GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL
GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL is a former seventeenth-century palazzo that has been meticulously refurbished into a boutique hotel that retains the opulence of its Renaissance heritage. As the only five-star hotel in the heart of Siena, it is a monument to the city’s storied past and an epitome of modern luxury run by friendly, impeccably trained staff. The building is an architectural jewel, commissioned by Pope Alexander VII as a wedding gift for his niece. The interiors impart a refined and romantic atmosphere, with grand frescos, priceless furniture, and polished marble defining the hotel’s common spaces, the most unique of which is the beautiful ballroom, or Salone delle Feste, perfect for private functions and celebrations. Each of the rooms and suites are likewise havens of comfort and elegance, with additional frescoes, historic paintings, inlaid silver mirrors, Chinese porcelain lamps, and priceless silk draperies.
Centrally located within the city’s old walls, the hotel is an easy walk to a host of shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the cathedral and Piazza del Campo. The concierge excels in planning itineraries, so don’t be shy about engaging their expertise. And if part of your stay includes indulging in the best of Tuscan food and wine, you can enjoy both without ever leaving the hotel. Its Ristorante Sapordivino, helmed by noted chef Luca Ciaffarafà, offers a selection of exquisitely revisited Tuscan dishes matched with some of Italy’s most important vintages from the on-site wine cellar, which is carved into the base of the medieval tower. Meals may be enjoyed in the elegant Sala Gori or outside in the inner courtyard, with its glass cupola and refined atmosphere.