For my birthday this year, we jetted off to Milan for a long weekend filled with fashion and fine dining. We stayed in the Château Monfort, a beautiful hotel housed in an Art Nouveau building in the Porta Monforte area of Milan. As we were only going to be in Milan for four nights we wanted to stay somewhere that was walking distance to Milan's main attractions. Château Monfort was perfect as it is just a short twenty minute walk to the Duomo di Milano and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The Château Monfort is a 5 star luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel with a fairy tale feel. The reception area (where you can help yourself to complimentary candy - don't mind if I do!) leads straight into the hotel bar. We decided to kick off my birthday weekend with champagne - what else! This is one of the most delightful and fanciful hotel bars that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying a drink in. Surrounded by a beautiful crystal dome and with a pianist playing classical tunes on a baby grand in the corner, we felt like we were in our own mini La Scala.
Up a grand winding staircase, the fairy tale theme continues in the hotel rooms. Decorated in pastel shades of green and purple, some surprising features give the the room an enchanted forest vibe. The wardrobe shaped like a giant keyhole for example, reminded me of the magical portal in the Chronicles of Narnia. I had read a few reviews before our trip and I will admit that I was a little concerned that the decor might be overly twee or kitsch. I was delighted to find that these whimsical features are subtle additions to what is otherwise a very chic and stylish hotel room.
No trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's luxury shopping arcade. Here you will find the original Prada store that Miuccia Prada’s grandfather opened in 1913. I fell in love with a pair of classic nude pumps that matched perfectly with my beige Gucci soho disco bag, and as it was my birthday I decided to treat myself! Back in our hotel room we found the cutest little birthday cake along with a very sweet note from the hotel manager wishing me a happy birthday! Little touches like this make all the difference and I have to say that all of the staff at the Château Monfort are very friendly and helpful!
As has become my signature, I will sign off with this wonderful shot that the fiancé took of the Duomo di Milano. A little tip - this shot was taken from the La Rinascente rooftop terrace where you can enjoy one of the best views of the Duomo whilst sipping champagne!
The Château Monfort is a 5 star luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel with a fairy tale feel. The reception area (where you can help yourself to complimentary candy - don't mind if I do!) leads straight into the hotel bar. We decided to kick off my birthday weekend with champagne - what else! This is one of the most delightful and fanciful hotel bars that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying a drink in. Surrounded by a beautiful crystal dome and with a pianist playing classical tunes on a baby grand in the corner, we felt like we were in our own mini La Scala.
No trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan's luxury shopping arcade. Here you will find the original Prada store that Miuccia Prada’s grandfather opened in 1913. I fell in love with a pair of classic nude pumps that matched perfectly with my beige Gucci soho disco bag, and as it was my birthday I decided to treat myself! Back in our hotel room we found the cutest little birthday cake along with a very sweet note from the hotel manager wishing me a happy birthday! Little touches like this make all the difference and I have to say that all of the staff at the Château Monfort are very friendly and helpful!
Lake Como is only a short 30 minute train ride from Milan and as the weather on Saturday was particularly hot and sunny, we decided to get out of the city for the day. Lake Como really lives up to the hype - it is just spectacular. Think of every picture you have ever seen of the blue-green water with the magnificent Italian Alps in the background ... it is just like that! We spent the day strolling through the winding narrow streets, eating gelato and keeping an eye out for George and Amal!
On Sunday we treated ourselves to breakfast in bed. This is one of my favourite things to do when I stay in a hotel and Château Monfort did not disappoint! The last thing on my Milan must do list was the Teatro alla Scala opera house. It's a short 5 min walk from the Duomo and well worth a visit. Do not be fooled by its exterior, inside the theatre is truly spectacular. Unfortunately we couldn't take photos during our visit as there was a rehearsal taking place. I was gutted because the interior is such a dream - there are no words to capture its ornate beauty so just take my word for it and visit! I needed to shake off this disappointment and so I threw on my new heels and we hit the town on our last night for some pasta and fine Italian wine.
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