As the epicenter of global fashion and design, Milan is a creative hub that blends modern sensibilities and historic charm, a melting pot of rich cultural heritage, inspiring design, and a gastronomic history worth putting on the pounds for. With international brands including the Armani Hotel Milano, Mandarin Oriental and among the best of them, you’ve also got a few famed fashion names too, such as the original Bulgari and Armani hotels. Here, we’ve rounded up our favorite Milanese properties for exploring this bustling Italian city.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL MILAN
This World’s Best Awards 2022 finalist treats guests with the Mandarin Oriental’s sophisticated sense of luxury mixed in with authentic Italian experiences. Centrally located just a few steps from the Duomo, choose the Mandarin Oriental Milan‘s Fornasetti suite and prepare to be dazzled by the numerous original Fornasetti pieces, complete with an oversized bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and Agape ‘Spoon XL’ bath.
Their incredible Michelin-star restaurant Seta, where guests can enjoy a mix of contemporary cuisine by Executive Chef Antonio Guida has transformed the eatery into a culinary destination with two Michelin stars.
From $1020 per night.
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MILAN
Set in the heart of Milan’s iconic fashion district, this former 15th-century convent has been transformed into a sophisticated, fresco-filled retreat, complete with a stunning spa. This property exquisitely blends historical charm with timeless sophistication, without any of the noise you’d expect from a hotel at the heart of bustling Via Montenapoleone.
From the Fashion Suite to the Designer Suite, Renaissance to Presidential, each room at the Four Seasons Hotel Milan has been crafted and curated with precision. For a memorable experience, book one of the suites that feature original architectural elements like frescoes and vaulted ceilings. Or, even better, splurge on the penthouse suite, which comes with its own private terrace overlooking the city.
From $1,057 per night.
BULGARI HOTEL MILANO
Celebrating more than two decades of luxurious hospitality, the original Bulgari hotel set the gold standard for the city’s discerning fashion crowd. The property, which opened in 2004 in a former 18th-century Milanese palazzo, sits on a quiet street and boasts a 43,000-square-foot garden.
Serenity is a key component of each stay here, Zimbabwean marble and Italian stone, high-end finishes, and a nature-inspired palette create a sense of tranquility and are in sync with the property’s lush surroundings. The gold and glass spa is truly something to be seen. Treatments are rooted in ancient holistic techniques and philosophies, where guests can choose from Ayurvedic therapies and rituals.
From $1,066 per night.
PALAZZO CORDUSIO GRAN MELIA
Set in a historic building, Milan’s newest luxury stay blends eclectic modern style with 19th-century character. This Spanish hotel brand is bringing an international edge to Milan with its delicious bistro and cocktail bar featuring signature cocktails by the World’s Best Bars, Giancarlo Mancino, and an omakase eatery overlooking the Duomo. Japanese restaurant with stunning terrace, and Italian restaurant with rooftop views of the city.
The Palazzo Cordusio Gran Melia‘s property’s sprawling Duomo suite with unobstructed views of the cathedral and the plaza, which features Molteni furniture, a separate living room, a dining table, and a tub. The rest of the 84 guest rooms and suites also have furniture by some of Italy’s most iconic brands, spacious bathrooms, and oversized windows that look out to areas such as Piazza Cordusio, Via Orefici, and Via dei Mercanti.
From $900 per night.
PARK HYATT MILAN
With just 108 guest rooms spread over six floors, the smart and elegantly designed Park Hyatt Milan also has a range of fantastic suites, with its Terrace Suites, Montenapoleone Suite and Duomo Suite boasting exclusive panoramic terraces. Centrally located close to the designer shops and art and cultural attractions, the concierge can organize a range of tailored trips to suit.
With the property just a block away from the Duomo, its location can’t be beat. Plus, the spacious guest rooms the smallest one clocking in at 376 square feet are a rarity in this type of city hotel, and feature sleek contemporary design, sitting areas, custom artworks, and stunning marble bathrooms with soaking bathtubs and walk-in rain showers. For food, you can take your pick from gourmet Mediterranean restaurant Pellico 3 Milano, all-day dining outlet La Cupola, or the Mio Lab Cocktail Bar come sundown.
From $1,082 per night.
ARMANI HOTEL
Indulge in a stay at Armani’s sleek property for the ultimate lifestyle experience. Stylishly reflecting the simplicity and sophisticated comfort for which the Italian designer is famed, the gorgeous Armani Hotel is aptly located in the city’s fashion district. Housed in a 1940s palazzo on Via Manzoni, the 95-key property is the epitome of quiet luxury.
Book one of the premium terrace rooms on the sixth floor for access to a private balcony with views of the nearby Duomo, and for some R&R, head to the sprawling spa, which spread over 1,000 square metres, relaxing in front of the panoramic views is the perfect way to unwind after a signature treatment, workout, or swim. Naturally, all treatments utilize the brand’s proprietary award-winning skincare line, Armani Beauty.
Armani/Ristorante and the exclusive Armani/Bamboo Bar both offer up exquisite refined Italian cuisine and cocktails.
From $1,250 per night.
CASA BAGLIONI
This ultra-chic boutique hotel offering 30 elegant rooms and suites, pared-back to perfection within a 15th century Milanese townhouse, showcasing an impeccably curated collection of art and design pieces that draw inspiration from that era. Rooms at Casa Baglioni are spacious enough for families, and some have balconies with views of this bustling part of Milan.
Milanese-awarded chef Claudio Sadler creates food to remember, attracting gourmands from across the city and globe. Set within the famous art and design district of Brera, there’s loads to see and do on your doorstep, from colourful markets to galleries, museums, churches and cathedrals, to one of the oldest art academies in the world. Oenophiles should take advantage of the chance to taste a selection of rare Italian bottles at the hotel’s wine cellar.
From $789 per night.