HOTEL PRINCIPE DI SAVOIA
For nearly a century, the Dorchester Collection’s neoclassical Hotel Principe di Savoia has set a benchmark against which other Milan hotels judge themselves. Crystal chandeliers, fin de siècle furnishings and hand-painted frescoes speak of the hotel’s rich history, but the top-notch facilities and flawless levels of service are wholly 21st century. Despite its size – there are 257 rooms and 44 suites here – this iconic hotel has the intimate, personal feel of a boutique property. All of the guest rooms are decorated in ornate style, with sumptuous beds, a jewel-box palette of damask fabrics, and warm walnut antique furnishings. And bathrooms, kitted out with gloriously scented Wildsmith UK amenities, are clad in white granite, with intricate mosaic tiling. We love the rooftop spa, Club 10, which offers a heated swimming pool, saunas, treatment rooms, a gym and panoramic views of the city. Signature restaurant, Acanto serves classic pasta dishes with a contemporary edge, designed to showcase the region’s bounteous produce. Or, to really explore the Italian cuisine, try the delicious tasting menu. For something a little more informal, Il Salotto hosts an afternoon tea, featuring a cup of the hotel’s world-famous hot chocolate. Not to be missed.
dorchestercollection.com/milan/hotel-principe-di-savoia
CASA BAGLIONI
This five-star, design-led haven is part of Baglioni Hotels’ impressive portfolio and is situated in the heart of Brera, the city’s design district. Set in a gorgeous early 20th century townhouse that once belonged to fashion designer Philipp Plein, it opened in spring 2023, quickly making a name for itself as one of Milan’s leading hotels. The aesthetic, curated by architects Spagnulo & Partners, pays tribute to 1960s Milanese design – setting the scene is a striking neon chandelier in the lobby, which recalls Lucio Fontana’s artwork. Rooms and guest spaces are designed to celebrate Italian artistry, with lighting by Panzeri, custom wallpaper by Rubelli, rich fabrics from Dedar, fixtures by Zucchetti and handmade objects created by the Milanese poetic designer Gala Rotelli. An unforgettable gourmet experience is on offer at Sadler Restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef Claudio Sadler reinvents regional traditions. Meanwhile, the bar, Rooftop by Sadler, boasts 360-degree views of Milan’s most iconic landmarks, including the Duomo di Milano and the skyline of Porta Nuova. And private tastings are available in the hotel’s cellar, where an impressive selection of prestigious Italian and international labels are on offer. We’ll drink to that.
milan.baglionihotels.com
PORTRAIT MILANO
Offering the very best in food, fashion, design and wellness experiences, aimed at locals and visitors alike, this exclusive hotel is part of the Ferragamo-owned Lungarno Collection. Rich in historical significance, the hotel is based in the former Archiepiscopal Seminary, which was built in 1564 and has undergone a sensitive renovation project.
Accessed through a splendid Baroque archway on Corso Venezia, Portrait Milano takes over a 3,000 sq m piazza framed by a double colonnaded loggia. With the accommodation located on the first floor, the ground floor encompasses the Piazza del Quadrilatero, home to a carefully curated selection of high-end restaurant and boutique partners – including the first Italian site for Beefbar, fashion brand Antonia, and Maria Sole Ferragamo’s jewellery brand SO-LE Studio – and the hotel’s wellness centre, The Longevity Suite. The hotel’s own food offering, ‘10_11’ encompasses a bar, a restaurant, and a splendid garden. Menus are designed by talented young chef Luigi Cinotti, with a focus on ‘old school’ Italian flavours. The 73 rooms and suites range from 32 to 165 sq m and have been designed in the style of a mid-century Milanese salotti or living room, with blond walnut accents and oriental references. A palette of reds and greens reflects the city’s coat of arms, celebrating this most special of locations.
lungarnocollection.com/portrait-milano-hotel
