Question #1: What’s the worst thing about traveling?
If your answer is “PACKING” you get an “A”
If you squeezed in 2 answers, including “Airport Security” you get an “A +”
Question #2: What’s the BEST thing about traveling?
If your answer’s “Learning”
DING DING! You WIN!!
(If you answered “shopping” you’re a naughty, naughty student but I love you and you may sit beside me in class)
So…
Imagine our delight in discovering this unusual little hotel in Portugal earlier this year.
Tucked away in a very quiet but convenient neighbourhood in the heart of Lisbon,
“Hotel da Estrela” has stayed true to the school it once was.
Even a good portion of the staff are students from a neighbouring hotel & culinary Institute.
Two views of the “study room”
The Honesty Bar
*
I dihn’t see you take that 2nd glass of Port!
Halls are hung with old maps and cool art, even the baseboards are blackboards where inspiration may be chalked up daily.
**
How fun is this custom carpeting in the rooms?! (yes, that’s my foot- for scale)
While not overly luxurious (which would feel weird in this funky/modern school ambience) the rooms and bathrooms are large, well appointed (though the giant showers could use a soap holder ) and reasonably priced. The staff are young, eager & courteous.
Coming home late in the evening even requires banging on a massive wooden door, just to add to the feel of missing curfew!
Full disclosure; we did not eat in the restaurant, as my friend’s friends who live in Lisbon took us out to dine at night.
Plus these egg custard pastries are mandatory every day. It’s a Portuguese law.
Chanel Resort 2013
Be True to Your School
For more information on “Hotel da Estrela”
~
For more chalkboard fun check out; Chalkboard China ( I just love them-if you click on the link you’ll see why 
)
Chalkboard candles & Chargers both from Chalkboard China
~
* Ciate Chalkboard nails here (available in the U.S. in June 2013)
** Tutorial on chalkboard tags here
Glazed apple for teacher here
Lights Out
~
Love the art propped against the fireplace in this contemporary space.
These are Von’s roses, not from my garden. No scent, but they lasted about 9 days! Viagra roses.
Take note how many of these images have some form of natural wood working beautifully with the orange & black combo.
Such a cool kitch!
Amanda Peet’s entry hall via Vogue
Here, natural wood, orange & black are adding a contemporary pop to an otherwise traditional room.
I want to hang a hammock inside somewhere, don’t you?!
Michael Smith
This is a favorite photo so I’m sorry I don’t have the credit.
Here fiery orange & deep charcoal in my “Boy Barn”
Ben Stiller’s library by Roman-Williams
Black bookcases are terribly chic.
and Hermes blankets always make Mommy happy.
Oh, you naughty young Parisian man in Hotel Costes! How did you get on this post?!
I like the warmth of this living space looking out on to the snow and pines, but can you tell what’s going on on the ceiling?
![image_thumb[50]](http://slimpaley.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/image_thumb50.png?w=870)
“Cecil Brunner” climber outside my office window this week.
I’m totally in love with the look of these photo books you can create at 
Where behind every gently wafting silken drape…
another gasp awaits
The attention to detail at Royal Mansour knows NO bounds
It’s how you spell luxe and then some.
One could wear the newest Dior dress I love so much and not feel overdressed.
“Le Bar” to end all bars
with walls panelled in reverse glass rose gold leaf
Photos do not capture the depth and beauty of the rose gold panels.
Are you getting the idea yet??!
The chandelier in the interior courtyard
We enjoyed a cocktail or two here in quiet awe, just listening to the birdsong, the tinkling of ice cubes and the heavy rustling of palm fronds in the wind.
“La Grande Table Marocaine” restaurant, with blue marble floors, is presided over by celebrated French chef Yannick Alleno.
I would probably choose this little number from Armani Spring 2013 should I be so lucky as to dine here.
Cool marble, embroidered water-silk taffeta, feathers & inlaid rosewood…cuhraazy
I don’t even know how to begin to explain the coffered ceiling in the “Chimney Lounge”
The Chimney Lounge, so named for the transparent glass fireplace that allows you to gaze upon the gardens through the flames while sipping your cognac.
Photo via Royal Mansour
Hand tooled leather walls
and rugs.
“La Grande Table Francaise” Royal Mansour’s French restaurant preparing for the evening.
A gecko candle holder, one of many crystal creatures crawling across the walls of the restaurant.
As dusk descends (yes, we stayed that long!) the hotel becomes even more magical
