HOTEL MINERVA, Siena

The hotel is located within the ancient city walls in the north of Siena, 50 metres before the limited traffic zone starts, so you can drive directly to the entrance without a permit. Piazza del Campo with Palazzo Pubblico and Fonte Gaia is an 8-10 minute stroll through historic streets. Siena train station is 1 km away (15 minutes on foot); the walk is uphill, so a taxi is recommended with luggage. Florence airport is 76 km, Pisa airport 100 km. Secure parking costs €20 per day (reservation required); free street parking exists but is limited to one hour or subject to time restrictions. Several restaurants, bars, and shops are within a 5-minute walk, and the Giardini della Lizza gardens are adjacent.

All rooms are en suite with tiled floors, air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, safe, minibar, and hairdryer. Easy rooms are designed for business travellers with a desk and internal views, starting at 16 m2. Standard rooms (from 19 m2) offer city or garden views; a few have a small balcony. Superior rooms (from 22 m2) feature a private balcony or terrace - ideal for enjoying the view of the Contrada della Lupa and the medieval skyline. Junior suites provide views of the Basilica of San Francesco and Porta Ovile. The hotel's older décor means some furnishings are dated and walls are thin, so road-facing rooms may be noisy. For more space and quieter conditions, choose a Superior room away from the street. Coffee/tea makers are in rooms but supplies may not be pre-stocked - request from reception if needed.

Breakfast is included in the room rate and includes handmade pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals, Tuscan cured meats and cheeses, plus hot drinks and barista coffee. Gluten-free and vegan options are available on request. You can enjoy breakfast in your room or on the panoramic garden terrace overlooking the historic centre. The bar serves coffee, wines, and light snacks throughout the day. There is no on-site restaurant for dinner, but several highly rated trattorias and osterias are within a 5-10 minute walk, and the front desk can provide personal recommendations.

The panoramic garden features comfortable deck chairs and umbrellas with stunning views over Siena's ancient districts - ideal for relaxing with a drink from the bar. The hotel provides discounted bicycle rental and has a small workshop for minor repairs, along with route maps for cycling through Chianti, Crete Senesi, and Val d'Orcia. Walking tours and hiking trails are available, and horse riding can be arranged at a ranch 20 minutes from the centre. For quieter moments, there is a reading room. There is no swimming pool or spa.

WiFi is free throughout the hotel. The 24-hour front desk offers luggage storage, concierge service, express check-in/out, and tour desk. A private video-monitored garage costs €20 per day (reservation needed); electric car charging is available. Pets are allowed (charges may apply). The hotel has an elevator and wheelchair-accessible rooms with grab rails and Braille signage. A meeting room with video projector, sound system, and video conferencing equipment accommodates up to 50 people. Additional services include laundry/dry cleaning, packed lunches, airport shuttle (fee), and safety deposit boxes. Daily housekeeping is included.