B&B Palazzo del Magnifico

We got around Siena easily from here, with most sights only a few minutes away, though the hotel sits at the city's highest point and meant plenty of uphill and downhill walking. We managed it with a toddler in a stroller. The spot right by Siena cathedral is hard to beat. Our room was spacious, clean, and tidied every day, and the mattress was comfortable enough. Breakfast was simple but decent. Check-in went smoothly thanks to clear WhatsApp directions, and staff stayed reachable there even though nobody was at the front desk after hours. A great base in central Siena.

We had a lovely view from the room, and the hosts and service were excellent. The B&B is also ideally placed, close to everything in central Siena.

It took a little looking to find the entrance since there’s no sign outside, which makes sense with such historic buildings. Once there, though, the Duomo is just steps away. The room felt modern, clean, and comfortable, and the staff were great. We’d definitely book it again next time we’re in Siena. Cute, homey place.

We couldn’t sleep until 1am on both nights because amplified rock music from a community festival was thumping through our room. The B&B had no staff on site overnight, so we had nobody to contact and no customer service while it was happening. When we asked the next morning, staff acted as if they didn’t know about the noise. I checked with staff at the Siena Duomo museum and learned the live music was scheduled every night until 1am for a week-long festival. We’d arrived on day four of six. When I told the B&B what I’d found out, they suddenly acknowledged the event and said they were sorry but couldn’t do anything. They said every room was affected and had no other room for us. We were stuck there for two nights. The festival itself wasn’t the B&B’s fault, since they couldn’t control the nearby music. What I do hold them responsible for is not warning us that the room they put us in would be noisy until 1am. We’d booked two months earlier, and nobody told us before arrival or at check-in. They didn’t refund or discount our stay, or help us find somewhere else. With so many good reviews, I felt other travelers should hear about what happened to us. I booked through Amex travel and am telling them too. Foreign travel is hard enough, and I want to stay somewhere that cares about guests’ well-being. Stay at your own risk.