Residenza d'Epoca Le Aquile

Right by Piazza del Campo, this place is beautiful, modernized, and in a perfect location. The proprietors are a retired professor, the sweetest man you’ll meet, and his daughter (?) who was kind and helpful too. I’d come back in a heartbeat. I had to email to book, which I don’t usually do, but I’m glad I did. I’m not sure whether it’s listed on third-party sites, but contacting them directly worked perfectly. One thing to know: there isn’t actually breakfast. Italians don’t seem to be into breakfast? Just head to a coffee bar for an espresso and a croissant. Best place I stayed in Italy, just book it now!

We loved looking out at the lively streets from the window while having an espresso. The hotel’s mid-century decor feels distinctive and fits right in with Siena, and it’s so convenient for the town’s popular sights. Our host Ada was especially friendly and helpful, welcoming us warmly and pointing us toward local attractions and restaurants. We tried two of her suggestions for lunch and dinner, and both were fantastic. An unforgettable stay.

Service and location deserve five stars. The team was enthusiastically attentive, helpful, and kind, and the rooms are alright in a great location. The noise is another matter. You have to put up with nightlife sounds, and for reasons we couldn’t understand, everyone at the hotel seemed to slam their doors at 7:00 when starting the day. We were also frustrated to learn there was no breakfast. They call themselves a Bed & Breakfast, even putting that on the upstairs door sign, then apologetically explain they don’t serve breakfast. That got me angrily hunting for other issues. I’d give five stars if breakfast were included, but the noise gets three stars and the breakfast expectations one. Maybe that’s just me.

The location couldn’t be better, and the hosts were extremely nice, sharing useful insider tips about restaurants and places to visit. The rooms are in one of Siena’s earliest churches, but have been renovated and feel modern and clean. I was initially unsure from the pictures whether I’d like it, but I did. No reason to choose a hotel!