Stay in an old monastery in Siena, Tuscany, Italy

Il Chiostro Del Carmine, Siena

This unusual historic hotel in Siena is set inside what was originally a fourteenth-century Carmelite monastery. With an enviable central location, it lies very near to the Piazza del Campo, where the twice-yearly Palio horse race is held. Nearby too is well as the city's glorious Gothic Duomo or cathedral, and this hotel would make a wonderful atmospheric base for a holiday discovering this delightful area of Tuscany. The building has a fascinating history dating back to the time before the great Italian writer, Dante, and next door stands the beautiful church of San Niccolo where important frescoes and paintings by the Renaissance masters Beccafumi and Manetti can be seen. Il Chiostro del Carmine has been beautifully restored and is now a comfortable, restful hotel.

There are 18 spacious, comfortable rooms at this Siena hotel, including a handful of suites. All rooms are elegantly furnished with fine fabrics and tasteful antiques and have en-suite bathroom facilities. There is also a direct-dial telephone, a personal safe, a 20-inch LCD colour television, an internet connection point, a well-stocked minibar and a coffee-corner where guests can serve themselves with hot drinks. All rooms at the Il Chiostro Del Carmine, Siena have attractive period details such as exposed stonework and original wooden beams and are comfortably air conditioned. Small, well-behaved pets are welcome to join you for your holiday here.

The restored 16th-century choir is now an opulent conference hall accommodating up to 80 people for meetings and talks. A range of back-up services are also available on request. Special educational and art-history holiday packages are available with guided tours and preferential rates for guests for Siena's museums and art galleries. Children under the age of ten stay free of charge in their parents' room and parking is available if required.

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Double room from €79