Milanese Magnificence at Four Seasons Milano
In the past year, I’ve been quite lucky to have stayed in my fair share of Four Seasons properties and I’ve come to expect certain things. Let’s just say something like excellence on many levels. A prime location. An amazing dining offering. An impeccable staff. And, if I’m really lucky, a unique, personal and memorable experience. Truly inspiring – Four Seasons Milano didn’t let me down with any of these.
UNO – Property & Location
Four Seasons Milano, located in the heart of the Golden Quad area, may have the best hotel address ever – certainly in Milan. The “quadrilatero della moda” or “the fashion” district is the square shape made by the intersection of Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Sant’ Andrea and Via Manzoni – Italy’s most POSH, SLEEK & FASHIONABLE streets. Four Seasons Milano, a 118 room hotel housed in a 15th century convent that has been restored with historical references to its past , is nestled in this quad off the quiet Via Gesu. Milan, known as a private city due to much of its beauty being hidden behind closed gates that keep gardens, courtyards and terraces out of sight from the street, can be discovered here in the relaxed elegance of Four Season Milano. Like the view of the gorgeous inner courtyard, some rooms are decorated in shades of green with only the finest of timeless Italian linens from Frette.
DUE – Unique One-of-a-Kind Experience
When I let Four Seasons Milano know that I was coming for an overnight and hoped to experience one of the things that Milan is most known for, SHOPPING, they did not let me down. They didn’t highlight a map and send me on my way. Nope. They asked a local in-the-know personal stylist to take me on a private tour. Melanie Payge took me to behind-the-scenes sample sales and showrooms and explained the heritage of the fashion design industry in Milan. It was interesting and a great lesson to learn about how fashion doesn’t fall far from the family tree! I loved discovering some of the up and coming Italian fashion superstars. Plus, it was bonus eye candy for this shopaholic and so much fun! I even scored a Fall 2013 item just off the runway. CHA-CHING! oh & Melanie’s tagline is “she knows Milan like the back of her handbag” which couldn’t be any more true or perfetto!
TRE – Incredible Culinary Experience
Every Four Seasons I’ve stepped foot into has a unique flair for food in its own way. Four Seasons Milano absolutely blew me away with a special VIP invitation to a white truffle & Barolo wine dinner at Il Teatro. For starters, the restaurant is consistently ranked in the top five in Milan – OOO LALA! Plus, the truffle business is not to be trifled with as it’s edible gold with a very limited season. Not only was this multi-course, multi-wine pairing meal amazing but the table company was wonderful. I had the continued pleasure of Ms. Payge’s bubbly personality, who stayed on after our shopping afternoon, as well as the company of the Four Seasons Milano Sales Manger, Dina, and two handsome wine & truffle reps. I felt like a true VIP to be in such lovely, interesting and fun company.
QUATTRO – Phenomenal Staff
As soon as you step inside this urban sanctuary you will feel personal service that is exemplary. Greeted by multiple staff who know who you are and are there to ensure you have all that you need is just one of the things I found exceptional about Four Seasons Milano. It is said, the concierge team’s reputation extends city-wide to be the best for arranging almost anything under the Milanese moon. I was particularly impressed with how I was welcomed in as practically one of their own, especially during the special VIP dinner.
A note of gratitude to Four Seasons Milano for hosting my stay in Milan. I haven’t met a Four Seasons property that I didn’t adore but if I didn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it I’d say otherwise. The views here are mine, grazie!