Clairemont Communications, a full-service public relations agency with a focus on blending traditional communications and social media, has been named agency of record for Il Palio Ristorante and The Siena Hotel Autograph Collection, the Triangle’s longest-standing AAA-rated Four Diamond restaurant and hotel.

Located in Chapel Hill, N.C., The Siena Hotel selected Clairemont to devise a long-term public relations strategy and spearhead communications during a $700,000 renovation to Il Palio, the boutique hotel’s premiere Italian restaurant. The Siena recently secured the Hotel of the Year Award for the Autograph Collection in the Americas by Marriott International.

“As we revitalize our classic ambience to showcase our modern feel, we understand the challenges of commanding the attention of fresh audiences,” said Anthony Carey, general manager, The Siena Hotel. “With a proven track record of creating award-winning PR campaigns, Clairemont is the ideal choice to escort us through this next phase of growth.”

Clairemont will work with The Siena Hotel executive team to unveil new features of Il Palio, the hotel’s authentic Italian restaurant, including a structural overhaul by New City Design. Culinary innovations, led by acclaimed Chef Teddy Diggs, will include a custom-designed wood fire grill—one of the few in the Triangle region—a chef’s table and an open kitchen. Upon re-opening in September, Chef Diggs will debut an expanded menu designed to highlight Italian classics through a modern lens and reflect discoveries from his culinary tour of Italy, such as old-world style pasta and complex flavors expertly crafted with the wood fire grill.

“We’re honored to work with The Siena Hotel to reintroduce Il Palio to its loyal customer base as well as to open the doors to a new generation of diners and foodies in the Triangle,” said Dana Hughens, chief executive officer, Clairemont Communications.

Clairemont Communications, has provided strategic public relations counsel for a variety of award-winning clients, including restaurants such as PDQ, T.MAC and Grounds Café. Additionally, Clairemont’s experience spans a range of industries, from real estate with Newland Communities and education with Kenan-Flagner School of Business to furniture and home interiors with clients such as FurnitureLand South, Thomasville Furniture and Drexel-Heritage. Clairemont’s campaigns have garnered 106 industry awards from the North Carolina Public Relations Society of America (NCPRSA) and Raleigh Public Relations Society (RPRS), recognizing strategic excellence in social media, media relations, community relations and event marketing in just five years.

Inspired by the beauty of Italy and located in Chapel Hill, N.C., The Siena Hotel is the premiere Autograph Collection Marriott hotel in the Americas. As the Triangle’s longest-standing AAA-rated Four Diamond hotel, The Siena offers an elegant European escape with 79 luxury rooms, 4,000 square feet of special event space and unparalleled onsite dining at renowned Il Palio Ristorante. Legendary hospitality and old-world architecture coupled with innovative services has earned The Siena the Hotel of the Year Award for the Autograph Collection in the Americas by Marriott International. The Siena Hotel is nestled just 1.5 miles from the heart of Chapel Hill with a convenient 15-minute drive to RDU International Airport, Duke University and the Research Triangle Park. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.thesienahotel.com or call 800-223-7379.

Il Palio Ristorante is an award-winning Italian dining destination in Chapel Hill, N.C. and the premiere restaurant of The Siena Hotel Autograph Collection. Consistently awarded Four Diamonds by AAA and acclaimed by Conde’ Nast, Il Palio marries the traditional flavors of Italy with a casual elegance that showcases the culinary roots of authentic old-world fare. Il Palio features wine from Italy’s 21 regions and vintifications produced in every corner of the Italian Peninsula, a selection that earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence. Executive Chef Teddy Diggs brings robust training from the Culinary Institute of America along with rich national experience, including appointments in the Washington D.C. dining spotlight and tenure at Martha’s Vineyard. Il Palio is currently undergoing renovations and is slated to reopen in September. For more information, visit www.sienahotel.com/il-palio or call 800-223-7379.