Ricky on the Best Places to Stay and Eat in Chapel Hill

We have two children in school at Carolina so from time to time we have a need to stay overnight in the area. Sometimes we go the less expensive route and stay in RTP but recently we decided at the last minute we wanted to try some place a little nicer. The always great Carolina Inn was booked, as was the newer Franklin Hotel. We ended up staying at the Siena Hotel on Franklin Street down the hill from campus. It was very, very nice- close to any 5 star hotel we have stayed at before. It also had service that I have not experienced anywhere else in Chapel Hill. Don’t get me wrong I like the Carolina Inn and its location close to campus, but the Siena is a very special place with great service.

That same weekend we were attending our son’s concert with the a'cappella group Psalm 100. We needed a quick meal but wanted great food. We had checked into the Hotel Siena and asked for reservations at their signature restaurant Il Palio. Elizabeth Holleman of Aladdin had recommended the food there. It was superb and they were able to serve a great meal in about 55 minutes without us feeling like an imposition or rushed. I would go back in a skinny minute but next time would want to spend a few hours and enjoy the ambiance and wine cellar!