The Grand Hotel Continental in Siena occupies the former Palazzo Gori Pannilini, built by Pope Alexander VII and given to his niece Olimpia as a wedding present. Alexander VII was born Fabio Chigi, of the Chigi banking dynasty and a typical scion of the Tuscan mercantile aristocracy of the seventeenth century. Upon his enthronement in the Vatican, Chigi famously opposed the evils of nepotism but made notable exceptions in the cases of his own family and friends, many of whom he appointed to positions of great influence. Though a literary man he was not unopposed to luxury and even his tomb, by Bernini, is rather better appointed than most present-day five-star hotels. The Grand Hotel Continental is a byword in Baroque self-indulgence, lovingly restored by its owner Luigi de Simone Niquesa - a leading Italian hotelier and a Baroque potentate de nos jours - who has re-established the Grand Tour elegance for which the hotel was always renowned and enhanced it with exquisite pieces from his own collection. The Altana Suite is remarkable, on two floors at the top of a medieval tower overlooking the city and the Tuscan hills beyond. The hotel restaurant, Sapordivino, is excellent. The chef, Luca Ciaffarafà, serves an impeccable selection of Tuscan and Sienese classics. There is a strong wine list.
GRAND HOTEL CONTINENTAL
Via Banchi di Sopra, 85 – 53100 Siena (Italia)
Tel. +39 0577 56011 – Fax +39 0577 5601555
E-mail: reservation.ghc@royaldemeure.com
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