Design-loving travelers rejoice! Discover the top Milan hotels that exude a timeless sophistication, featuring retro-futuristic designs for a truly unforgettable stay.
Milan, the creative capital of Italy, exudes a unique patina and nostalgia that true culture vultures can't miss. Born and bred near this design-obsessed city, I've got Milan in my blood - and I'm here to take you on a journey through its most curvaceous nooks and crannies, unveiling the best design hotels Milan has to offer. So, pack your bags, friends, because this design-centric city awaits!
Lusting for Milanese Luxury: Your Fantastic Five-Star Hotels
1. Casa Brivio - Where Design Dreams Are Made
Sneak past Milan's unassuming doors, and you'll find the deeply hidden-in-plain-sight beauty that is Casa Brivio, nestled in the heart of the innovative think tank known as the Cinque Vie district. Designed by Matteo Thun - co-founder of the Memphis Milano design phenomenon - this delightful home away from home is a symphony of trademark Milanese styles, breathing new life into the mid-20th century. Elegant, ever-contemporary 60s, 70s, and 80s furnishings fill 16 suites and rooms, while artisanal excellence, geometrical lines, and contrasting textures reign supreme, infusing every space with an irresistible charm. So, if your heart sings with the strains of David Byrne's "Home Is Where I Want To Be," Casa Brivio just might be the cozy eyrie you've longed for.
2. STRAF Hotel - Dark Arts and Design Delights
Stepping into STRAF Hotel is like stumbling upon a cinematic movie set - a brutalist, spellbinding ode to Milanese cool. Born from the fertile mind of multi-disciplinary creator Vincenzo de Cotiis, this hotel unfolds across 61 rooms, 2 junior suites, and 1 suite, each imbued with an air of mystery and drama. Rough, unfinished cement walls stand as backdrops for high-tech amenities, metal and brass-encrusted furniture, and distressed leather upholstery that meld together in a mesmerizing dance. This hypnotic hotel is a proud member of Design Hotels and has been affectionately dubbed "Milan's best-kept secret." Don't let this enigmatic hotel hide its light under a bushel; step through its red brick and marble gates and illuminate your lodging experience at STRAF.
3. Aethos Milan - Education and Art Fused in Design
Remember those days spent idly gazing at art, learning from the masters with every brush stroke, consumed by the profound beauty and mystery painted before your eyes? Relive those days of wonder at Aethos Milan, a vibrant fusion of mid-century Italian, Western, and Art Deco know-how. This playful design wonderland boasts a whopping 32 rooms and suites, as well as an awe-inspiring restaurant, cafe, and cocktail bar that rivals the fashion capital's storied edifices. At Aethos Milan, eclectic rugs, brass-laden sconces, dramatic curtains, and revolutionary artworks mingle effortlessly, summoning the souls of long-lost creatives to get lost in the design-infused labyrinth of this lively and inviting Milanese gem.
4. 3Rooms 10 Corso Como - A World Tour in Milan's Fashion Heart
Picture a handsome man with a quaffed mane of silver hair, cool Italian shades perched on his nose - this is the enigmatic and beguiling figure that is Carla Sozzani. Known as a godmother of Italian fashion, Sozzani is the ingenious mastermind behind 10 Corso Como, a far-reaching cultural hub that expands into multiple realms - including a boutique hotel. 3Rooms 10 Corso Como is a Space Age dream, equal parts shocked, bewildered, and more enamored than we ever dared imagine. Once you've stepped into this vivid wonderland, you'll never want to leave.
5. Galleria Vik Milano - Decadence Italian Style
Galleria Vik Milano will sweep you off your feet with its artisanal finishes, vibrant colors, and opulent elegance. Steeped in history, this palatial hotel is situated in the iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls. Each of the 89 individually designed rooms and suites bears the stamp of renowned Italian art and design, while the hotel bursts with priceless views and abundant natural light. So, join the ranks of elegance and impeccable service and immerse yourself in an unforgettable Milanese holiday at Galleria Vik Milano.
Casual, Curated, and Cool: The Best of Milan's Boutique Hotels
6. Vico Milano - Mediterranean Marvels
Lost in the labyrinthine streets of Milan's Design Capital, you'll find Vico Milano, a glassy maze filled with artisanal delights from around the world. The Sicilian-born designer Giuseppe Alito dreamt up this intoxicating traveler's dream home, transporting visitors through Mediterranean shores to Greece, Morocco, and Iran. Shimmering glazed tiles, plush rugs, monumental chandeliers, and world-class artworks will lure you into the heart of this enchanting design hideaway. So, pack your bags, adventure-seekers, and set forth to explore the far corners of the globe at the gleaming Vico Milano.
7. Hotel VIU Milan - A Modernistic Mirage
Arassociati Studio and Nicola Gallizia have worked their design magic on Hotel VIU Milan, breathing life into a minimalist, elegant, and modern hotel. Perched within the thriving Porta Volta neighborhood, this playful retreat presents 124 designer-furnished rooms, two food destinations helmed by Michelin-starred chef Giancarlo Morelli, and a tantalizing rooftop terrace. Rich woods, navy blue tones, Art Noveau decadence, and sleek yacht-style designs converge at Hotel VIU Milan, merging tradition with innovation in an unforgettable design dialogue.
8. Crossing Manzoni - Lustrous Luxury Lair
The brainchild of Carlotta Botta and Alfio Puglisi, Crossing Manzoni invites weary travelers into its breezy, understated haven. Situated in the fashion district, this design gem places every traveler at arm's length from the city's vibrant life, all the while offering a cozy, curated oasis. Sand hues, olive green, and black set the tone for this sophisticated yet laid-back studio-apartment-style setup, where visitors can get lost in the sleek minimalism that Milan does best.
9. Portrait Milano - The Skylines of Milan
This five-star boutique haven is the epitome of Italian sophistication, designed by none other than Michele Bönan. Situated in the opulent fashion district, Portrait Milano is a luxurious oasis for the style-conscious traveler. With 73 spacious, sunlit suites, a lavish wellness spa, and a selection of stunning restaurants, Portrait Milano delivers on every front.
10. Casa Cipriani Milano - Shimmering Sky High Hideaway
Like the cool, calm boss lady she is, Nina Yashar declared Casa Cipriani Milano a Milan must-see. Situated opposite the picturesque Giardini Indro Montanelli, this private members' club hotel promises stunning views, artisanal finishes, and a resplendent aesthetic that will leave you longing for more after just one visit. Sip bellinis, inspired by the inventive Venetian original, and lose yourself in a world unto itself.
So there you have it! The best boutique hotels Milan has to offer, each one crafting its own tale of Milanese design excellence. The city's allure is timeless, and these havens continue its legacy, one cerulean curtain and brass-clad sconce at a time. Have fun exploring, you curious culture detectives, and I'll see you on the next adventure!
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Art adorns every corner of these Milanese hotels, serving as a beacon for design aficionados and culture vultures alike. From the hidden charms of Casa Brivio, draped in 70s and 80s furnishings, to the spellbinding STRAF Hotel, shrouded in brutalist mystery, these hotels exude a seductive air of Milanese cool.
At Aethos Milan, art and education fuse, transporting guests back to the days of captivating art classes. The vibrant 3Rooms 10 Corso Como offers a world tour in Milan's fashion hub, while Vico Milano transports visitors through the Mediterranean to lands beyond.
Hotel VIU Milan boasts sleek, modernist designs, entwining tradition with innovation, and Crossing Manzoni offers an intimate, exclusive experience for families and larger groups. Portrait Milano and Casa Cipriani Milano, with their private members' club vibe, promise sultry, elevated luxuriousness at every turn.
Interior design trends in Milan's hotels are a reflection of the city's lifestyle, which seamlessly blends fashion, food, and art. The texture of tiles, the pop of color, the elegance of flooring, and the brilliance of design hotels serve as the perfect backdrop for Milan's design-centric scene.
Furthermore, traveling to Milan is not just about visiting design hotels; it's about experiencing the rich tapestry of Milanese culture. From exploring the city's fashion-and-beauty scene, to indulging in food-and-drink offerings, to wandering through the home-and-garden oases hidden within, Milan is a treasure trove worth discovering.
So, pack your bags and venture into Milan's hidden design delights; there's a Milanese design dream waiting for you.
