With great rooms, not 5* services, independent travelers in mind, and with a couple of notable positive amenities, the Santini Residence has few drawbacks. The bad news: the rather steep climb to reach the hotel, and (in my room anyway) a direct and short line of sight to the neighboring room; luckily, bathrobes are provided.
The location is excellent with only a steep set of steps to the castle, and old town is also walkable quite easily.
At $260 USD/night (Travelocity showed as "Luxury Suite" and I understand this is the largest type of accomodation) it was quite a bargain compared to other 4* and 5*, but it lacks traditional 5* amenities like a bar that stays open late and all hours room service and there is rarely more than one employee on duty at the desk.
For more independent travelers, this is I think a perfect choice.
With only 9 rooms, one avoids entirely the big hotel hassles, and is encouraged to drink and eat someplace else. And the room service breakfast (I had the "Sweet Breakfast" on the day I had breakfast) is well done, of good proportion, and of course convenient.
Another BIG plus is the computer provided for guests by the Santini, and I never found it in use when I wanted to take advantage.
With 2 bathrooms, and heated towel racks, a little laundry is easily done.
The room (No 6, "Veronica") had all the proper 5* amenities, with marble in the baths, spacious storage, 2 TVs (with more channels than they list, by the way-just type in a 3 digit channel number) and a well-priced minibar.
My room had exposed wooden beams, handpainted with a whimsical design, and there was a real sense of design from one space to the next.
The symbol of the Santini Residence is the head of a Medusa (look it up if you need to), and the house actually has historical value as well.











