Although maybe best known as Italy’s financial and fashion capital, Milan has far more to offer than just business and style. The northern city ticks all the important boxes for a European city break – good restaurants, world-class galleries, excellent bars (this is the hometown of Campari after all!) and great coffee. And best yet – its amicable climate makes year-round visits far more appealing than some of Italy’s more southerly cities.
But, the age old question: where to stay? Fortunately for travelers planning a trip, Milan is awash with top-notch hotels, with plenty of international brands holding a firm presence here. From lavish abodes with private swimming pools underneath hand-painted frescoes to slick ultra-modern accommodations, the best hotels (and the suites you need to be staying in) are certainly something to write home about.
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Mandarin Oriental Milan
Mandarin Oriental Milan offers a luxurious experience at the crossroads of the city’s fashion, business, and cultural districts, just steps from the Duomo, La Scala Opera House, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Fusing modern Italian design with Asian-inspired elegance, the hotel boasts a world-class spa, complete with a dedicated Thai massage room, hair salon, beauty studio, and the largest indoor pool in the city center.
The hotel’s signature two Michelin-starred restaurant, Seta, is one of Milan’s most coveted dining experiences. For after-dinner drinks, head to the Mandarin Garden to enjoy a mix of contemporary music and bespoke cocktails.
Grand Presidential Suite
This exquisite three-bedroom suite combines the luxury of the Presidential Suite with the exuberant décor of the Fornasetti Suite. It features a magnificent four-poster bed and original Fornasetti furnishings, complemented by an elegant living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining space for eight.
The lavish bathroom, decorated in cerulean blue Brazilian marble, is stocked with premium Dyson amenities and includes a central bath and steam room. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the hotel’s Spa Suite for one hour, where they can relax in a private jacuzzi and steam bath.
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Hotel Principe di Savoia, part of Dorchester Collection
Established in 1896 and a masterpiece of late-19th-century design, Hotel Principe di Savoia takes its rightful title as one of Milan’s finest luxury hotels. Renowned for its timeless elegance and exceptional service, the hotel is ideally located between the city’s vibrant Brera arts district, the chic Quadrilatero shopping area, and Milan’s Stazione Centrale railway station.
Inside, the pastel-hued lounge provides a refined setting for afternoon tea and people-watching, particularly during Fashion Week when the hotel attracts style icons and A-listers. In the evening, the Principe Bar offers live music and expertly crafted cocktails.
Presidential Suite
A favorite among royalty and A-listers, the Presidential Suite immerses guests in classic Milanese luxury, with hints of Art Deco charm. The three-bedroom suite features a private heated pool, sauna and Turkish bath, perfect for unwinding after a day in the fashion capital. As you float in the pool, admire the in-suite spa’s hand-painted ceiling, adorned with Pompeii-inspired frescoes.
After your refreshing swim, cozy up by the accommodation’s fireplace, or step out onto the balcony and soak in the views over the city’s rooftops. The Presidential Suite’s elegant living room invites you to play a tune on the grand piano or gather around the dining table, set for 12. There’s also a dedicated butler available to cater to your every desire, from curated aperitivos to personalized services.
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Bulgari Hotel Milano
A tastefully renovated 18th-century palazzo, Bulgari Hotel Milano is nestled on a quiet residential street between Milan’s historic Brera district and the glamorous golden shopping triangle. The property is set amidst a private 43,000-square-foot garden, an extension of the next door Botanical Garden of Brera, offering a serene, intimate atmosphere more akin to a private Italian residence than a large luxury hotel.
Guests can unwind with coffee or aperitifs at The Bulgari Lounge, or enjoy contemporary Italian cuisine at Il Ristorante, where dishes are served on elegant Ginori porcelain. The hotel’s spa is a standout feature, boasting a golden-tiled pool, a mosaic-lined hammam, and a Swedish sauna. Specialist staff are always available to provide personalized service, whether it’s arranging private villa and museum visits, organizing hydroplane trips around Lake Como, or curating exclusive yachting excursions to Italy’s hidden gems.
The Bulgari Suite
Designed by architect Flavio Capriotti, the bright and spacious Bvlgari Suite features a generous living area, a beautifully appointed bedroom and a library of rare art and design books, perfect for curious travelers. Guests can enjoy sweeping city views from the suite’s private terrace, complete with chic outdoor furniture.
Four Seasons Hotel Milano
Four Seasons Milano offers a serene retreat in the heart of Milan’s fashion district, just steps from the Duomo and some of Italy’s finest designer boutiques. Set within a 15th-century convent, the hotel boasts high-ceilinged rooms adorned with stunning frescoes. Guests can explore nearby galleries and luxury shops, savor fine Italian cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant, or unwind at the sleek, modern spa. At aperitivo hour, fashionistas gather at the hotel’s bar for Negronis and laid-back DJ sets.
Penthouse Suite with terrace
Accessible by private elevator, this penthouse suite offers luxury Milanese living with stunning Duomo views. Guests can unwind in the comfortable living room, enjoy movie nights in the media room and share meals in the dining area. The spacious garden terrace provides additional space for dining and lounging, with plush seating and a dining table for four, making it perfect for warm summer days.
Portrait Milano
Housed in the former Archiepiscopal Seminary, a masterpiece of Lombard Baroque from 1565, Portrait Milano overlooks the largest public square in Milan’s fashion district. The building’s historic colonnades, baroque stone walkways, and imposing courtyard have been meticulously preserved, offering guests a glimpse into the city’s timeless charm.
The contemporary wellness area features a spa, gym, and swimming pool, where ancient columns rise from its depths, providing a truly unique backdrop for relaxation.
Borromeo Suite
Decidedly bold and unmistakably Milanese, the two-bedroom Borromeo Suite offers a refined retreat in the heart of the city. The suite features a spacious living room with corner sofas and a regal dining table, perfect for both unwinding and entertaining. A stylish library and bar add a trendy touch, leading out to the light-filled Loggia. Both garden-view bedrooms include walk-in wardrobes and Carrara marble bathrooms, with the master bedroom boasting a dedicated makeup wing and an oversized hammam shower.
Armani Hotel Milano
Armani Hotel Milano blends Italian elegance with modern design in the city’s heart, just steps from one of the world’s most renowned shopping districts. Housed in a striking 1930s Rationalist building, the hotel features sleek, minimalist rooms infused with signature Armani luxury.
Guests can enjoy world-class dining at Armani/Ristorante or unwind at the Armani/SPA on the eighth floor, which offers a fitness center, relaxation pool, saunas, and steam rooms, all with breathtaking views of Milan’s skyline.
Armani Presidential Two-bedroom Suite
The Armani Presidential Two-bedroom Suite is a refined Milanese retreat. Thoughtfully designed, it features a study, a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious dining room. Each elegantly appointed bedroom includes a walk-in wardrobe, while the double marble bathrooms are stocked with signature Armani amenities. The suite offers a stylish living area with a cocktail bar, leading to a wraparound rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city skyline, perfect for enjoying an afternoon aperitivo.
The Westin Palace, Milan
Located in Porta Nuova to the northeast of the city, The Westin Palace Milan is ideally positioned for both business and leisure, offering easy access to Milan Central Station, high-end shopping and expansive green spaces. Guests can indulge in traditional Italian fare at the signature restaurant, PanEVO, or relax at the Lounge Bar just across the lobby. In the warmer months, executive chef Moris La Greca’s seasonal creations can be enjoyed al fresco on the beautiful Terrazza.
Presidential Suite
This chic penthouse spans the entirety of the eighth and ninth floors of the Westin Palace Hotel. Recently reimagined by the Reveria design studio, the suite is decorated with handcrafted furnishings that prioritize authentic Italian design. Double-height ceilings, full-length windows and a light color palette create an airy, open-plan ambiance. The living room features a marble staircase with a die-cast balustrade by Veteria Bazzanese.
Other highlights include historic Delfino armchairs by Arflex, hand-blown glass coffee tables by Veteria Bazzanese, a bespoke Elle Gomiero light feature, and a custom-designed fireplace in Lepanto marble. Outside, the suite’s terrace is fully equipped for outdoor living, with a kitchen, dining table, sleek outdoor furniture by Roda and a hydro-massage pool.
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Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a landmark hotel, blending the grandeur of its 1932 Art Deco architecture with the sleek modernity of a steel-and-glass tower. Its interiors echo the Jazz Age, offering a touch of Gatsby-era luxury in the heart of Porta Nuova, one of Milan’s hottest neighborhoods.
The panoramic mixology bar offers cocktails and stunning views of Stazione Centrale, or for a touch of old-world glamour, head to the hidden cigar bar. A standout feature, the hotel’s 11,000-sq-ft Shiseido Spa Milan spans the top two floors, with a panoramic pool, jacuzzi, virtual golf and a variety of treatment rooms.
Katara Royal Suite
Claiming the title of Italy’s largest hotel suite, the Katara Royal Suite at Excelsior Hotel Gallia spans an entire floor of the hotel. Designed for both relaxation and entertaining, the suite features four bedrooms, a private balcony and a terrace furnished with plush outdoor seating, perfect for enjoying Milan’s warm summer days.
The living area exudes glamour with gold accents, opulent chandeliers and a sleek glass dining table. For the ultimate indulgence, guests can unwind in the whirlpool, which comfortably accommodates eight.
Grand hotel et de Milan
Grand Hotel et de Milan is one of the city’s few remaining family-run hotels, operated by the Bertazzoni family since 1969. Its opulent rooms blend traditional and contemporary design, with the building’s rich history ensuring that no two are exactly alike. Guests can enjoy a range of dining options, from relaxed Mediterranean cuisine to intimate fine dining. In the evenings, unwind with a cocktail and rub shoulders with the city’s elite at the sophisticated Gerry’s Bar.
Verdi Suite
Previously home to the great Maestro Giuseppe Verdi, who lived in the accommodation for 27 years, the Verdi Suite is a luxury suite brimming with fascinating history. The recently restored interiors blend discreet modern tech with romantic historic touches, with a spacious pink living area and fireplace lounge, and Verdi’s personal desk holding pride of place. Dramatic ceiling-high French windows lead out onto three large balconies, so guests can enjoy views over Via Manzoni from their luxury accommodation.
