HostelCiompi
The only proper hostel inside Siena's walls. Self-check-in, shared kitchen, in-room fridge, three minutes from Piazza del Campo.
HostelCiompi is the only no-nonsense hostel inside Siena's medieval walls, three minutes' walk from Piazza del Campo on Via del Porrione. Self-check-in via keycode, shared kitchen, large in-room fridges, fan-cooled rooms (no AC) and 8.0 across 114 reviews. Reviewers consistently call out 'brilliant location' and 'value-for-money gem' — you trade staffed reception for a setup that works smoothly if you're comfortable with a code on your phone.
HostelCiompi sits on Via del Porrione, the medieval street running south from Piazza del Campo into the Terzo di San Martino contrada. From the front door it is a 200 m flat walk to the shell-shaped main square (Italians call it Il Campo), four minutes uphill to the Duomo, and seven minutes north to the Logge del Papa and the start of Banchi di Sopra, the main pedestrian shopping spine. The free escalator system from the train station drops you 600 m from the door — useful at midnight when the uphill walk with luggage is brutal.
The property is small (around eight rooms across single, twin, double, and triple configurations) and run as a self-service operation. Check-in is via a numeric code sent the morning of arrival; there is no reception desk, no on-site staff at night, and no breakfast service. What you do get is a shared kitchen with a stovetop, a coffee machine, a dining table, and a refrigerator inside every room — a small detail that travelers in Siena's heat repeatedly thank the place for. WiFi is free and reviewers rate it 8.75. Linens are included, towels are €2 extra unless you book a private room, and the showers have hot water on demand.
The building is a converted medieval palazzo on a stone-floored upper floor, accessed by stairs only (no elevator). Bedrooms have fans (no air conditioning) and most have city views over the Porrione rooftops. The biggest honest note is that this is not a party hostel — the Centro Storico is a quiet, contemplative town that empties at 10 pm, and the hostel reflects that. Solo travelers describe it as a comfortable, safe base; couples take the private double; reviewers traveling by bicycle (Bridget from New Zealand) note that the property accommodates bikes without fuss.
Pros: only proper hostel inside the walls, three minutes to Piazza del Campo, in-room fridges, fan-cooled rooms big enough for two backpacks, brilliant WiFi (8.75), self-check-in works smoothly. Cons: no AC (Tuscan summers get hot), no on-site staff if something breaks at night, towels charged extra in dorms, stairs only, no breakfast.
- 01The only proper hostel inside Siena's medieval walls
- 02Three minutes flat to Piazza del Campo, four to the Duomo
- 03In-room fridges in every room (huge in Tuscan summer heat)
- 048.75-rated WiFi, faster than most Tuscan B&Bs
- 05€38 for a clean private bed in the centro — 30% below the boutique B&B baseline
- Rated 8.0 from 114 reviews
- 3 min walk to Piazza del Campo
- In-room fridges and fans in every room
- Self-check-in by numeric code (no front desk)
“Brilliant location. Person-less check-in; some might find it impersonal but it was very smooth. Lovely light, spacious and clean room. New wash basin, comfortable bed, great storage in wardrobes and chests of drawers. Room was well-ventilated in hot weather with two large windows and a powerful fan. The in-room fridge was a great addition.”
“Very good location, around the corner from Piazza del Campo. The room was spacious and clean, the kitchen well-equipped. Self-check-in was clearly explained in advance. Recommended if you want a quiet base in the centro storico.”
“Excellent location and value. Big rooms compared to other Tuscan hostels, fan kept the room cool enough in early September. Only complaint: stairs-only access and no breakfast included.”
- Piazza del Campo3 min walk
- Siena Cathedral (Duomo)5 min walk
- Torre del Mangia4 min walk
- National Picture Gallery8 min walk
- Siena train station (via free escalator)12 min walk + escalator
- Piazza Gramsci bus station9 min walk
