Hotel Palazzetto Rosso

When you arrive at the Hotel Palazzetto Rosso ****, you almost expect to be greeted with some sort of map or floor plan. The huge, geometric brick façade and wrought iron ensigns are more commonly seen on historic landmarks or museums than hotels, so having the privilege of staying in such a building is an uncommon delight. Inside, the gallery impression is maintained. Though the hotel is small, with just nine cosy rooms and suites for guests, there’s an astonishing amount of history and art packed within the Siena-coloured walls. Pleasant, cheerful staff greet you and they’ll be the guides working behind the scenes to keep your stay running smoothly.

Throughout the hotel, you pass through arches into rooms with tall, vaulted ceilings, where the red brickwork is adorned with art, coats of arms and antiques taking you through the history of Siena, Tuscany and Italy. Modern works are represented, too: although in the bedrooms some of the original furnishings, wood-beamed ceilings and tiled flooring remain, they’re complemented by furniture and fittings by some of Italy’s top contemporary designers.

Rumour has it that when the Hotel Palazzetto Rosso **** was first built, in the 1200s, it was a locanda, providing a welcome respite for travellers from across Tuscany. This has given the place a long time to perfect its hospitality, combining the ancient majesty of Siena with the fresh style of present-day Italy.