The hotel does fit clearly into the five-star luxury segment. The lobby is done to a high standard and looks suitably impressive, and the location is ideal. So far so good. Our minor criticisms are the following.

1. The room we had was smaller than would be expected and had slightly outdated decoration.

2. They will try to charge you for wifi - always a no no in my opinion, and just means I have to walk outside to a cafe.

3. Their checklist of restaurant recommendations, all of which are supposed to be of a high standard, is in fact a mixed (and somewhat biased) bag. In our case one was brilliant but with the other they really should have known better and we basically wasted an evening out.

All in all a good five star but could have been be a great one.

We wanted to do a great hotel in Siena and we certainly did it by choosing this hotel. Yes it deserves a galaxy of stars for all they helped us with. The staff was one of the most excellent staff I have ever dealt with. They were helpful and knowledgable and very friendly. Everyone at the front desk. Including the bellman. Also the restaurant and the cleaning staff. So the staff gets A+ but so does the hotel. It is located in the heart of Siena . There are beautiful rooms and baths, wifi, breakfast, and stunning views. Here is the thing. Parking. My husband and I were crazy enough to drive into this medieval city and I nearly had a panic attack . We laugh now but it was nerves of steel. We valeted our car with them. If you have high blood pressure don't attempt it. We did and we think of it as an NFL highlight film. Our car and thousands of tourists on a medival street. But it all worked out and we had the most wonderful time here for 2 nights. Robes and slippers and toiletries . Maps for you at front desk. So central to everything you want to see and on the "main" drag. People , people and more people. And near to the bakeries to get the local specialties and my favorite gelato place Kopa kabana. Great hotel to stay at. Siena is so different at night too. It is worth staying to see.

A beautiful hotel. The room was large and comfortable with a private balcony. All the service was excellent, including the maid service and especially the front desk staff who were very friendly and helpful, no matter what our request.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel Continental in Siena, mid September 2012. After getting well and truly lost and confused in the hire car in Siena, (GPS do not work well in the city centre due to the narrow streets and taller buildings, we were later told!) a wonderful staff member, Eugenio, kindly came and directed us how to get to the hotel. His courtesy and help was most appreciated!
The room was smaller than others we have stayed in, but it was very well appointed with an excellent king size bed. The window looked down onto the busy street below but street noise was never a problem.
The hotel has a wonderful sitting room in a grand style as well as other works of art to admire.
It is in a perfect location, a minutes walk to the Piazza del Campo, etc.
Laura, behind the desk was always cheerful and gave us excellent restaurant suggestions each night. Francesco also was always happy to help with a smile and good tourist advice.
Dinner and breakfast in the hotel was excellent.
The location, ambience and staff make this Hotel a 5* experience.
(Thanks again Eugenio!)