The Hotel Santa Caterina is located in an 18th-century Tuscan patrician's villa that's been renovated just enough to offer modern conveniences, without losing the charm and atmosphere endemic to the local buildings. Floors are either terra-cotta tile or natural hardwood, walls are whitewashed, original wood ceiling beams are exposed, and there's just a smattering of floral, paisley, and other vintage-inspired patterns. The lobby lounge -- home to a small bar -- feels like a relaxed and airy living room, with Louis XIV-style chairs, a couple of Persian rugs, high-arched ceilings, and sofas, Renaissance-style artwork, and some excavated historic documents. The conservatory-style breakfast room feels slightly fussier, with a striped green-and-yellow ceiling, ornate sconces, and painted porcelain plates on the walls. The most popular common area, though, is the large garden, with an historic well, lots of trees, views of the surrounding Tuscan countryside, and a large gravel area with wrought-iron tables and chairs for alfresco breakfasting in the warmer months. The hotel attracts a range of travelers, from families to couples to business travelers.

The Hotel Santa Caterina is located right outside Siena's medieval city walls, next to the Porta Romana, within the city limits. The area is a bit quieter and slower paced than inside the walls, making the hotel a pleasant respite from a day of walking and sightseeing. Siena is small, and all the major tourist sights -- including the green-and-white Duomo and the Palazzo Pubblica -- are within walking distance -- no more than a 20-minute walk from the hotel. Much of Siena's old city is pedestrian-only, and the hotel's location outside the walls makes it an easier place to keep a car for day trips to surrounding towns.

The rooms at the Hotel Santa Caterina are simple, clean, and classically Tuscan; they're not especially fancy or large, but the terra-cotta or natural hardwood floors, antique wooden wardrobes, and exposed ceiling beams make them atmospheric. Bedspreads are the only pops of color, done in vintage floral patterns. Some rooms look more renovated than others, but all are pleasant and low-key. Some larger rooms have loft bedrooms and extra beds, while others have private balconies; many overlook the serene back garden and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Bathrooms are similarly simple, with terra-cotta floors, white tilework, and shower/tub combinations. All rooms have minibars, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TVs. The street outside can get busy with traffic, so rooms on the back side of the hotel -- overlooking the garden and the surrounding countryside -- are quietest.

An extensive, free breakfast of hot and cold Tuscan specialties is served each morning in the conservatory-style breakfast room, or in the garden in warmer months. While there's no full restaurant, there is a small lobby bar, and room service is available around the clock. The large back garden is a popular place to lounge at all hours of the day. There's no fitness center or spa, but in-room massages can be arranged, as can airport transfers and babysitting. There's no business center per se, but there's free Wi-Fi and fax and photocopying services are available.