Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano, Siena; Siena hotel

Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano, Siena

Hotel Certosa Di Maggiano, Siena - lying two kilometres outside the 'centro storico', this Siena hotel is on Strada di Certosa, east of Siena proper. This is a superb old medieval building, now elegantly pressed into service as a comfortable modern hotel. The building was originally a monastery, constructed in 1314 to a commission by Cardinal Ricardo Petroni and intended for quiet meditation and prayer in the Sienese countryside. Continuously occupied down the ages, the structure fell into gradual decay and decline until it passed to Anna Grossi Recordati in 1969. Anna fell in love with the magnificent ruin and vowed to return it to its former splendour.

And in 1975, the former Carthusian Monastery of Maggiano was reopened as a luxury Siena hotel, later becoming part of the tried and trusted Relais & Chateaux hotel brand. It's beautifully realised. The Certosa takes you through a succession of nicely done public rooms, each with a slightly different mood, each perhaps suited to a different time of day. One example is the Emperor's Hall, with its dozen 18th century portraits of the 12 Roman emperors. There is the Library with its antique alder wood bookshelves and deep sofas. And the Il Canto Restaurant is Michelin starred - a delight.

This Siena hotel sits amidst vast grounds, planted with olive groves and vineyards, with tennis court, open air swimming pool, a small gym and even a helicopter landing pad. Please note that this 14th century building has no lift/elevator. And there are just 17 guestrooms, each of them unique. Double bedrooms and suites, all have minibar, bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV, work desk, hairdryer, phone and bathrobes.

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Double room from €238