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Despite the various new hotel openings in Milan, the Four Seasons still stands as one of the city’s most exclusive in terms of accommodation: thanks not to fashion but understated elegance and incomparable service (where many other hotels let themselves down). Discreetly placed in the middle of the Quadrilatero d’Oro, where all the big-[name] boutiques are clustered, the Four Seasons is all quality, from the original Renaissance frescoes in the lobby to the high standard of the rooms. A 15th-century cloister and courtyard garden provides precious outdoor space. Meeting and conference facilities are available, as well as business services such as mobile phone rental, translation services and a 24-hour business centre. The less formal Veranda Restaurant is perfect for a light lunch. The Teatro (open only in the evening) is more suited for an elegant but yet intimate dinner.
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Located a few minutes’ walk from La Scala and overlooking Via Montenapoleone, the Gran Hotel has always hosted celebrities: from Richard Wagner to Ernest Hemingway and Maria Callas to Richard Burton. The undeniably aristocratic atmosphere underlined by period furniture, mosaic flooring and Liberty-style chandeliers make it ideal for a luxury stay. But the business centre is basically a cupboard in the wall – charming, but for anything longer than short-term it’s probably not ideal.
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The Park Hyatt Milan is one of the best positioned hotels of its size. Housed in a 19th-century palazzo just off the Galleria, it’s a stone’s throw from the Cathedral and La Scala Opera House. Beyond the main entrance is an elegant bar and restaurant area covered by the great glass dome of the cupola. Just as grown up, but contemporary in style, is the hotel bar, popular for aperitivi. Great cocktails are accompanied by oriental appetisers including sushi. Service is excellent and there is a 24-hour mini-spa with a well-equipped gym and two marble steam rooms. Ask for a room with a view across the Galleria.
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Five years of restoration work have uncovered the ancient stucco and finishes of a 17th-century building that once overlooked Milan’s city moat. The 18 suites are furnished with period furniture and the style is antique palace, all drapes and chandeliers. Although the Petit Palais is not exactly geared up for business in terms of services, there is a 30-seat conference hall and an elegant drawing room with fireplace that makes an unusual spot for a tête-à-tête with a client.
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For those who like to keep it glamorous, the Principe de Savoia is fantastically opulent, with full-on Belle Epoque style from the grand Giardino d’Inverno bar to the Café Doney, which serves delicious pastries. You can’t help but be impressed with the 1930s grandeur of the building and by the extravagant 400 sq m Presidential Suite with private indoor pool. In contrast to this, the recently renovated top floor has an exclusive fitness centre and pool with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. There are 17 meeting rooms and any equipment required can be hired from the hotel. Renowned for its Lombard specialties is the Club Galleria Restaurant.
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