Milan
In spite of having some world class sights, Milan is not a tourist city and the hotel scene reflects this. About 80 per cent of the Italian HQs of international companies are based here or in the immediate surrounding area, so it stands to reason that the accommodation on offer is geared towards executives travelling on high end expense accounts. Then there's the fashion industry, of which Milan is a world centre, and fashionistas flock to some of the coolest hotels with the sharpest design in the country. This has negative repercussions on the tourist, especially if you want to avoid large, outrageously expensive, corporate-style hotels, however hip they may be. While bargains in this city are thin on the ground, there are some delightful small hotels where it's not de rigeur to be dressed in head-to-toe black Prada crowned with a massive pair of dark glasses; we have listed our favourites. If you are visiting Milan for pure leisure and want to contain the budget, it's important to avoid the frequent big trade fairs when hotel prices are at their maximum and rooms may be booked months in advance. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
The best hotels in Milan
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Four Seasons Milan
Milan
Modern, stylish luxury in a 15th-century monastery with a beautiful cloistered garden. Large individually designed bedrooms with luxurious fabris and opulent marble bathrooms. An excellent gourmet restaurant and fab spa. Though seriously luxurious and sophisticated, also a great family choice.
118 rooms from $851Restaurant - Award-winning restaurant.City StyleSpaSights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Grand Hotel et de Milan
Milan
Old fashioned luxury with an operatic history - the doyenne of Milan's five-star hotels just a stone's throw from La Scala opera house. Rich drapes, antiques and fine paintings fill the interiors. Classical elegance throughout. A tasteful spot to explore Milan from.
95 rooms from $845City StyleViews - Great views from hotelSpaSights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Park Hyatt Milano
Milan
Classic design goes contemporary in a fabulously central location on the doorstep of the most prestigious shopping streets. Serene airy interiors in palettes of cream, beige and soft greys. Luxurious facilities include a spa and fitness centre, buzzy cocktail bar and good restaurant. CIty style.
108 rooms from $707Designer Shopping - The most prestigious shopping street is steps from the Hyatt.LuxuryCity StyleSpa -
Bulgari
Milan
Sleek, understated glamour with a beautiful garden within Milan's old city walls. Impressive interior design in 30s minimalism - black and white marbles, beiges, browns and blacks. Slick rooms with teak balconies, some overlooking the garden. Sensational spa and great food. City slickers, go here!
58 rooms from $694City StyleSpaSwimming Pool - Indoor/outdoorSights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
The Gray
Milan
Hip, contemporary boutique hotel with a sense of fun in a central location. Neutral colours with splashes of bold colour bedeck the interiors. The bedrooms feature white ostrich leather, crocodile, steel and travertine. Two suites have private gyms, Turkish baths, or jacuzzis. Great food too.
21 rooms from $406City StyleViews - Great views from hotelSights nearby - Well located for major sights.5* Luxury - Very high service standards. -
Straf
Milan
Ultra cool, 21st century design in a super-central location. A classic facade encases a minimalist industrial design aesthetic - burnished brass, polished concrete, glass and iron. Bedrooms with black stone and shimmering brass bathrooms. A hip destination for those with creative sides.
64 rooms from $367City StyleViews - Great views from hotelSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Designer - Uniquely designed interiors. -
Antica Locanda dei Mercanti
Milan
Pretty, central accommodation that doesn’t break the bank. An old merchant's house renovated in fresh contemporary country style - creams, whites, florals and wood floors. The spectacular suites on the top floor have wrought iron four posters and private terraces. A hotel that is hard to come by.
15 rooms from $269City StyleFour poster beds - For romantics.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Sawdays -
Antica Locanda Solferino
Milan
An arty little B&B with bags of character. Rooms filled with country antiques, art nouveau pieces and a genuine taste of old Milan. A city spot with lots of old world charm and no modern amenities.
11 rooms from $236Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Frommers -
Alle Meraviglie
Milan (Center, Duomo)
Newly-converted townhouse with pretty, reasonably-priced rooms. Comfortable bedrooms in creams with silk curtains, crisp bed linen, fresh flowers and wooden floors. An elegant choice to explore Milan from.
6 rooms from $229City StyleFour poster beds - For romantics.Sights nearby - Well located for major sights. -
Town House 31
Milan
Elegant yet homely townhouse with a cool terrace bar in summer. A home from home with a touch of zen - cream and brown decoration with splashes of colour from Oriental and African rungs and artefacts. An intimate laid back spot.
17 rooms from $169City StyleSights nearby - Well located for major sights.Recommended by - Small Luxury Hotels, Travel Intelligence -
Antica Locanda Leonardo
Milan
Pristine family-run guesthouse with a pretty courtyard garden in Milan's old quarter. Comfortable bedrooms with polished wooden floors and antique wood furniture, some overlooking the garden. The triple suite is a good choice for families. An intimate and great value city spot.
5 rooms from $117Sights nearby - Well located for major sights.
