Hotel de la Ville Review
Magnificent Monza Wedding Venue
At First Glance
Situated in the historic city of Monza, a short 35 minute drive from the fashion capitol of the world (Milan), the unassuming facade of Hotel de la Ville gives way to a wealth of warm hospitality and refined service.
A splendid outdoor terrace with views of the Palace across the street give way to an elegant interior lobby and restaurant.
Experience an upscale hotel that is small, luxurious, and family run; you’ll never want to book another type of hotel again!
Getting Acquainted
Let me ask you a question, and be honest. Would you feel intimidated driving an ‘economy class’ rental car into the parking lot of a hotel littered with Porsches, BMWs, and Mercedes?
I certainly did. Yet, any hint of pretentious nature soon melted away upon entering Hotel de la Ville. We were met by truly gracious staff – everyone smiled, had a sense of purpose, and made us feel like we belonged.
I’ve been to a few luxury hotels and know that sometimes they can be intimidating. For those we don’t frequent 5 star palaces or villas, yet want a taste of luxury hotel living for a destination wedding or honeymoon near Milan, feel at ease.
Mr. Nardi has your back!
Who is Mr. Nardi? Read on …
A Family Affair
We arrived at Hotel de la Ville a littler later than anticipated, due to a mishap with our car rental as well as trying to navigate in a foreign country. As a hotel reviewer with just one night stay, our 7:30pm arrival was not ideal. Drained of energy from traveling most of the day, we presented ourselves at the hotel reception, while admiring the beautiful vintage pieces in the lobby.
Within 30 seconds, we were promptly greeted with a big smile by 2nd generation hotel owner – Mr. Tany Nardi.
With an energetic hand shake and business card at the ready, Mr. Nardi welcomed us to his hotel with great enthusiasm. His energy was contagious and certainly resonated with me. I think his staff also draws from that vivaciousness. It is plainly evident he takes great pride in his hotel, and was thrilled to have us there for one night.
Mr. Nardi offered to guide us around the property in the morning, after first sampling the cuisine at his renowned Derby Grill Restaurant. Needless to say, we looked forward to both the fine dining experience and Mr. Nardi’s personal tour.
The Verdict
One night just wasn’t long enough.
It was immediately apparent that this hotel rises above its 4 star rating. Quality service paired with a down to earth feel equates to a truly wonderful stay.
Driving towards the hotel we noticed many locals and tourists alike on a bicycle, especially exiting the beautiful park. The hotel has bicycles for guests to use free of charge while staying at the hotel. A lovely addition for cycling enthusiasts or anyone needing a little exercise after all the Italian gelato or yummy macaroons from Hotel de la Ville!
Book a wedding, honeymoon, or a city break in Monza. Whatever you choose, say hello to Mr. Nardi, his family, and staff, who await your arrival with open arms and genuine smiles.
About the Hotel
A four-star boutique hotel with 70 rooms and suites of pure Italian luxury. Originally known as the Eden Hotel Savoy, since the 1800s, the renamed Hotel de la Ville and its annex were taken over by the Nardi family in 1958. The hotel property is managed by the third generation of Nardi children, who learn the ropes and guide the beautiful property forward.
Impeccable dress, welcoming grins, and a sense of family embody staff members. Many have worked there for well over a decade, certainly a testament to this well managed and successful small luxury hotel.
The Rooms
A personal tour by Mr. Nardi revealed that that no two rooms are alike at Hotel de la Ville. Each room is spacious, individually decorated with lovely rich fabrics, and features a collection of magnificent art pieces and assembled antiques that have found a proper place within the hotel.
The Villa
Next door to the hotel building lies The Villa – a recently restored aristocratic house dating from the beginning of the past century with five wonderfully decorated rooms. Our suite, known as La Veranda, has to be one of the prettiest rooms I have ever witnessed in my travels to date.
Awe and amazement are easy emotions to feel from the moment you walk through the door. Prepare to be transported back in time, for this suite exudes romanitc Italian detials:
- Quaint sitting room looking onto a private enclosed garden
- Floor to ceiling marble bathroom
- Beautiful furnishings and vintage detailing
In addition, an assortment of fresh fruit, a bottle of prosseco, and o-so-delicious dessert treats complete the honeymoon-worthy suite
A Villa stay grants you access to the following:
- Sauna for two persons
- Little fitness area
- Elegant lounge, bar, billiards and fireplace (pictured below)
Derby Grill
The personable and ever smiling Maître, Antonio Renzulli, escorts guests to their table at the award winning Derby Grill restaurant. A high level of refined service is evident as each waiter, dressed sharply in a tuxedo jacket and crisp white shirt, seem to glide effortlessly and efficiently across the restaurant floor. It reminded me of a live ballet, the many artists honing and perfecting their chosen cuisine craft, played out among the patrons eagerly awaiting mouth watering morsels of Lombardy regional fare.
The Derby Grill is one of the most renowned restaurants in the Lombardy region. And looking over the menu it is not difficult to see why. Food is served in an understated artistic manner, and lends itself to the rich, comforting tastes one seeks after a long day of travel.
Chef Fabio Silva welcomes the opportunity to work together with a bride and groom, to create a menu for a wedding dinner or reception that combines Italian haute and nouvelle cuisine.
The Food
Tasting Menu# 1:
- Low temperature cooked salmon trout, beet and turnip sorbet
- Veal ossobuco with its tasty and rich saffron risotto
- Sliced of karkadé flavored golden apple, passion fruit marshmallow and milk cream
Tasting Menu# 2:
- Risotto with luganega, local sausage, Monza’s specialty
- Crumb breaded veal cutlet, slowly pan fried in butter, the real Milanese style
- Local typical bread and chocolate cake with pine nuts, raisin
Scrumptious Macaroons
One of the waiters noticed that we couldn’t get enough of their delicious macaroons and ended up bringing us 5 more!
Ceremony
A Monza wedding venue with royal flare written all over it!
Villa Reale reopened its doors to the public and now host civil marriages for those who yearn for a palace in Italy. In what can only be described as, ‘one of the most romantic settings a bride could envision’ for her big day.
Picture yourself as a glowing bride walking in this palace’s ballroom, complete with piano and violin serenade. The elaborate old world architect and extensive enchanting rose garden make for a stunning backdrop to capture all your wedding photos and dreamy memories.
Reception
After the beautiful ceremony at Ville Reale, walk back to Hotel de la Ville for a reception fit for a prince and princess. Depending on how much space you need, the hotel has 5 extraordinary reception rooms to choose from. Each give off a feeling of regal elegance to complete your luxury fairy tale day.
Below are some photos of our favorite rooms that we viewed. There are two additional rooms to choose from: the Tapestry Room and the Queen’s Rooms.
The Royal Room
The Fresco Room
The Crowns Room
Location – Monza
Best known as stop on the Formula One Italian Grand Prix every year, the city of Monza once held great prominence in Northern Italy.
As you can see from the photo right, an opulent palace called ‘Villa Reale‘ is directly across the street from Hotel de la Ville.
The Royal Villa in Monza holds a unique place in Italian history. In 1859, the house of Savoy (one of the oldest royal families in the world), transformed the site into their summer residence.
In the early 1900, the royal summer residence was abandoned after King Humbert I was murdered near the entrance as he returned from an event. The residence also houses Europe’s largest enclosed park, measuring 700 hectares of parkland. Versailles only has a measly 250 hectares in comparison!
In modern times, the palace hosts exhibitions and events such as civil marriages. We made sure to take a look inside the palace; a gracious tour guide acquiesced to our request to see the grand ballroom that is usually off limits to the public. I am certainly glad he said yes! Cinderella would have felt right at home marrying her prince in this ballroom. What a winning wedding combination – a superb ceremony location and Hotel de la Ville directly across the street.
Distances
- Monza National F1 racetrack – 2.2kms
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN) – 18kms
- Milan Central Station – 16kms
- Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) – 40kms
- MM1 Sesto San Giovanni Underground Station – 9kms
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) – 60kms
- Fiera Milano City exhibition centre – 19kms
- Como Lake – 41kms
- Fiera Milano Rho exhibition centre/EXPO – 22kms
- Lugano – 86kms
