Milan is known as one of the world’s foremost design capitals. Which means that travelers looking for a hotel to rest at in between sightseeing at the Duomo, shopping the designs of hometown label La Double J, or tucking into a colorful corner booth at Osteria Milano will want somewhere just as sophisticated and expressive to call home. On a recent trip to Milan, I was lucky to do just that at Hotel Milu Milano: the Milanese outpost of the Milu Hotel Group’s portfolio of boutique properties, each of which aims to marry the best of Italy’s past with the best of its present.
The Milu Milano is located in a historic 19th-century building just steps from the Porta Venezia. This means that guests can easily walk – as I did – to most of Milan’s marquee sights and attractions, from the elegant boutiques of Corso Buenos Aires to the beauty of Villa Reale’s gardens to the Duomo. Every time I stepped out of the serene lobby, I felt myself in Milan, blending in with the city and its rhythms, much of which seemed to have been untouched by time. Inside, too, I could feel myself at one with Milan’s history: the clean lines, elegant facades, and understated refinement bespeak the building’s past as a private residence, as do the original features, including wooden shutters and soaring windows. But despite the old world charm, every contemporary comfort has been provided as well. Each guest room has been outfitted with smart TVs, espresso machines, and adjustable thermostats. And the design scheme itself is unmistakably both modern and Milanese, replete with terrazzo floors, statement rugs, and bathrooms with colored glass and painted ceilings. That the design is standout is perhaps not surprising, given that the hotel was reimagined by architect and designer Alex Meitlis. Milan is not a loud or flashy city, but it is confident and expressive. Staying at the Milu Milano felt like staying in an extension of the city itself.
Throughout the hotel, thirty-two rooms are available in different sizes for travelers with different needs. Single rooms for solo travelers are still plenty spacious, and mine had a beautiful view out onto the Porta Venezia. Every appliance was hidden behind sleek doors, and despite being near a major crossroads and tram line, my room was silent, with no noise coming from outside or the hallways either. For those who might need more space, the double rooms have king size beds ideal for couples of friends looking to explore the city together, and many come with the city’s signature terrazzo floors as well. The overall feeling of being in the Milu Milano’s rooms is peaceful, yet still full of character and soul. Art is integral to all of Milu’s properties, and the Milu Milano is no exception. Sculptural furniture – including in the elegant lobby – is a major hallmark of Milanese art and design, and is on full display throughout the property.
As for food and beverage, a delightful buffet is served each morning, featuring fresh baked pastries, artisanal bread, and seasonal fruit. While in the lounge, a wide selection of complimentary beverages is available throughout the day, including coffee, teas, juices, soft drinks, and hot chocolate. Should you be in the mood for dinner or a glass of wine, all you’ll need to do is step out to enjoy the city’s most renowned dining institutions at your doorstep. I walked to Saint Ambroeus, Bice, and the aforementioned Gloria Osteria throughout my stay, and was delighted to sip an Italian espresso from the in-room espresso machine each morning, looking out over the bustling Porta Venezia. And the hotel’s staff stood out as unfailingly kind and anticipatory of my needs, going out of their way to make sure I was supplied with an umbrella for the day if there was a chance it might rain, and greeting me by name every time I came home. That kind of design goes deeper than even the terrazzo floors or 19th century cornices, and was the capstone on an excellent, peaceful, and central stay in the city of Milan.
