Sam and Susan Longiotti's love for Italy has carried over to their posh European-style hotel. The lobby and rooms have imported carved-wood furniture, along with fabrics and artwork that conjure up the Italian Renaissance. The public areas are filled with plush furniture grouped for conversation. Tuscan cuisine is the hallmark of Il Palio Ristorante ($$$-$$$$), open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Entrées include grilled shiitake mushroom and herb-stuffed ostrich fillet and spaghetti squash primavera. Pros: the setting is elegant and close to shopping at Eastgate Mall. Cons: pricey Il Palio may not be your best bet; adventurous eaters should explore West Franklin Street and Carrboro for dining options.
Reviewed by eackner from Durham, NC on 1/27/07
My Husband and I enjoyed a wonderful weekend at The Siena Hotel. We wanted a weekend getaway not too far from home, and the Siena ended up being the perfect place. As we walked in the hotel it felt as we were truly in boutique hotel in Italy. The service is elegant, but not stuffy, and the food is outstanding. We had the Chef's Tasting menu along with wine pairings chosen by the Sommelier (Hailey). She made us feel very comfortable and relaxed with the whole tasting experience. The guestrooms are beautifully decorated with rich European reds and gold with a very spacious and warm feeling to the room. Overall it was a great experience and a wonderful surprise to have such a wonderful place in our backyard.
Enjoy
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