Myself and my 2 teenage boys stayed for 2 nights at the Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Borghesi and it was like no other hotel accommodations we have ever stayed at. From the room to the location to the service, everything about our experience was the best. We stayed in the Le Grottesche suite which is 2 levels. A queen bed on the first level and 2 single beds on the 2nd level, all of which were perfect for us. It has a small balcony that has a beautiful view of Siena and the country side. The bathroom was roomy and had every amenity that we needed. The ceiling is painted with Frescoes from the 1500’s! Just a truly unique hotel. Silvia, at the front desk was so delightful and friendly at every encounter. She gave us incredible restaurant, guide and shopping recommendations, which was very helpful. I also emailed her months ahead of our trip with questions about trains and transportation to the hotel, which she answered very promptly. The hotel itself was a residence before being converted into a B&B so it has a very home like feel in the common areas. We would fill out a breakfast menu the night before and give it to Silvia. It had everything you could possibly want and more and everything was set out the morning after in the dining and/or living room on a table for the 3 of us. There is a beverage refrigerator with wine and champagne in the main dining area that is for quests, which was nice touch. There is also a roof top terrace that had incredible views of the city which I enjoyed in the evenings. The location can’t be beat with a short walk to everything in the city. This was our first time in Italy and I am so glad we decided to stay here. If I could give it 10 stars, I would. I am incredibly particular with hotels and this one blew it out of the water.…
A beautiful building, steeped in history. These rooms were once the apartment of a wealthy family - the history is documented in a brochure in the main salon, a public gathering room which was once the living room for the family. A photo book contains photos of the renovations of the building - fascinating how the current owner gutted the rooms while at the same time, maintaining the historical accuracy, restoring the painted murals, etc. The furniture is period and be sure to admire the stunning Venetian glass chandeliers throughout the common rooms. There are photos of the family in the common living room which are so nice to see. There are also books and games, very welcoming. The current family who owns the Residenza, is involved with Montalcino wine production. In our room, probably in them all, there is a bottle of Brunello de Montalcino in a lighted shadow box on the wall with a price tag on it in case you’d like to purchase it. There are bottles of wine for sale next to the guest fridge area in the dining room. On the top floor, there is a veranda for all of the guests to use, appealing fairy lights on the railings help to highlight the amazing view of Siena. Our room was the “Viridi Gallia” room. It has it’s own private balcony with a "you have to see it to believe it” view looking down on Siena and the countryside beyond. There is a table for two on the balcony, which we utilized often - we would buy a bottle of wine at the nearby market (great local wines are so inexpensive!!) and a pizza and dine al fresco, best view in Siena. LOL, tip - make sure you have a dinner reservation at least a day in advance in nearly all of the local restaurants or you too will be having pizza for dinner on the balcony, haha! Pleasant though it was, there are a few restaurants we wish we hadn’t missed. Silvia in reception is exceptional! She is warm and accessible while at the same time, is knowledgeable and professional. We stayed at the Residenza for 5 nights, but our paths only overlapped once, when we checked in, as we spent three days touring Tuscany on wine day tours with “Franco Fadda Dream Tuscany”. But though we didn’t see Silvia, she was in constant contact with us via WhatsApp - always checking in to make sure all was well, if she could to anything for us, recommendations and touring ideas, etc. She arranged a car transfer for us from Siena to the airport in Florence which worked out perfectly. She always has the comfort of the guests in mind as her first priority. The rooms as I said, are historic and stunning - but definitely updated with all modern conveniences. The bathrooms are beautifully luxurious! Love the sink! And the shower is stunning, just be careful of the slippery marble floor when wet! Be aware that there are several flights of stairs to access the Residenza - depending upon your knees, no problem to go up but could be an issue going down. However, don’t despair, there is a teensy weensy elevator which you will for sure need if you have luggage. The building was after all, built in the first half of the 14th century - still, it was renovated in the early 1500s, so you’d think there might be a larger elevator……LOL, I’m kidding! The Residenza is a Bed & Breakfast, with six beautiful rooms for let. Breakfast was included but you absolutely must have a breakfast order form. If by chance no one upon check in gave you a form or there was no form ever placed in your room by housekeeping, then you don’t get breakfast, it’s as simple as that. We did not get a form, we didn’t know you needed one - so this is a word to the wise - you do, so ask for one in advance, you’ve been alerted. Breakfast starts at 9am every day, on the day we wanted to eat in the Residenza, we went out to the main room and sat down, but the lady in charge said, “no breakfast for you” - abrupt and no smile, but we don’t share a language so that’s fine - because we had not filled out a form, because we didn’t know about it. The issue is that breakfast orders are filled strictly to what you check off on the form - there is no one in the kitchen cooking or baking - the food is not freshly cooked - options are hard boiled eggs, cold ham, packaged yogurt, plain croissant. If there was someone cooking fresh breakfast in the kitchen - eggs, omelettes, bacon, that sort of thing - then there would be extra food as it would be cooked to order, you know, picture your own kitchen. But the food is closely rationed, exacting, per form. Which is why since we had no form, there was no cappucino for us, no juice, not a prepackaged yogurt nor nary a slice of cold ham to spare. HOWEVER, and this is a great tip - you are given vouchers (and we were given vouchers on check-in, just no in-house breakfast form) to use at the Bar 4 Cantoni for breakfast because the breakfast in the hotel does not begin until 9am. Bar 4 Cantoni opens at 6:30am every morning. Upon check in, we were given vouchers for Bar 4 in case we would be touring and had to leave before 9am. Good thing, since the one morning that we did want to eat breakfast in the hotel but we couldn’t, since we were not given the form, we did have plenty of vouchers. And after seeing the hotel breakfast - we did see the trays on the day we wanted to eat in house pre-prepared for the guests that did have a form - I can absolutely report that you will very much enjoy eating at Bar 4 Cantoni where everything is fresh and there are many more options and all are quite lovely. Nice to have that option, particularly if as in our case, it was our only option! Loved their cappuccinos, pastries, fresh gorgeous sandwiches, freshly squeezed 'a la minute' orange juice, etc.…
This hotel is located in the center of the city , close to all iconic places. Very convenient. The hotel itself is unique with classic decorations. It is like a museum and has lots of history. We really love their breakfast option and quality of the food. The staff is very helpful.
The pictures are great but the rooms are not. Very structured owners who will not be accomadating. Our room was to have twin beds. It did not and they set up a day bed up a winding staircase. The room was tired looking and not suitable for two somen travelling together. We stayed one night and explained it would not work for us. They immediately charged my credit card for two nights. Breakfast was minimal and weird. I would not reccomend this hotel nor would I ever stay there again.
We were delighted to find this gem of a B&B - not strictly a hotel - a real taste of "old Italy". It occupies two floors of this 16th century building, originally a private palazzo, and it still has that feel about it. Don't miss the lovely, hand-painted ceiling decorations! If you arrive by car, you need to leave it in a parking garage outside the old city walls as cars are not allowed inside. But they will drive you to the Residenza and pick you up. We enjoyed the 'Green' room with its charming little terrace overlooking the rooftops of Siena. It was perfect for both sharing a half bottle of champagne from the mini bar on arrival and for breakfast the next morning.
This was our second stay at this amazing family-owned hotel. The location is perfect, just a stroll from the iconic Piazza do Campo. The rooms are beautiful and authentically elegant. Breakfast is excellent. But for me the key ingredient is the excellent service. Efficient but not intrusive. I will go back here and highly recommend it for a visit to Siena.
We stayed here one night at the end of March. The rooms are large and very comfortable and the whole the place is beautiful and traditional with an incredible location just steps away from the cathedral. We highly recommend!
What an incredible accommodation in Siena. The rooms are spacious and stunningly beautiful (you really do feel like you are staying in a palace.) Centrally located (about 3 minute walk to the Piazza del Campo.). Breakfast was great (and made getting a start on the day easy!) The staff also made many excellent recommendations for us! Would recommend to anyone visiting the area!
This is a unique property, part of what appears to have been a private palazzo now divided into private residential and the hotel. The common area's are absolutely beautiful and befitting of a palazzo. Nice amenities, coffee, hot water, ice etc always available. Generous and beautiful breakfast, you make the selections you want the night before and they are waiting at your table in the morning - eggs, meats, cheese, breads, pastries, croissants, yogurt, fruit - anything you could want for breakfast. Had a lovely room with an amazing view of Siena, room was on the small side, but, hard not to love it anyway because of the view. Can't beat the location as it is right in the middle of Siena. One note, breakfast hours are limited 9-10 - so if your schedule doesn't work with this time they will give you a voucher to use at the lovely cafe downstairs - would stay here again if I were in Siena…
My wife and I decided to have a long weekend in Siena for her birthday. We chose the Residenza d'Epoca Palazzo Borghese because we wanted something special. We are so glad we made this choice. The location is excellent and only a short walk from all the major sites. The entire experience, from our reservation confirmation by Cristina to our check out three days later, was perfect. The palazzo common areas and rooms are all spectacular. We selected the Viridi Gallia room because of the balcony and it was fabulous. Having breakfast on our private balcony overlooking Siena was amazing. Communication with Silvia and Paolo before and during our stay was friendly and professional. They were able to accommodate all our needs. I highly recommend staying at Residenza d’Epoca Palazzo Borghese when visiting Siena.…
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