Hotel Santa Caterina - Siena

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Mar 2008

Short stay in a very nice hotel. It was not the season to enjoy the garden. The price to park the car is expensive as the car is in the back of the garden. Is it sure ?

Guest name: Jacques PASSICOS, France

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Feb 2008

Overall we were happy with our stay at this hotel .The staff were very helpful and welcoming,the room was clean and comfortable with a good view over the countryside South of Siena.We had no problem with traffic noise as has been mentioned in some reviews of this hotel but as we stayed in February windows and shutters facing the road were kept closed.The hotel is well located (especially for arrival by car) to visit the old town as it is about 200 metres from the Porta Romana entrance gate from where it is a 10 minute walk to the centre of the old town. Parking is a problem in the whole area but the hotel does offer private parking at extra cost however getting in and out of this private parking area in anything other than a smallish car would be almost impossible !

Guest name: DN, Greece

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

We would return in a heartbeat, the location is perfect; just outside the city walls, with a lovely garden in the back. Breakfast was in a beautiful sunny room looking out over the hotel garden; VERY friendly staff, and we loved our room, even though it was a bit small; that was not an issue for us.

Guest name: Ruth Wallace, Canada

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Oct 2007

Lucky to get a garden room on the ground floor which was just lovely. I couldn't believe how peaceful it was given that there where main roads on two sides of this hotel. Whether on not other guests are so lucky I can't say. Quite a long haul up to the "campo" but not out of reach of the determined pedestrian! Superb small hotel.

Guest name: RH, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.4

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2007

Our view was breathtaking, the view of the rolling tuscany hills, we had the only room with the balcony. Worth the take this room. The breakfast was excellent and the garden setting is beautisul. it is a nice walk to the main piazza. Ask the hotel to recommend dinner venues.

Guest name: SG, Singapore

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

wonderful views of tuscany from back rooms. a little hard to find due to lack of street signs. must pay to park. staff very friendly, breakfast in gardens was great.

Guest name: JM, USA

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Sep 2007

Situated on the corner of a main road junction our initial fears were soon dispelled. With a room overlooking the gaarden there was no traffic noise and our stay of 3 nights proved a very pleasent one. The room had very effective AC, was very clean and well appointed as was the bathroom which had good towels and hot water flowed from the hot tap. Breakfast was a very pleasent experience with a wide selection provided buffet style. each morning we were able to eat in the garden but if this had not been possible I think the breakfast room would of been very crowded. Apart from breakfast the garden was a pleasent place to sit and the hotel does serve refreshments there. However there is very little casual seating available !00 meteres from the Santa Romana gate and 700 from Il Campo the hotel is a good tourist base and we would return

Guest name: Anthony Christy, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.1

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Sep 2007

very highly recommended!!

Guest name: JM, Spain

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Sep 2007

very good location, near to the porta Romana. excellent breakfast in a beautiful garden, people charming and good hospitality unfortunately we did not have a view on the garden but the room was spacious and night quiet, noise of the street during the morning though (parking is 15 e but it is inside the park) only negative point is that we cannot stand or park even few minutes in front of the hotel. Romantic scenery we will go back

Guest name: Kerima Macheda, France

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Aug 2007

The hotel is right outside the walls of this great town. It is a small hotel that was very welcoming and freindly. We had room 19 which is the only one with a balcony. The views from the room are spectacular (see photo). The outdoor breakfast area is set in beautiful surroundings and with excellent service. I could not find fault with the hotel and would return again.

Guest name: William Jones, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Group

stayed in Aug 2007

Great location - didn't have to deal with horrendous Siena one-way systems> Those guests with special needs would have to ensure they avoided the mezzanine style rooms

Guest name: Sarah Eichner, USA

Average rating:  7.8

Guest type: 

stayed in Aug 2007

A very nice, simple hotel in a very convenient location for the city centre. The views from our room / balcony, and from the patio garden were stunning - a lovely surprise.

Guest name: Jonathan Fitzpatrick, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jun 2007

Excellent hotel - would recommend it

Guest name: DU, United Kingdom

Average rating:  5.5

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jul 2007

I couldn't take the rooms on the garden side because I took my reservation one day before I arrived.It was a little bit noisy all time. But I could enjoy the breakfast at their beautiful garden.

Guest name: KA, Japan

Average rating:  9.0

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Jul 2007

First trip to Siena. Hotel located just outside hte Romana gate.

Guest name: Paul Lundquist, Norway

Average rating:  8.4

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Jun 2007

Very nice hotel fantastic views from the garden, good location. Luckily we had a room facing the garden I think if anyone had a room facing the main road it would be a little noisy. My only quibble would be that I thought it was a little expensive for the standard of hotel.

Guest name: Simon Foster, United Kingdom

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Apr 2007

A nice and quiet room wtih a view over the garden. All the people working in the hotel were friendly and helpful. Breakfast was served in a beautiful room in the garden. We look forward to come back!

Guest name: JR, Norway

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Feb 2007

A beatiful hotel. Room was large and fantastic. The bathroom in particular was superb. The staff were friendly and were happy to recommend restaurants for dinner. The hotel is located outside the city walls but it is only a short walk into the heart of Siena. We would highly recommend this hotel.

Guest name: SP, Australia

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Mature couple

stayed in Feb 2007

This was a charming hotel with a lovely breakfast area, garden beyond and views of Tuscany hills. We especially enjoyed our room with the balcony overlooking the hills (#19; only one of two rooms with balconies). On our departure there was no problem getting a breakfast before leaving even though it was not during the sceduled breakfast time (delicious variety and more than received at other hotels.) There is an uphill walk to the piazza (20 min.) which is fine. Do take a taxi from the train station as route to hotel way too complex. Lorenza, owner, helpful with local information and very friendly. Her staff polite and efficient and met our needs.

Guest name: DAVID FREITAS, USA

Average rating:  9.3

Guest type: Family with young children

stayed in Feb 2007

We were at the hotel like turists with our two sons but we, my wife and me, have known the Santa Caterina since 1989, during our honeymoon!It's always a pleasure!

Guest name: AUGUSTO AGOSTINI, Italy

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Nov 2006

We loved this hotel, it was our favorite, even surpassing one in Cinque Terre! Our loft room had a wonderful view of the Tuscan countryside, and it was only a 15 minute walk to the Piazza. We'd highly recommend this hotel to anyone.

Guest name: Mark Steiner, USA

Average rating:  9.2

Guest type: Young couple

stayed in Aug 2006

I was staying at this hotel for my wedding and it was a perfect retreat from the craziness of the event. Restaurants were in walking distance, but the walk in to the center of town did look like quite a hike, climbing of stairs and such. Much like the hills in San Francisco. However, the whole hotel did not have an iron or were not very willing to assist in finding one so that I would get the wrinkles out of my wedding dress. The bathrooms were amazing and we had been contacted my the owners and were given a beautiful room over the garden with a terrace. Breakfast was amazing. Worth the splurge, and very romantic.

Guest name: Erin McLeod, USA

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Family with older children

stayed in Aug 2006

Our highlight in Italy was Sienna and it started with Santa Caterina. It was beyond our best expectations. It is like staying at a 5 star B&B. The staff treated us like royalty from day one. Lorenza knows EVERYTHING so just ask her for suggestions. We even hired a driver and went to a winery. All restaurant suggestions were spectacular. We were there during preparations for the Palio so that made our first trip to Sienna even more special. Pictures can't begin to show the breathtaking views over the valley from the garden at this Hotel.

Guest name: Ingrid Polkinghorne, United Kingdom

Average rating:  7.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Nov 2005

I thought the loft setup in the room was a bit awkward (having the bedroom upstairs and the bathroom downstairs) but overall it's a very nice hotel. The view from the garden is absolutely beautiful and the staff were very attentive and helpful.

Guest name: Samara Ebinger, USA

Average rating:  9.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Oct 2005

This was the one of the best places we stayed on a two week trip from Rome northward. Unfortunately it was only a one night stand (a Sunday night). The hotel was very nice. Staff was exceedingly friendly. They had a great outside garden area in the back with a nice view of the countryside. It was located on a busy intersection, so noise might be a problem if your room is on the street side. Try for a back side room. It's a ten to fifteen minute walk to the center of town but we enjoyed walking and the walk is entirely thru the old part of town. Parking can be a problem. Street parking is available but tight. The hotel has some parking in the back but charges 10 Euros a nite. I would certainly stay here again.

Guest name: Ken Smith, USA

Average rating:  8.7

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2005

Had a lovely stay. Unfortunately they were unable to accomdate us when we wanted to stay another night. However they did ring around to other hotel nearby and found us a room.

Guest name: Matthew Hattersley, Australia

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Oct 2005

The rooms, though small, were clean and quiet, especially on the courtyard side. What set this hotel apart from the others we stayed in on our trip(8 in all)was the excellent personal service we received from Lorenza and the rest of the staff. This and the great location made the Santa Caterina an excellent value for the price. Enthusiastically recommended.

Guest name: Jane Basile, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Oct 2005

lovely view from garden side; good breakfast; odd upstairs/downstairs room not suitable for elderly; ~20min walk to center; convenient bus

Guest name: SW, USA

Average rating:  5.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

Skip this hotel. The best thing about the Santa Caterina is the courtyard and the view of the countryside. However, we were given an awful little room right next to the front desk and public washroom, and our window overlooked the entrance into the courtyard at ground level. We could not open the window coverings and get air or see the view because of the lack of privacy of our room location and we would not have been able to see the view anyway, since you needed to be up on the 2nd level, at least, to see it. The room was also quite smelly; we believe the smell was coming from the washroom next door, since it was worse at some points. As well, the Italian practice of leaving your room key at the front desk when you are out of the building did not bother us anywhere we stayed, except here. At the Santa caterina, the keys were hung beside a small counter just inside the door of the hotel. People entering the hotel could almost reach them from the door, which would not be a problem if there was someone sitting behind the counter at all times. Andrea, the night clerk, was usually very good about rushing right out when he heard someone come in, but the woman during the day (Lorenza?) was not quite as attentive. At one point we were waiting for at least five minutes before someone appeared to give us our key, and even then it was the maid, not Lorenza, plenty of time for someone to grab the keys and get into the guest rooms (this was also the only place we stayed where there was not a safe in-room). At the time of our prebooking, it was indicated to us that there was parking at the hotel. They must not have had many spots, because they were 'full-up' the whole time we were there and we had to park WAY down the street. One evening we even had to repeatedly go out and check for spots along the road, while our car was illegally parked on the sidewalk, because there was nothing available. We don't know how the hotel decided who got parking and who did not.

Guest name: JF Gosselin, Canada

Average rating:  8.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

Hotel sencillo pero encantador, situado un poco lejos del centro, pero, hay una parada de autobus en la puerta. La gente estupenda, lo mejor los desayunos en el jardín con vistas a la campiña. Pasear por las calles de Siena es una delicia. Un error cenar en la plaza, mucho mejor por las callejuelas. Vale la pena probar los vinos del Chianti.

Guest name: Pilar Sebastián Luengo, Spain

Average rating:  7.2

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Aug 2005

The hotel is very well located close to "Porta Romana" (10 minutes walk to Piazza del Campo) but right on a cross road with traffic lights so you should ask for a room facing the garden. Ours was on the street and rather noisy. Italian scooters !… :-) The website mentions a car park in the hotel but there is only room for 6 cars. Free parking in the street is very difficult but you can park right on the Porta Romana for 1,50 € per hour (night is free). The breakfast is average but served in the pretty terrasse garden where you can enjoy a wonderful and peaceful view on the country side below. All in all the hotel was a bit too expensive, but Siena is an expensive town anyway…

Guest name: Jean-Yves Plumet, Germany

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

We were fortunate to have a room with a balcony from which there is a wonderful view. The staff were extremely helpful and professional. The public rooms are small but gracious and the garden a delight (it was a real treat to have breakfast there). Although the hotel is outside the city walls and in the summer heat there is a fairly strenuous walk to the city centre, we would certainly choose the Santa Caterina again.

Guest name: JP, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

The best stay we had while travelling in Italia! The staff were so friendly and helpful. The breakfast area and view from there was awesome! Our room was quite unique, making use of little floor space by including a loft. Great location just outside the walls.

Guest name: LL, Canada

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jul 2005

I was so impressed with the staff. Ther were freindly, helpful and efficient. The breakfat was superb. We especially loved the graden. Our room was so unique with the loft. I would highly reccomend this hotel.

Guest name: Mary Anderson, Canada

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2003

Beautiful view overlooking the valley and located one block from the gate to the old city. Short cab ride to the train station.

Guest name: Earl Sparks, USA

Average rating:  9.6

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jul 2005

Very friendly, excellent service. The staff are very eager to please. The grounds provide a very peaceful surrounding. The room was spacious and comfortable.

Guest name: Gwen Baker, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

The hotel was medium price and exactly as expected. Nice large comfortable bed and large bathroom all nicely furnished. Lorenza wonderfully flambouant. Lovely view over the country side from the window. Traffic noisy from about 7.30 in the morning, but not a problem as you are on holiday and siesta is the order of the afternoon if required. Staff very helpful, accommodating and pleasant. Good breakfast. Very good base to walk into the city and explore the surrounding area. Would use this hotel again without doubt

Guest name: Philip Hanbury, United Kingdom

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jun 2005

Our stay at Santa Caterina was fantastic. Our room overlooked the Tuscan hills. We were right at the end of the corridor and so it was very quiet. Reccommend requesting a room facing the back of the property and the otherside faces a main road and could be noisy. Request car parking too. A fantastic stay, the main plaza was only 10 minutes walk. The staff are wonderful. highly recommended to all!

Guest name: HL, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.9

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2005

Santa Caterina was the one of the better hotels we stayed at while in Italy. I would defintely book this hotel again. The staff was nice and patient with our questions and the little bit of Italian we knew. The location was just outside the walls, but with easy access into the heart of Siena. The room we stayed in was unique (two story with a spiral staircase up to the "bedrooom") and comfortable.

Guest name: MS, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in May 2005

This was absolutely my favorite hotel on our trip to Italy. The staff was wonderfully friendly and Roberto greeted us like old friends. We walked from the bus stop to the hotel and it was only about a 15-20 minute walk even with all our suitcases. Part of it was uphill, so be warned, but then again Siena is all uphill! I spent my 30th birthday here and could not imagine a better city in which to celebrate. Breakfast was fantastic mostly because of the stunning views from the garden and the service was impecable. Our hosts looked up train schedules for us on the internet and anticipating what time we were scheduled to depart from the train station, called a taxi for us without our having to ask. This was our "splurge" hotel and it was worth every penny. I will stay here again and again every time I visit my new favorite city, Siena.

Guest name: Susan Shouse, USA

Average rating:  8.2

Guest type: Couple with children

stayed in Apr 2005

Comfortable hotel with excellent view from back. Suited us (couple & son 13 in triple room) very well.Quite a long, but pleasant, walk to centre of Siena, so less suitable for anyone not prepared/able to walk the distance.

Guest name: Peter Hutton, United Kingdom

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Single leisure traveller

stayed in Apr 2005

This was a lovely place. The pictures don't do it justice. The breakfast was generous; and the staff was delightful.

Guest name: SF, USA

Average rating:  10.0

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Apr 2005

we were very pleased with our stay. We had rooms on the back of the hotel and they we were very quiet. We were offered an apartment upon arrival at the same price of the two rooms we had reserved, which was very nice. The service was very professional and friendly. Breakfast was wonderful in a beautiful room with fresh fruit,wonderful coffee and great service. Our stay here was a bonus to staying in Siena.

Guest name: James Pratt, USA

Average rating:  5.7

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2004

Santa Caterina is much more designed for retirees seeking a quiet bed and breakfast than a young couple. The breakfast is quite good, and the garden is probably quite beautiful in the Spring ( we went in late December and it rained the whole time, so we couldn't enjoy it). The bed was terribly hard/lumpy, and the toiletries were not of high quality. The breakfast staff was helpful.

Guest name: RA, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Jan 2005

Excellent welcoming and services for a lovely stay. Very easy to find coming to Siena by car. The hotel parking must be requested in advance (there are just few places available) and it is not free (anyway it's very convenient because the centre of the city is only pedestrian and the city parkings are not so cheap). Piazza del campo is just a few minutes far from the hotel by foot. Many useful information, maps and "suggestions" by the hotel staff about restaurants, surroundings, events, etc.

Guest name: CM, Italy

Average rating:  7.9

Guest type: Family Group

stayed in Jan 2005

A good hotel right outside the Porta Romana. Not much in the immeidate vicinity of the hotel, but it's not too long a walk to the Campo and lots of restaurants. Friendly, helpful staff, very nice breakfast and breakfast room. Rooms are a little strange -- beds are in a loft. Makes for more space, but bathroom is downstairs, and there is little or no room to sit and read. The rooms are not quiet -- we heard people on both sides. Overall I'd recommend it, though -- we had a very nice stay and it was a good value in a good location.

Guest name: John Conery, USA

Average rating:  8.0

Guest type: Gay Couple

stayed in Dec 2004

The location was great, and the atmosphere very nice. Lorenza was especially helpful -- as well as being nice and intelligent.

Guest name: Jeremy Hough, USA

Average rating:  9.8

Guest type: Group of friends

stayed in Dec 2004

LITTLE BIT OUT OF THE CITY, BUT EXCELLENT. VERY NICE ( OR WONDERFULL ) ROOMS, WONDERFULL VIEW OF THE TUSCANY COUNTRY, WONDERFULL GARDEN, WONDERFULL BREAKFAST. IF CASE, TO MUCH WONDERFULL HEATHING SYSTEM, WUE STAY THE TWO DAY ONLY WITH THE BATH ROOM HEATH UNIT, AND IT WAS ENOUGH

Guest name: Carlos Diaz Huertas, Spain

Average rating:  9.5

Guest type: Heterosexual Couple

stayed in Dec 2004

A great place. Charming and convenient location. The location was not exactly as we had imagined according to the maps online; the hotel is just outside the city's old walls, as opposed to being inside. However, it was only a 5 minute walk to the inside of the walls. The room was very comfortable; the only complaint was some nail-banging in the morning by a construction crew working on the roof. Not sure if the hotel could have been in control of this. Staff was extremely helpful.

Guest name: LC, USA

Average rating:  8.1

Guest type: Not Specified

stayed in Sep 2004

Satisfactory and reasonably priced. Excellent breakfast in pleasant garden with great view. The location is not great, as it is a 15-20 minute uphill walk to the Campo. Room was spartan and quite small, but acceptable.

Guest name: KJ, USA