Hotel Minerva

This hotel is highly regarded for its breathtaking views of Siena’s skyline, particularly from rooms with balconies, offering a memorable visual experience. Its excellent location just outside the restricted traffic zone makes it ideal for travelers with cars seeking easy access, while also being conveniently situated for sightseers and groups wishing to explore the historic city center on foot. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful staff and the hotel’s overall cleanliness. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room with a city view or balcony, and be sure to book the convenient on-site parking in advance, especially if arriving by car.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a highly convenient covered garage for guests, which is a significant advantage for those traveling by car, as it is located just outside the ZTL and provides secure, video-surveilled parking. There is also the option for off-street parking nearby. Guests can enjoy a pleasant garden area, which serves as a tranquil spot for relaxation or for enjoying breakfast outdoors. The hotel is equipped with a spacious elevator, making access to rooms across its four floors easy. While Wi-Fi is available, some guests have noted it can be inconsistent. Rooms are generally equipped with a minibar for convenience.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally maintains a good standard of cleanliness throughout its premises and in the rooms. While many guests find the rooms comfortable and adequately sized, feedback on room condition is mixed, with some describing them as dated or in need of renovation, reflecting the building's age. Some rooms are noted as spacious, while others are considered quite small. Comfortable beds are frequently mentioned, though a few guests found mattresses to be hard or sofa beds uncomfortable. A recurring concern is noise levels, with guests reporting thin walls that allow sound from adjacent rooms, corridors, and plumbing to be easily heard, potentially impacting sleep quality. Bathrooms are often described as small or dated, with some mentioning issues like shower functionality or the placement of the hairdryer.

Dining & Food Quality
The breakfast buffet receives frequent positive mentions for its variety and abundance, offering a selection of both sweet and savory options. Many guests appreciate the availability of fresh coffee from the bar, which is often highlighted as superior to machine coffee. However, feedback on overall food quality is somewhat mixed; while the spread is generous, some guests found certain items, such as cold eggs or cold cuts, to be of lower quality or not consistently replenished, especially during busy periods. Some reviews also noted a lack of fresh orange juice or a limited selection of vegetables. Despite these points, the breakfast is generally considered a good start to the day.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel boasts an excellent central location, positioned just outside the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone), which is highly convenient for guests arriving by car. It offers easy walking distance to Siena's historic center, with major attractions like Piazza del Campo and the Duomo typically reachable within a 10 to 15-minute stroll. The hotel is also well-situated for access to both the train station and the main bus station, though guests should be aware that the walk from the train station involves an uphill climb. The availability of on-site parking, including a covered garage, is a significant advantage, providing peace of mind for those with vehicles.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendly staff, helpful staff, and professionalism. Guests frequently highlight their attentive service and willingness to assist with various needs, from providing tourist information and local restaurant recommendations to accommodating room change requests. The multilingual staff, particularly those at the reception, are noted for their excellent English and overall customer service. The quick check-in process is also appreciated. While there are isolated comments about occasional unhelpfulness, the overwhelming sentiment is that the staff significantly contributes to a positive and welcoming guest experience.

Additional Information
The hotel is well-suited for groups, offering good organization and essential services. It maintains a pet-friendly policy, accommodating guests traveling with their animals. As a historic building, it possesses a certain charm, though some of its decor reflects its age. Many rooms feature a balcony or terrace that provides stunning views of the city. A unique and charming feature in the lobby is a restored wooden telephone booth from the 1950s. Guests should note that while rooms may not include a kettle, hot water and tea bags can be requested from the reception.