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Designed by Antonio Citterio, Bulgari’s flagship hotel is set within 4,000sqm of private botanical gardens. There is a restaurant and a large bar, where, although the service can be a little slow, the mood is tranquil and you can also sit outside and enjoy views of the garden. The spa (exclusive to residents) features a gold mosaic pool and green glass-walled steam room. The presidential suite has a huge decked terrace overlooking the gardens and a glass boxed in fireplace half on the inside and half on the deck. Bear in mind that the hotel is clearly not aimed at the business community and offers no business centre, in-room fax or conference facilities.
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For a city that calls itself the fashion capital of the world, there are relatively few design hotels in comparison to that found in London or Paris. The extremely central Spadari al Duomo, tucked in the medieval quarter of the city overlooking the ancient sword-makers’ street, is an exception; it’s a contemporary, toned-down hotel with a pretty inner courtyard (on to which you want to make sure your room looks, as opposed to the tram-lined street). This is an excellent value hotel, and features a fireplace in the lounge designed by sculptor Giò Pomodoro. Rooms are furnished in post-modern style with light colour wood panelling. “Special” rooms have balconies, and “de luxe” rooms boast cathedral views and hydromassage tubs as well.
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Appealing to design-minded tourists, concrete walls, metallic fabrics and moody lighting give this boutique hotel an extreme, industrial-chic look. Behind the 19th-century neoclassical facade of the outside, the rooms (all with plasma TV), are decorated in dark chocolate browns and greys with huge, blown-up photo murals plastered over the walls. Doors, floors and walls are made from brass, iron, scratched mirrors and cement. There is a very smart (and popular) lounge bar, and the hotel has a fully equipped gym and, for meetings and presentations, a small 30-person conference room.
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This achingly cool boutique hotel has smartly designed, bachelor pad bedrooms (they’re less gimmicky than the dubious red upholstered swing in the centre of the lobby). Part of the Design Hotel group, The Gray is sited on a side street right next to the Duomo, with a tiny cocktail bar and restaurant that gives the intimate appeal of a private members’ club. Although it’s without a pool, there is access to one at their sister hotel 50m away. Rooms have either en-suite private sauna or gym with state-of-the-art weights and cardio machines.
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Situated on a residential street 15 minutes’ walk from the financial district of San Babila, Townhouse 31 is a typical 19th-century palazzo, very distinguished and compact in size. The classic cream interiors with an oriental twist are by Architectural Digest editor Ettore Mochetti. The entrance lounge functions as the breakfast room and lounge bar from 6pm to 9pm, and is open for locals as well as guests. Over four floors, the rooms are individually styled and the overall feel is of personal service and a home from home.
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