Milan is one of the world’s fashion centers, and fashionistas flock here for every Fashion Week. As fashion is an institution around which the city revolves, it’s no wonder that most of the city’s hotels are hip, sumptuous establishments that offer only the very best. Here, cool doesn’t refer to the air-con, although that’s in plentiful supply; it’s the design ethic and atmosphere that deserves this adjective, and also describes those who stay here, eat here and play here at least four times every year. Of course, all of these hotels share a proximity to Milan’s fashion district, where designer shops rub shoulder with each other, a treasure trove of superlative, stylish Italian couture at its best.
Some of the coolest on our list include:
Straf
This ultra-cool establishment offers 21st Century design and an avante garde atmosphere that is hard to beat. Architect and fashion designer Vincenzo de Cottis has created a minimalist mixture of burnished brass, iron, concrete, glass and rough slate. This luxurious hotel offers 64 uniquely designed black stone bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, a 24-hour gym and an international restaurant that also offers vegetarian options. Close to chic Via Montenapoleone for designer shopping as well as La Scala whether you’re sightseeing or planning to attend an opera performance.
Via San Raffaele 3, tel: 39 02 805 081
Bulgari Milan
Exuding chic sophistication and understated glamor, the delightful Bulgari is also unique – it’s the only hotel within the city walls that boasts a private garden. Designed with the emphasis on 1930s minimalist chic, this luxury enclave is located on its own private street in an exquisitely renovated 18th Century Milanese Palazzo. It boasts 58 beautiful guestrooms, all with teak balconies, some overlooking the pretty garden. Of course, the Bulgari is also located in the perfect setting, close to exclusive designer shopping in Montenapoleone and the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
Via Privata Fratelli Gabba 7/b, tel: 39 02 805 8051
Armani Hotel Milan
The iconic Armani style and philosophy reigns supreme in this exquisite, sumptuous establishment in the chic Quadrilatero della Moda district. The hotel is located in a meticulously restored 1930s building, and each of the xx guestrooms is an elegant enclave, decorated to perfection by Armani Casa, with an en suite marble bathroom and every modern facility. Close to La Scala and Milan’s famous shopping district, the hotel offers every facility for a luxury getaway, from saunas and Turkish baths and a fitness center to a stunning restaurant.
Via Manzoni 31, tel: 39 02 8883 8000
Chateau Monfort
Opulence and elegance reign supreme at this luxurious five star hotel close to Piazza San Babila and Milan’s famous designer shops. Situated in a splendid Art Nouveau mansion that was built at the start of the 20th Century, this iconic retro chic establishment is a combination of fairytale fantasy and ultramodern facilities. Guests enjoy olde worlde style and every luxe treat, including the hotel’s famous High Tea in the afternoons. With a renowned restaurant (Rubacuori) and a bar lounge where guests congregate to relax, this Relais & Chateaux property offers an unmatched luxury experience.
Corso Condordia, 1, tel: 39 02 776 761
Four Seasons Hotel, Milan
Located right in the midst of Milan’s fabulous Montenapoleone district, this exquisite luxury hotel is situated in a charming, beautifully restored 15th Century convent that has been transformed into a sanctuary of every modern comfort. Offering every facility that has come to set the Four Seasons hotel brand apart from the rest, this sumptuous establishment provides an idyllic setting in the midst of the city, a welcome respite from the mayhem of Fashion Week but it’s still right in the middle of the action. Get away from it all for breakfast, or enjoy dinner in the excellent restaurant. Take a break in the full service spa, or just pass through after enjoying some retail therapy in the fashion district.
Via Gesu 6-8, tel: 39 02 77 088