My stay in Milan for Design Week was a fascinating exploration of history and modern style. The city truly comes alive during this event, and finding the perfect place to rest after a day of absorbing all the creative energy is key. I found myself drawn to hotels that blend historical significance with contemporary luxury, offering unique perspectives on Milanese design and hospitality.
Historic Hotels with Modern Touches
Casa Brera A Design Gem
Casa Brera, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, impressed me greatly. It felt like stepping into a revitalized piece of history, thanks to Patricia Urquiola’s thoughtful renovation. She paid homage to the original designs by Pietro Lingeri, while seamlessly integrating incredibly comfortable furniture and beautiful local materials. The over 100 rooms and luxury suites are filled with design elements that truly capture Milan’s spirit. Its location is also fantastic, just a short walk from the Brera district’s museums and galleries, making it easy to soak in the art scene.
Rocco Forte’s Carlton Milan
The Carlton Milan, a new Rocco Forte property, offers a wonderfully inviting, almost residential feel. Chef Fulvio Pierangelini’s dining options are a real highlight, adding a layer of sophisticated flavor to the stay. Olga Polizzi, Philip Vergeylen, and Paolo Moschino created 71 rooms that are just stunning, with a distinct Art Deco influence. You’ll find marble baths with soaking tubs and walk-in showers, which are absolutely perfect for unwinding after a long day exploring the Design Week exhibits.
The Portrait Hotel’s Timelessness
Owned by the renowned Italian brand Ferragamo, The Portrait Hotel feels like a journey through time. The Longevity Spa houses what might be one of the most beautiful hotel pools I’ve ever seen. It’s a serene, columned room with arched ceilings, evoking the feeling of ancient Roman baths in their prime. The hotel itself is a repurposed 16th-century monastery, drawing further inspiration from classical antiquity. Beyond the incredible pool, the Baroque piazza is simply breathtaking, and Michele Bönan’s design for the sumptuous rooms is exceptional.
Four Seasons Milan A Former Convent
The Four Seasons Milan is situated in a former convent that dates back 600 years, located not far from the Duomo. Inside, you’ll discover beautiful frescos and high ceilings, with Chef Fabrizio Borraccino’s restaurant, Zelo, offering delicious cuisine. For those seeking outdoor space, the Penthouse and Fashion Suites boast their own private terraces. The rooms and suites have recently undergone a celebrated redesign by Pierre-Yves Rochon. He used calming shades of cream and rosy terracotta, accented with rosewood trim, ensuring each space feels like a perfect home for guests. Rochon took great care to make sure that no two rooms are exactly alike, adding to the unique character of this historic property.
Bulgari Hotel Milano Chic and Precious
Bulgari, known for its exquisite jewelry, has extended that sense of luxury to its hotel in Milan. The is a recognized hub for VIPs and deal-making during Milan Design Week. The interior design, by Antonio Citterio, uses rich materials like teak, oak, black marble, and Vicenza stone, subtly nodding to the brand’s heritage of fine craftsmanship. It’s a stylish and sophisticated place to stay, befitting the energy of the city.
Palazzo Parigi Grandeur
Every single bedroom at the features either a balcony or a terrace with a picture-perfect view. Although it only opened in 2013, the hotel exudes old-school European grand hotel charm. The Grand Spa is a true highlight, offering a wide array of treatments. You can experience a pink marble hammam and enjoy other therapies inspired by global bathing traditions. It’s a luxurious retreat within the city.
Design-Forward Stays
Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio Neoclassical Elegance
Gran Meliá has transformed a neoclassical palazzo into the Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio. This newly launched hotel features furnishings from the well-regarded Lombardy brand Molteni&C and pieces by Gio Ponti throughout its elegant spaces. For dining, the rooftop Ristorante Isola serves authentic Italian dishes, while the Japanese restaurant Sachi offers robata grilling and sushi. The combination of historic architecture and modern design creates a unique atmosphere.
Hotel Principe di Savoia Opulent Suites
The level of detail and care at the is truly remarkable. The Presidential Suite boasts a private pool decorated in Pompeii style, which is quite astonishing. The rooms here are quite spacious, starting at 376 square feet for a Deluxe room and going up to over 5,000 square feet for the Presidential Suite. The décor beautifully references various eras, from Neoclassical to Victorian to Art Deco. As part of the Dorchester Collection, this hotel is ideally located near the high-end shopping on Via Montenapoleone.
Armani Hotel Milano Sleek Sophistication
The offers a distinct experience for those who appreciate the brand’s signature style. A significant advantage of staying here during Milan Design Week is its location. The fairgrounds for Salone del Mobile.Milano are not easily walkable for most. The Armani Hotel provides one of the shortest taxi rides, typically 15–20 minutes, to the main event. It’s also known for attracting a stylish crowd of editors, designers, and industry professionals, adding to its exclusive ambiance during this busy week.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia Retro-Modern Flair
The Excelsior Hotel Gallia presents a fascinating duality in its design. Some interior spaces evoke the feel of a retro ultramodern ocean liner, while the imposing 1932 facade, with its mansard roof, speaks to stately tradition. Parts of the hotel are housed in a contemporary steel-and-glass tower designed by Marco Piva. The stone-walled baths are incredibly sleek. The hotel’s unique, slightly trapezoidal footprint allows for abundant natural light, especially given its long shared border with Piazza Duca d’Aosta.
Grand Hotel et de Milan A Historic Icon
The is a legendary establishment, having hosted nearly every major opera and ballet star who performed at the nearby Teatro alla Scala. Just a block further down is the Prada Milan flagship store. Inside, the hotel offers an immersion into high-ceilinged spaces that draw inspiration from past centuries. You can even choose one of the 12 named suites, each dedicated to a different luminary who has graced its halls, offering a unique connection to the hotel’s rich history.
Casa Cipriani Milano Boutique Charm
Casa Cipriani Milano provides a more intimate, boutique experience with just 12 rooms and three suites. The attention to detail is evident everywhere, with custom touches like fine walnut paneling, Venini lighting, and impeccably crisp white linens. Even the photographs of these spaces look refreshing, hinting at the quality of the materials used. It creates a refined and elegant atmosphere for guests.
Room Mate Giulia Central and Colorful
Room Mate Giulia is centrally located and offers 85 rooms designed to ensure a restful stay. The hotel features a gym and a spa, and you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. The Junior Suites come with convenient alcove lounge spaces, and the attic suite even has its own private terrace, offering a unique vantage point over the city. The colorful design elements add a cheerful touch to the accommodations.
Mandarin Oriental Milan Fornasetti Dreams
A truly standout option here is the Fornasetti Suite, which is entirely decorated with works by or inspired by the iconic Piero Fornasetti. All other rooms and suites reflect classic Milanese style. The spa offers enticing treatments, including the lengthy Golden Saffron Ritual, and the dining options, whether room service or in the restaurant, are exquisite. The is situated in the northwest of the historic district and offers a convenient 15–20 minute car ride to Fiera Milano Rho.
Casa Baglioni Rooftop Views and Dining
is a wonderful place to enjoy the city, especially from its rooftop terrace bar, which boasts the only 360-degree panoramic view in the Brera district. Downstairs, the Michelin-starred Sadler Restaurant serves exceptional dishes, such as filet of turbot and chestnut ravioli. The bath amenities are from the luxurious Acqua di Parma brand. Junior suites offer views of Via dell’Annunciata, while the Leonardo and Milan suites provide spectacular views of the Milan skyline. A nice bonus is that the Baglioni is pet-friendly, welcoming animals under 33 pounds.
Where can I find a hotel with historic architecture?
You have several wonderful options that blend history with modern comfort. The Four Seasons Milan, located in a 600-year-old former convent, offers frescos and high ceilings. The Portrait Hotel is a repurposed 16th-century monastery with a sense of timelessness. Even newer properties like Palazzo Parigi and Gran Meliá Palazzo Cordusio reside in buildings with significant historical character, offering a glimpse into Milan’s past.
These hotels provide a unique way to experience Milan, connecting you to its rich heritage while ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay. The attention to detail in restoring and integrating historical elements with contemporary design makes each property a destination in itself.
Which hotels are best for design lovers?
For those passionate about design, Casa Brera stands out due to Patricia Urquiola’s renovation, which honors Italian architect Pietro Lingeri. The Carlton Milan, with its Art Deco-infused rooms, is another excellent choice. The showcases Antonio Citterio’s design, utilizing precious materials that reflect the brand’s elegant aesthetic. Lastly, the offers the unique Fornasetti Suite, a true collector’s dream, and its other rooms feature classic Milanese style.
These hotels are not just places to stay but are curated experiences in themselves, showcasing different facets of Milan’s celebrated design culture. Staying here means being surrounded by beauty and craftsmanship, making your trip even more inspiring.
Are there pet-friendly hotels in Milan
Yes, is a great option if you’re traveling with a smaller pet. They are pet-friendly and welcome animal companions under 33 pounds. This allows you to enjoy your stay without having to leave your furry friend behind, which can be a real relief when planning a trip.
Having a pet-friendly option means you can fully relax and enjoy Milan, knowing your four-legged family member is comfortable and welcome. It adds a layer of convenience and peace of mind for pet owners.
I hope this guide helps you plan your perfect visit to Milan, whether you’re attending Design Week or simply exploring the city’s many wonders.