Grand Hotel Continental

The Grand Hotel Continental, which opened in February 2002, is the first 5 star deluxe hotel in Siena city centre. A faithful restoration, of the 17th century palace designed by the Baroque architect Giovanni Fontana, has not only given the hotel back to its original architectural features, but has also brought to light old decorations and magnificent frescoes from the 15th century and ornamental motifs from the 1800.

Pope Alexander VII had Palazzo Gori Pannilini built in the 17th century, probably to plans by the architect Carlo Fontana, for his niece Olimpia on the occasion of her marriage to Giulio de’ Gori. The 16th-century villa once owned by this nobleman’s family as their country residence now houses the Park Hotel Siena, again belonging to the Royal Demeure chain. The palazzo was converted early in the 20th century into an elegant hotel called the Continental, whose guests included the most celebrated figures of the period, but closed down in the 1990s. A plaque commemorates the visit paid by Queen Margaret of Savoy in 1904, accompanied by Prince Thomas, the Duke of Genoa, and all the court, on the occasion of an exhibition of early Sienese art; these days George Clooney, Misha Burton, Dino De Laurentiis choose the Grand Hotel Continental.

The Grand Hotel Continental is located in the heart of Siena, a few steps from Piazza del Campo and the Duomo, in front of the Rocca Salimbeni, in the city pedestrian shopping area.

Distances:

• Amerigo Vespucci - Peretola – Florence: 65 Km
• Galileo Galilei - Pisa: 105 Km
• Leonardo da Vinci - Fiumicino – Rome: 250 Km

Grand Hotel Continental also features the Sapordivino Wine Bar & Restaurant serving Tuscan Cuisine, salamis and cheeses of the region and a large selection of Italian and International wines. The Bar is a sophisticated wine bar surrounded by ample seating to enjoy drinks pre and after dinner and light snacks. The wine cellar in the subterranean vaulted basement is an unforgettable experience. A sumptuous buffet is served at breakfast each morning offering a vast array of fruits, cereals, cheeses, and home made pastries as well as breakfast cooked to order.