Hotel Duomo remains my first choice especially Room 62 with a balcony view of the Duomo. A year ago for May 1 and 2, high-season tariff for a double was 250.000 lire translated to $118,which includes good breakfast and parking in garage near Porta Romana, a ten-minute walk. It has location, location, location and an excellent desk staff. It might be a bit late for your friends to reserve as it tends to fill up. hduomo @ comune.siena.it (close spaces)

My second choice is Palazzo Ravizza, a small charming hotel with find restaurant and a beautiful garden overlooking the Tuscan hills AND a private car park at the foot of the rose-covered tiered garden path. In 2000, my room was 289.000 lire. It is located at the intersection of Via Stalloreggi and Via Pian dei Mantellini, which adds to the walking distance toward Il Campo et al. Met two lovely Australian ladies there but multi Americani.

Another year I stayed in Hotel Antica Torre. Double in 1998 was 170.000 lire, single 140.000. Parking on your own. I had the room with a view written up that year in NY Times, but handling its rickety door latch while perching at the top of steep stairs made me uneasy. My friend had a comfortably sized room and was quite happy with it. The hotel is two rooms wide, no elevator. Patrizia's phone and fax is 0577-222255. Enter through Porta Romana.

The staff at Hotel Duomo steered me to Osteria Castelvecchio to which I have returned often.

To echo Felice, don't miss Siena - it is our favorite place to be in Italy.

Jane Estus