access once you have checked in a got a key. The real entry and check in desk is on Via Dupre - a steep and weary walk round the block if you have baggage - and the website does not make this clear. Thirdly, although the rooms have heating, it was switched off when I was there and so my room was very cold. And the bathroom had a nasty smell. Finally, for breakfast I was served with the worst cup of coffee I have ever tasted in Italy. However, it wasn't all bad. I could not have wished for a better location - within easy walking distance of the Campo and the Duomo and so perfect for seeing Siena. The staff were friendly and helpful and there is also a lovely garden at this property. Unfortunately the weather was a bit too cool for me to make use of it, but I definitely would have otherwise.

Guest name: Kathryn Dent, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Oct 2005

I arrived late and the instructions on where to collect the keys and how to get into the building were inadequate. They need to include a map showing the location of the nightime entrance and instructions on which key to use for each door. Otherwise my stay was great and good value.

Guest name: David Collins, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

Would we stay here again? Absolutely Yes! Super close to Piazza del Campo, breakfast delivered to our room - how wonderful is that? Staff was wonderful (waited for us to arrive after dark, recommended another B&B when we wanted to extend our stay in Siena and Il Casato was full). We planned for 3 nights, and stayed 6 - Siena is amazing! We hated to leave...

Guest name: Brent Fehr, Canada

Average rating:  6.4

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

The location of the bed and breakfast was great. Make sure to know when the check in attendant will be available. If you show up and it is not during their hours of operation, you will not be able to check in and or get into the hotel. The facility is older and we were a little disappointed with our bathroom as it was small and in need of some repairs and upgrades. The shower head was spiting water in many directions. The room was older as well and could have used some paint, but if you are looking for old style, this is it. If you are looking for elevators, new rooms, this may not be the place for you. There are many stairs to get to each room and level and you need to be careful as the stairways are narrow. A great feature of the bed and breakfast was being served breakfast in bed. It came each day very timely and was always fresh and delicious.

Guest name: PP, USA

Average rating:  8.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

The address quoted on the webpage corresponds to the back door. It would be much better to include the address of the front door. The back door is much harder to find and up a steeper hill! apart from that it was excellent.

Guest name: MF, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Sep 2005

The reception has not indicated that it is closed from 1 - 3 p.m. Hence, when we arrived there, we found nobody. They should have stated it on the website or confirmation e-mail.

Guest name: JC, Hong Kong

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

A very good address : we were very lucky since it was a last minute reservation ! This hotel is well located in the center of Sienna. One difficulty was to park the car (in every city in Italy), you have to park it in a public area and the hotel gives you a reduction.

Guest name: CB, France

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Mar 2005

This was an interesting place! We were on a whirlwind trip and didn't check-in until 9:00 pm and left at 7:00 am so we never saw anyone. They left an envelope on the door telling us the key was at a restaurant next door and we left credit card information for them. It was a little difficult finding this place, especially after dark, and there are 2 entrances - depending upon which room you have it can make a huge difference in the amount of stairs you have to lug your luggage. Very windy staircases with huge group rooms, including a kitchen. Fairly clean but not spotless, good size rooms but beds were not very comfortable. Very intersting place and wish we could have spent more time. Good value.

Guest name: SM, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Mar 2005

Based on the address given, those doors are not answered and are locked. We were fortunate enough to have found where the actual front door to the building is, about a five minute walk from the address given. Once we got there our stay was very nice. Very much enjoyed our time in Siena. Very nice courtyard to lounge in.

Guest name: Jennifer Westerberg, USA

Average rating:  8.5

Guest type: Group

stayed in Mar 2005

very poor breakfast, even if served in room

Guest name: SC, France

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Mar 2005

Staying in a 12th century building with fabulous views of the tower in the piazza cannot be surpassed. We fell in love with the Il Casato. We did arrive within the checkin time but no one was there. We had to call and lucky someone in our party spoke Italian. After checkin though we were thrilled at the location and the views. There were a lot of motorcycles going up and down the cobblestone streets but the charm of the place overrulled any noise. In the morning our breakfast was delivered to our rooms. Delicious. We would stay again. We fell in love with Siena.

Guest name: KL, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Mar 2005

Very close to the Il Campo and Duomo without too much street noise. There are two entrances into the property. We arrived late and tried to come in through the upper entrance (big black doors) on via Casato di Sopra and they were locked. Seems the main entrance is off via Dupre instead. Otherwise we very much enjoyed the Il Casato once we settled in.

Guest name: David Turner, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Jan 2005

Il Casato was more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. The receptionist (her name escaped me) was charming and very helpful. She warmly embraced my poor Italian speaking skills and offered to speak in English for me. The building is filled with incredible art (even a copy of the Mona Lisa!) The ceilings are decorated with 14-18th century frescoes. The rooms are very spacious, hot water 24/7, the view from my room was of a cute Italian tea garden with a spiral staircase. Il Casato was easy to find and everything in Siena was within walking distance. They even offered to bring breakfast to my room in the morning at the time I specified. The staff of Il Casato was very kind. I could come and go as I pleased because I had my own key to the building. The building was absolutely beautiful. I will always stay at Il Casato when I visit Siena. Ciao e Grazie mille!

Guest name: Denise Day, USA

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2004

very convinence. with friendly staff. this is a very special old house, i perfer to stay in such kind hotel rather than a standardize one. price is reasonable.

Guest name: JC, Hong Kong SAR, PRC

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Oct 2004

my only gripes are small. it was a bit hazardous on those stairs at times, especially carrying a hefty suitcase up them, but i realize an elevator in such an old building is out of the question! i think the key chains are way too big!--i realize this is so you won't lose them or whatever, but i just took mine off. i found the main door locking situation a bit inconvienient. it would have been nice to have the door lock on it's own from the inside out, but i realize you run the risk of people locking themselves out accidently that way. overall though you have a beautiful establishment there that is very reasonably priced. i had a wonderful stay.

Guest name: Ashley Powell, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2004

I cannot imagine a more lovely location from which to experience Siena. The hotel is far enough from the hustle and bustle of the center to make you feel as if you are truly 'living' in this medieval town, yet close enough to walk to the Piazza del Campo and Duomo in 10 minutes or less. Most of the buildings surrounding the hotel are residential with cafes, newstands etc. a short walk away. We stayed for 2 weeks and felt as if we were living in our own apartment, not a hotel. We did have a large, 2 section suite with a terrace and wonderful views and this did make a difference to our comfort. The only disadvantage was that, with the windows open, the street noise from both Casato di Sopra and Via Dupre could be annoying. With the windows closed, this wasn't a problem. The public spaces, including the lovely garden, are beautiful. You can hear the various bells tolling from the wealth of churches and especially from Il Torre in the Campo. The staff were friendly, always helpful and well informed. I have travelled for many years throughout the world and this is one of the most charming and delightful places I have ever stayed. I'd like to go back and stay for at least a month in the one apartment that is available with considerable pre-booking.

Guest name: Judith Sabot, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Single corporate traveller

stayed in Oct 2004

Great Place to stay, historical building, includes small garden and large common areas. Breakfast (coffee, orange juice and croissant) is brought in room - remember to tell the desk at which time, or they will take it at 8.

Guest name: CB, Italy

Average rating:  7.4

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Sep 2004

Me pareción un lugar como el que estaba buscando, una casa típica de Siena. Sugiero cuidar los detalles de las habitaciones como los baños, la ropa de cama y las plantas de los balcones, así como no usar sillas de plástico pues no van bien con el estilo del hotel. Gracias.

Guest name: Teresa Puig, Mexico

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Sep 2004

The reception were very friendly, and i felt like i was staying in an ancestral castle rather than a hotel. The rooftop garden was divine, as were the small but quality continental breakfasts served to the room every morning. The location was just far enough away to feel the peace of this charming city, but only a short walk to the main sights. Will definately be back...

Guest name: Yasemin Sumner, Australia

Average rating:  6.9

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Aug 2004

Single room (number 2) doesn't fit with the pictures shown on the website. It looks more to a rather small white monastic room with a view on a small grey dirty courtyard ....

Guest name: DL, Italy

Average rating:  5.1

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Jul 2004

The rooms were spacious but they were not very clean, the old furniture makes the room look like dirty and old.The air conditioning wasn't existing and that was a big surprise for us mainly in the hottest days of this summer.

Guest name: SA, Italy