Why we like it
- The Grand Hotel Continental is the only 5* property within the city's walls of Siena
- The individually styled cosy rooms are treasure troves of furniture and fabric. Third floor rooms have private terraces with views over San Domenico or the Duomo
- The SaporDivino restaurant serves Sienese cuisine with delicious creative touches
- The hotel has a wonderful Enoteca wine bar, which is set in the vaulted base of its medieval tower and surrounded by thick stone walls
About Grand Hotel Continental, Siena
The Grand Hotel Continental sits in the very heart of the historical centre of Siena, just steps from Piazza del Campo where the famous Palio races are held. In front of the hotel stands the splendid Banca dei Paschi di Siena building, the world's oldest bank, while the Duomo, one of the most beautiful Italian Romanesque-Gothic buildings, is just around the corner.
This 17th Century Gori Pannilini Palazzo was built originally as a wedding gift and became the preferred residence for those on the Grand Tour. The Grand Hotel is an architectural masterpiece of vaulted ceilings, stone arches and, at its heart, a soaring, glass roofed atrium. This hotel oozes opulence and warmth. Since the time of its original construction, the palazzo has been repeatedly embellished by artists, craftsmen and decorators. They have made each room its own unique palette of frescoes, paintings, terracotta floors, mirrors with inlaid silver frames, delicate silk, Chinese porcelain lamps and Carrara marble bathrooms.
This true city centre palazzo with its 51 rooms and suites has a story to tell whether it be the James Bond suite or the Enoteca full of fine wines. The Ristorante SaporDivino with its Tuscan cuisine is complimented by the wine cellar carved into the tuff base rock of the medieval tower. Under the glass domed Cupola of the inner courtyard of the hotel is a wonderful location for lunch.