More about Hotel Santa Caterina
Once a Villa: Now a Small Hotel in Siena
by deecat about The Hotel Santa Caterina
Photos:
1. The breakfast room of Hotel Santa Caterina.
2. Outside eating area of Hotel Santa Caterina.
3. Allan on balcony of our room at Hotel Santa Caterina in Siena.
Our first trip to Italy in 1997 included Siena. We drove from Verona to Siena, and once we arrived, we had a difficult time finding Hotel Santa Caterina. We knew that it was near Porta Romana, and so we parked near there and walked until we found the hotel.
The friendly hotel clerk told us to park in front of the hotel, which we did. This three star hotel used to be an 18th century patrician villa; today it is a 22-room hotel, all with private bathrooms. The bathroom in our particular room was fantastic.
Although our room was small, it was located at the backside of the hotel which overlooks the lovely countryside and is quiet. People with rooms on the front side of the hotel near the street complain of noise. So, ask for a room in the back.
I remember that our room was the only one with a small balcony.
The room was decorated in typical ancient Tuscan style, which added to the romantic ambience. The rooms all have direct telephones, Satellite TV, a mini-bar, and air conditioning. I vividly recall having a delicious breakfast on the glassed-in porch area. The view was magnificent because this veranda overlooked a wide garden as well as the Sienese countryside.
The Hotel Santa Caterina is such a smart place to stay while visiting Siena because of its privileged location, its cozy rooms with splendid bathrooms, and the helpful and friendly staff who work there.
We paid under one hundred dollars in 1997; however, after looking up the price for 2004, I was surprised to find that the price has gone up considerably. Nevertheless, it's still an excellent choice for a hotel in Siena.
Santuario e Casa di Santa Caterina
by Willettsworld
Siena's patron saint, Catherine Benincasa (1347-80), was the daughter of a tradesman. At the age of 8 she devoted herself to God and had many visions, as well as later receiving the stigmata (wounds of Christ). Her eloquence persuaded Pope Gregory XI to return the seat of the papacy to Rome in 1376, after 67 years of exile in Avignon. St Catherine died in Rome and was canonised in 1461.
Today Catherine's house is surrounded by chapels and cloisters. Among them is the Church of the Crucifixion which was built in 1623 in her orchard to house the late 12th century Crucifixion in front of which she received the stigmata in 1375.
Nice Hotel - but pay in Euros
by A TripAdvisor Member
We stayed at the Hotel Catarina in May 2005. The English speaking staff was helpful and professional. The room was spacious and clean. The breakfast was very generous, served in a pleasant and sunny room overlooking the Tuscan Country side. The hotel was convieniently located near a bus stop which we used for local transportation, but a bit far from restaurants, as we didn't have a car.
One downfall was that, though we did have a room overlooking the garden and the lovely countryside, the room was on the north end of the hotel near a busy intersection. It was quite noisy with the windows open. Request a room over looking the garden on the south end.
Another thing was that we paid with an American credit card and the hotel did the conversion to Euros at an unfavorable exchange rate (much higher than the 1% that my card charges). If you go there, pay with cash in Euros.
Beautiful Santa Caterina
by A TripAdvisor Member
We enoyed our one night stay at this hotel very much. Our room was very large and lovely decorated with a big picture window overlooking the Tuscan hillside. You could still hear the traffic from the street but not bad at night. The bathroom was huge compared to our other hotels in Italy and very nice and charming. We were only in Siena for two days so we didn't mind the very nice walk to Il Campo. If we had stayed longer we would have definitely used the bus service. The staff was not the friendliest but not rude either. The best part of this hotel was the incredible garden/backyard and views of the hillside. We enjoyed an afternoon glass of wine sitting on this garden. Very romantic! The breakfast is also fantastic; quite a spread. Lovely hotel, highly recommend it.
Lovely Hotel - Breathtaking Views
by A TripAdvisor Member
Siena was the second stop on our honeymoon. My husband and I loved this pretty little hotel, its lovely views, and the very friendly staff. The young man who checked us in on Sunday afternoon could not have been more charming and helpful.
Our room, on the top floor, provided a commanding view of the valley below. You get the same the view from the breakfast terrace (garden, back yard - trust me - it's pretty), just on the "ground floor". We had a large bathroom - the only one on our trip that provided a separate tub and shower. The bathrooms do vary - our room number was 23.
Breakfast was bountiful and the server was friendly and hardworking.
Regarding the noise issues raised by previous guests, the hotel is located at a popular intersection. However, we're also used to traffic noises from staying in NY City hotels. It really doesn't take away from the charmes of this place.
It's a 10 - 15 min stroll up a gentle slope into the center of Siena. Those who complain about this probably would not survive walking in the city center, which has very hilly streets. Think San Francisco....
Great find in Siena
by TripAdvisor Member firsttimer
We recently spent 1 night here and wish we had stayed longer. Lorenza and her staff were very friendly and helpful. We waited a short 1/2 hour for our room to be ready (we arrived early) in their picturesque garden. Looking out at the beautiful landscape of the surrounding area was a magnificent way to kill some time. The next morning, we were able to see that same landscape in the mist from our balcony. The breakfast in their bright & cheerful breakfast room was one of the best we had during our 11 nights in Italy. The room was clean and spacious. Be careful when you shower, as I flooded the bathroom. My husband fared better with a towel placed under the partition. The walk into town is not long and difficult as you weave your way through the unspoiled streets of Siena. The campo was a charming place leaving you feeling like you had taken a step back into medieval times. We would highly recommend a several night stay at this hotel.
Excellent Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member daddymac1
This was our second stay here and it could not have been better. The service here is impeccable. My wife does not drink coffee so they gave her fresh squeezed pear juice. We also brought some wine and cheese to have a picnic in the beautiful garden area. The staff was happy to give us plates, a corkscrew and napkins. They really go out of their way to accomodate you. They also printed out the train schedule for us. We hope to stay there again, it really is a great hotel. They also have outstanding views, breakfast and service. There is also a store and a very good restaurant a few blocks away.
A good option for Sienna
by TripAdvisor Member kumrabai
The tourist masses in Sienna can really push the quality of hotels in the wrong direction. I'm happy to say that this is not the case here - it is a charming hotel with small but well done rooms, a reasonable bathroom, and great views over the countryside. The downstairs area with the garden and breakfast room is gorgeous.
Not cheap at all, but enjoyed the visit. Make sure you get a view out the back, not facing the road.
Photos
Breakfast Room of Hotel Santa Caterina
Outside Eating area of Hotel Santa Caterina
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