The second largest city in Italy, Milan has not only been recognised as the ‘Fashion Capital of the World’ since the 16th century, but it is also a leading global city for art, entertainment, design, finance and music- a real cosmopolitan mixing pot of culture and creative flair that boasts many things to do and see. Many landmarks and historic attractions can be found in Central Milan including the Duomo, the largest church in Italy and the fifth largest in the world and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the oldest active shopping centre in Italy, which first opened its doors in 1877. As with any city, be sure to venture further afield and explore the local neighbourhoods, especially if fashion is your thing for you’ll find all the big brand flagship stores in Quadrilatero della Moda. As a hotspot for the creative souls and leaders in fashion, Milan attracts sophisticated visitors, and the hotel scene reflects the style of its frequenters; from the sleek and smooth operating, internationally recognised names (Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons – to name just two!) through to boutique hotels occupying historic properties there is a place for every type of traveller to rest their head. Read on to discover a selection of our favourites.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan
The fifth of Radisson’s luxury resorts to arrive in Italy, this brand-new hotel is housed in a mid-century landmark building. Inside, the redesign encapsulates elements of this 1960s heritage, through arty black-and-white photography and the kinds of shapes and textures that are experiencing a current resurgence. Three restaurants have been included in the architecture; the Sofia Kitchen & Bar on the ground floor, ISSEI serving Peruvian cuisine on the rooftop and a fourth-floor bar by the outdoor pool. The Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan is also pet-friendly.
Casa Baglioni
The hottest new hotel to hit Milan’s streets (specifically the desirable and arty Brera quarter), Casa Baglioni is the work of Italian architects Spagnulo & Partners and the latest addition to the Baglioni Collection. It takes inspiration from the Milanese design era of the 1960s and includes a curated selection of art pieces, rotating exhibitions and bespoke furnishings by big hitters in the world of interiors. The property accommodates 30 bedrooms and suites, a common living area, a wine cellar offering private tastings and a restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef Claudio Sadler.
Four Seasons Milan
Situated in downtown Milan, at the heart of the city’s fashion district, the Four Seasons Milan is an ideal option for those who want easy access to shops. The hotel itself was once a 15th-century convent, and its features include stunning rooms with high ceilings, a landscaped garden, a courtyard and a spa with an indoor pool. The rooms each come with free wi-fi access, a flat-screen television and a mini bar, while the suites also have a living room area. Moreover, the hotel has its own restaurant, serving authentic Italian cuisine.
NH Collection Milano CityLife
A former church (consecrated in 1934), this building now houses 185 guest rooms and suites — some of which have private terraces — in the fashionable CityLife district. The brand blends the property’s old original and ecclesiastical features with the NH group’s signature on-trend new decor and a 13-storey tower wing. On the rooftop, a pool and The District cocktail bar offer panoramic views and a solar power system provides greener energy to the four-star property. And at ground level, there’s an urban garden where you can take breakfast. Lunch and dinner are offered at Tailors restaurant, with a retro, midcentury style.
Mandarin Oriental Milan
The Mandarin Oriental Milan is located around five minutes from the city’s iconic Teatro alla Scala opera house, within the Montenapoleone district. The hotel itself spans four different 18th-century buildings, with the combination of Milanese architecture and Oriental decorations giving it a unique appeal. Rooms within the hotel come with large flat-screen televisions and marble bathrooms, while suites include a living room area. Meanwhile, a variety of food options are headlined by Seta; a two Michelin-starred Italian restaurant.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia
Located a short walk away from the Milano Centrale train station, Excelsior Hotel Gallia opened in 1932 and has since been completely renovated with the help of the acclaimed designer Marco Piva. Its rooms all include a flat-screen television, free wi-fi and room-service, while upgrading to a suite will provide guests with a small cooking area, an espresso machine and a butler service. Furthermore, the hotel has its own spa, gym, wine cellar and lounge, as well as a selection of bars and restaurants.
Bulgari Milan
Bulgari Milan is arguably the most outwardly glamorous hotel in the city, as the building itself is a renovated 18th-century palace. It lies around 1km from Milan Cathedral, on its own private street in the downtown area. Standard rooms offer free wi-fi, a flat-screen television, marble bathrooms and either garden or courtyard views, and upgraded rooms include a walk-in closet. Meanwhile, high-class suites include a living area and a dining area. Among the hotel’s other features are a 4,000-square-meter private garden and a traditional Italian restaurant.
Park Hyatt Milan
Situated close to Milan Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, Park Hyatt Milan is a city centre hotel, which boasts more than 100 luxury rooms, as well as 25 suites. Each of these rooms provides a flat-screen television, free wi-fi, a sitting area, mobile charging facilities and a minibar. One of the aspects that helps to set Park Hyatt Milan apart from many of the city’s other luxury offerings is the fact that it is pet-friendly. Furthermore, the hotel houses a spa, fitness centre and high-end restaurant.
Palazzo Parigi
Found close to Milan’s Brera district, Palazzo Parigi is a hotel within a renovated bank and combines aspects of both Italian and French design into one sophisticated offering. Rooms within the hotel include free wi-fi and flat-screen televisions, while upgraded rooms add a balcony. Some of Palazzo Parigi’s additional features include an indoor pool, a grand spa and a fitness centre. An authentic Italian restaurant and an elegant lounge and bar area complete the package.
Hotel Viu
Finally, Hotel Viu is another pet-friendly luxury hotel, located close to Milan’s main financial district. It consists of 124 rooms, which all benefit from a contemporary aesthetic and understated colour scheme. Among the facilities at the hotel are a spa, a gym and an outdoor pool. Rooms offer free wi-fi and flat-screen Smart TVs, while Hotel Viu also boasts two main restaurants. The first is a more casual offering, known as the Bulk Restaurant, while the alternative is the more sophisticated Morelli Restaurant, which serves authentic Milanese food.
