NEED TO KNOW
- The Grand Hotel Continental is within the city's walls with the delights of Siena on its doorstep
- The individually styled 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 wine bar, which is set in the vaulted base of its medieval tower and surrounded by thick stone walls
- A&K recommends the Classic Rooms with their Tuscan feel
THE HOTEL
This 17th Century 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.
The room too are works of art, almost literally. 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.
We loved the atmospheric winter garden wine bar, which is a where tourists and locals come together for a light lunch or to merely sip on an aperitif.
First experience with A&K. Intended to ask various travel companies for quotes but Vicky (Agnew) was so good with her suggestions that we did not seek alternative quotations the suggested itinerary was excellent and helped us decide on a balanced and interesting holiday.
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