We stayed at a second property owned by Silvia of the Hotel Belvedere. This property is a three room bed/breakfast, in the heart of Siena, near the University. It is quite tucked away - literally, our room door opened to a vista of the valley below, just beyond a garden.

Our room had a double bed, which was slightly saggy, but comfortable, an extra twin bed, tv, microwave, mini fridge, desk, and two bedside tables/lamps. We also had a garden level window with shutters. The bath was large, all tiled, with a corner square shower, pedestal sink, commode and bidet. The towels were either linen for hands, or a waffle weave for the bath towel. All areas were clean, but this is not a hotel where one expects toiletries...you need to bring your own, even the soap. There is also no hairdryer, although there are plenty of outlets if you have your own.

What was truly charming about this place was that the rooms open onto a private garden area, complete with two or three cats sunning themselves. One in particular liked us a lot and would come into our room through the open shutters to visit... just like home. We were left entirely alone, which we loved.

Now, there is no continental breakfast or other food onsite, though you can reserve a "breakfast" kit in advance. We just walked a couple of blocks for cappuchino. But the view was to die for, the quiet very complete, except on Liberation Day (singing college students), and we were content.

Warning: get good directions if you reserve here...it took us a 90 minute bus ride because we didn't understand, and didn't speak Italian, plus a half hour of missing the place on foot the first time.

But...we have already agreed we will go back....with a hairdryer, and a stop first at a market for snacks and breakfast foods. Here's to more quiet moments in the sun of the garden on a bench with a companion cat!