Travel to Milan: Arguably Milan is the world capital for all matters concerning style and fashion. It is among the largest cities in Europe with a population of more than 7 million in the Greater Milan area. There are several new construction projects under way in an effort to rehabilitate or revamp some of the industrial areas. Several acclaimed architects, such as Renzo Piano, Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid, Massimiliano Fuksas and Daniel Libeskind are participating in the development of Milan's new skyline. Both Izmir (Turkey) and Milan are bidding to host Expo 2015. Milan's proposed theme is: Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.
It is not necessary to pack a hardhat while visiting. The new buildings complement the city's rich history, while the overall growth of the metropolis demands expansion. Here is look at some of city's luxury hotels, best restaurants, and things to see and do while visiting.
Luxury Hotels in Milan The Straf is a suave, sexy boutique hotel with 64 guestrooms designed with a provocative configuration of exotic woods, metals, and stones. The hotel's bar is a stylish haunt with décor on par with the guestrooms and the lobby. Additionally, check out the sensual healing powers of the Japanese massage chairs in the spa's chromo and aromatherapy rooms. Let me hear you say aaahhhh! The Straf is located close by to Duomo Cathedral, La Scala Opera House, and Montenapoleone- where the best of haute couture have shops. Townhouse 12 also is a boutique hotel that offers great proximity to local sites of interests to travelers. The elegant 18-guestroom deluxe hotel is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
The Petit Palais Hôtel de Charme is a converted 17th century mansion located in the center of the city. Three of the hotel's 18 guestrooms have a fireplace and a terrace. The stunning décor makes the place look more like a museum of style than a hotel. The Piazza Duomo, the world's oldest shopping mall, is within walking distance of the Petit Palais' lobby.
Best Restaurants in Milan
Foodies frequently flock to Antica Osteria del Ponte to savor Ezio Santin's innovative gourmet cuisine the restaurant's extensive wine collection. Chef Ezio opened the restaurant and then became an award-winning chef. Previously, cooking was a hobby for Santin. It's all about the food at the Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia. However, the artwork adorning the walls by Paolo Ferrari is as appealing to the eyes as the delicious food is to the palate. However, it is like dining inside an art gallery at times. Owner-chef Claude Sadler's of Ristorante Sadler is a culinary genius. Although Sadler's devotion to prime ingredients is viewed as obsessive by pundits, he always delivers with surprising tastiness from simple dishes, such as spaghetti roasted wild duck. The cuisine is Italian, and there also is a full bar. Reservations are recommended.
To Do in Milan
The southwest area of the city is among the best for bars and cafés. The Shocking Club is where you go to shake, find, probe, seek, or establish your groove thing. It is a pulsating dance club with VIP ambiance, multiple-bar stations, secluded areas, and a great dance floor. It is big on fun yet cozy enough to be a smoldering nightspot. Milan has highly regarded venues for both theatrical and operatic events, such as La Scala Opera house and the Auditorium di Milano. The Teatro Piccolo is a foundation that has strongly influenced Italian drama since being established in 1947. Masterfully produced works can be seen at three different theaters: Teatro Grassi, Via Rovello, and Teatro Studio.
Obviously Milan is hallowed grounds in fashion and design circles. It is the home of such fashionista stalwarts as Armani and Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Exté, Ferragamo, Gucci, Missoni, Prada, Trussardi, Valentino, and Vuitton. These are just a few of the vendors of Montenapoleone. Top designers in home décor are found at the Quadrilateral in Corso Matteoti. Most of the shops are closed on Sundays.
Written by the staff writers of JustLuxé
Fine Dining
Al Bersagliere
0376/60007 Via Goitese 260 Goito
Ambasciata
0376/619169 Via Martiri di Belfiore 33 Quistello
La Rucola
030/916326 Via Strentelle 3 Sirmione
La Tortuga
0365/71251 Via XXIV Maggio at small harbor Gargnano
Venus Ristorante
0322/90362 Piazza Motta 50 Orta San Giulio
Five-Star Activities
Auditorium di Milano
02/83389201 Corso San Gottardo, at Via Torricelli, Milan
VISIT WEBSITE 02/89402874 Via Ascanio Sforza 49 Milan
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Luxury Hotels in Milan
Hotel De La Ville Superbly located in the historical heart of the city and a favorite haunt of personalities from the theatre industry and the fashion world, the Hotel De La Ville is considered to be one of Milan's most exclusive residences.
Town House Galleria The Town House Galleria hotel is located in the heart of the city of Milan. It is a unique and prestigious property, intimate and exclusive, assuring the highest level of service.
Townhouse 12 Built around an exotic garden of palms, Town House 12 lies on the Piazza Gerusalemme - the centre of Milan's glamorous nightlife.
Grand Hotel et de Milan Set in the very heart of the fashion and business districts, the Grand Hotel et de Milan enjoys one of the best locations in the city, at the crossroads of Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, only two steps away from La Scala Theater.
Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts Milano Refined and prestigious, the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts Milano links contemporary design with comfort. A tribute from the Italian Jeweler to the world of luxury, situated in Milan's most stylish area.
Carlton Hotel Baglioni The Carlton Hotel Baglioni, a member in good standing of Leading Hotels of the World, is a truly city-type getaway for those in search of a stylish but welcoming atmosphere lavishly furnished with antique furniture and luxurious drapes, the hotel...
Four Seasons Milano Four Seasons Hotel Milano is a dramatically reborn 15th-century convent with a mere 118 rooms and suites; the intimate Four Seasons is steps from Milan's couture houses and financial district on the exclusive Via Gesu between Via Montenapoleone and...
Park Hyatt Milan In a magnificent 19th-century palazzo next to the Galleria, the 117-room Park Hyatt Milan is one of the city's best-positioned hotels. The palazzo, which was once a bank, was transformed into a hotel by Ed Tuttle, the former Amanresort designer, and...
