11 Best 5 Star Hotels in Milan City Center

Milan, the fashion and financial capital of Italy, is one of the most exciting cities in Europe; after all, it’s historical with a good dose of haute couture. The heart of this creative and historic city is its city center, Centro Storico, also known as Zone 1 of Milan. This ever-popular neighborhood is famously home to the stunning Duomo Cathedral, with all the surrounding neighborhoods leading up to it. We wanted to stay in the very heart of the city, and we wanted absolute luxury, thus choosing to stay at the 5-star hotels in Milan City Center. There’s no doubt that the city’s luxury stays have long and far outnumbered other kinds of digs, and it’s no exception today either. Plus, we had our pick of the lot from a bevy of world-class brands. Here’s a guide to enjoying a luxurious holiday in Milan, a.k.a. La Capitale della Moda.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia

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We begin with Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a historic hotel sitting in a stunning 1932-built Liberty-style structure on the northeastern fringes of the city center. In fact, we the Duomo was a quick 15-minute drive. While even the standard, entry-sized rooms were special, we chose to stay in one of the breathtaking Signature Suites. The design drew inspiration from icons like Castiglioni and Gio Ponti, making it a true celebration of Milan’s aesthetic. What’s more, they’d spared no expense with the modern and handcrafted furnishings from renowned Italian ateliers like Flos, Fendi casa, B&B Italia, and Cassina.

Of all the amenities here, we loved the massive, 11,000-sq-ft-huge Shiseido Spa Milan the most, spanning the top 2 floors of the hotels. After indulging in relaxing treatments, the best thing to do was enjoy a swim in the rooftop pool before lounging on the daybeds while soaking in the views of the city. We have to admit we were most impressed by the virtual golf experience, which allowed us to play on 24 of the world’s best golf courses without having to leave our digs.

The Westin Palace, Milan

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We absolutely fell in love with The Westin Palace, Milan, a lushly luxurious Marriott property tucked on the leafy Piazza della Repubblica in Porta Nuova. The Duomo might be a leisurely 30-minute jaunt, but the hotel even has a limo/town car service at your disposal. We were immediately impressed as we entered the lobby, with multiple sitting areas and a partitioned bookcase lined with coffee table books and the most eclectic curios. Think fossils, corals, and even ostrich eggs!

Apart from the warm and helpful staff, the hotel was overflowing with luxurious amenities. Our favorite was the eighth-floor rooftop terrace, where we enjoyed food and drinks when we were here during summer. A gym as well as workout kits for the room and the VID (Very Important Dog) program for pets showed that the hotel went above and beyond to think about their guests. The wisteria-shaded terrace was the highlight of the PanEVO restaurant in the summer, with drinks in the Lounge Bar and a huge breakfast to start our days on the right note.

Choose from contemporary and imperial-style rooms, the latter featuring lots of oakwood and gold and showers over bathtubs and the former exuding a fresher feel and look, complete with marble bathrooms. Nespresso machines and sleek tech is standard in all rooms, but we’d highly recommend the suites, which come with spacious living and bedrooms and stellar views.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

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Luxury follows wherever a Four Seasons goes, and the Four Seasons Hotel Milano is no exception. This 5-star hotel sits in a 15th-century convent-turned-luxurious urban oasis just 5 minutes from the Duomo. We loved the original touches such as the vaulted ceilings, stone accents, and the frescoes, along with the sleek amenities, of course. The Foyer Bar with its live piano music and aperitifs in the former’s church’s convent was a favorite, as was the sleek indoor pool and the decadent spa. Rounding things up was the full-service Rossano Ferretti salon and the fitness center.

One of the absolute best parts about staying at this Four Seasons outpost was that all rooms and suites enjoy gorgeous views of either the lush, manicured gardens or the pedestrian-only Via Gesù. Moreover, they were all architecturally unique, decked out in subtle hues and with floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms with soaking tubs to match. Did you know that our suite even boasted a magnificent original fresco from the church? Yep. That’s why it’s one of the best luxury hotels in Milan near Duomo.

Mandarin Oriental, Milan

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Italian beauty meets Eastern charm at the Mandarin Oriental, Milan, which sat across 4 interconnected 18th-century palazzos that were a bank before. So, we loved the main entrance on the serene, quiet backstreet that was just a five-minute walk from the Duomo. We had the choice of 100+ rooms and suites here, which overlooked tranquil and lush inner courtyards and small cobblestoned streets rather than the busy ones in Milan’s Zone 1. Moreover, the lavish digs featured sleek wooden floors and monochrome Italian marble bathrooms with Dr. Vranjes bath products and walk-in water closets. The signature suites or the sublime, terraced Presidential Suite are the pinnacle of luxury here.

Since it’s the Mandarin Oriental after all, the amenities here were top-notch, with the Oriental-styled subterranean spa taking the top spot. After lovely treatments, we’d head to the indoor heated turquoise pool, complete with a relaxation area, a steam room, and a sauna. Finally, with restaurants, one of which not only had an intimate marble dining room but also more than 1,300 exquisite wine labels.

Galleria Vik Milano, Townhouse Galleria

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It might be part of the Hyatt Small Luxury Hotels of the World, but in no way was the Galleria Vik Milano – Townhouse Galleria “small.” This discreet yet flamboyant 5-star hotel boasted the most magical setting, tucked within the oldest shopping complex in the country. The highlight here is the lobby with spectacular artwork stretching across the ceiling, complete with a soaring glass roof. In fact, we constantly found ourselves looking up, soaking it all in! The setting for the complimentary breakfasts at the Italian restaurant was equally incredible, as we could see views of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele every morning. Besides this fine dining option, there was even a pizzeria, which meant we didn’t have to step out for food either.

The spectacular vibe of the lobby matched the welcome into the room, which was extremely impressive with fresh macarons, chocolates on the bed, and handwritten welcome notes. Moreover, our room also had a minibar, a coffeemaker, and complimentary coffee. Furthermore, comforts such as beautiful bathrooms with industrial-vintage touches, flatscreen TVs, plush beds, and a fridge that would be restocked every time completed the place.

Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá

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One of the most gorgeous 5-star hotels in Milan city center is the Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá, which sat less than a five-minute walk from the Duomo cathedral. Spanish hospitality group Meliá’s first Milanese property sat in a historic structure, weaving a modern aesthetic with 19th-century character. Choose form just 84 digs, all of which featured furnishings from upscale Italian brands, huge windows with sensational views, and luxurious bathrooms. Are you looking for something indulgent? Choose the sprawling Duomo suite like we did, which offered unobstructed views of the Duomo Square and the Cathedral.

If you were impressed by the digs, wait till you check out the amenities at this Meliá outpost, which upheld the brand’s legendary hospitality. Firstly, we had the choice of four restaurants, the best of the lot being the chic champagne bar in the lush courtyard. Another favorite was the serene spa, which boasted a Turkish bath, a sauna, and an indoor swimming pool. The best of the lot, though, had to be the wonderful fifth-floor terrace. It was where we’d soak in stunning Duomo views and aperitifs.

Sina The Gray

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Best boutique hotel. Quiet extravagance comes to Milan in the form of the gorgeous boutique hotel that is Sina, The Gray. We loved the oxidized iron features, dark wood and floors, and non-kitschy funky designs — think pops of red in the form of a velvet swing in the lobby or Chinese vases everywhere. We had the choice of standard to modern deluxe rooms and suites, with the larger Deluxe ones even featuring slick mod-cons. Our favorite was the Junior Suite we chose, which even had a whirlpool, with the other two fellow Junior Suites featuring peck decks and Turkish baths.

Despite there being no spa or fitness center at the property, what made it luxurious was the fact that we could use the amenities of its sister Hotel de La Ville nearby. What’s more, the hotel’s second-floor terrace with comfy sofas was perfect for kicking back with a book, some music, and a nice drink. The best bit? The ground-floor bar served aperitifs and drinks while the restaurant served delicious Italian fare.

Park Hyatt Milan

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Best location. The Park Hyatt Milan boasts the most desirable location in the city – right next to the Duomo Square and Cathedral. In fact, most of the places inside the hotel, including the restaurants, the roof, and many of the rooms, boast spectacular views of the cathedral, making it a touch of Milanese luxury like no other.

This hotel is Hyatt’s very first outing on Italian soil, and a sparkling one at that. The 1870-built palazzo, which was a bank earlier, boasts an elegant Baroque exterior. On the inside, we had the choice of just 106 rooms and suites, all of which boasted Italian marble bathrooms with bespoke Laura Tonatto products. Minibars and walk-in closets aside, many suites, including ours, had private terraces with some of Milan’s loveliest views. The Duomo Suite was the zenith of all, with a secluded patio with a gold-leaf-tiled Jacuzzi and some of the best views of the Duomo courtyard.

It’s not surprising that this Hyatt outpost has an eminent roster of past guests, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkle, Michelle Obama and her daughters, and even Lady Gaga. On a hot Milanese afternoon, the best thing to do was retreat to the subterranean spa for massages followed by lie-ins in the hydromassage tub and Turkish baths. The eye-popping relaxation area even had a whirlpool inlaid with 250,000 24-karat gold-leaf tiles. Rounding up the offerings were two dining options, one of which had a happy “aperitivo” hour on the seasonal terrace.

Casa Cipriani

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A 20-minute walk from the Duomo Cathedral put us at Casa Cipriani. The gorgeous 20th-century palazzo where the hotel sits is the brainchild of the Cipriani family and where you’ll see Milanese high society mix and mingle over backgammon tournaments and jazz nights. With just 15 butler-serviced rooms, staying here felt like staying at an exclusive country club. Moreover, the rooms and suites were both elegant and seductive, featuring black-and-white prints, thick velvet curtains, and striped wallpaper, along with the most fabulous black-and-white marble bathrooms.

“Staying at Casa Cipriani was authentic yet luxurious Milan at its best!”

WOW Travel

We were equally taken in by the rest of the palazzo hotel, which featured warm spaces with dark mahogany and warm walnut woods and plush forest green hues. Sipping on its signature drink, the Bellini cocktail, is a rite of passage, before we enjoyed traditional Venetian fare on the terrace of the Club Restaurant. Of course, no Italian meal is complete without post-dinner aperitifs, which we found at the top-floor Living Room. Rounding up the features were the sleek spa with the saltwater flotation pool and the fitness center.

Armani Hotel Milano

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Most contemporary. The Armani Hotel Milano is an innately Milanese destination and one of the iconic Italian gems of the city. It brings to life the luxurious vibe and aesthetic of the Italian fashion great Giorgio Armani. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly austere exterior of this A-shaped structure’s 1930s Brera façade. On the inside, it’s all glossy elegance with a generous dose of excellent service.

When we checked in, we were assigned personal lifestyle managers who catered to our every whim and fancy. The OTT amenities only added to the entire experience, including a host of Italian dining options, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an Armani-designed outpost of the famed Nobu on the ground floor. The standout was the rooftop tranquil relaxation pool and the spa, taking R&R to the next level.

We loved the levels of indulgence in the rooms and suites, which featured pieces from the Armani Casa collection. Besides the usual bunch of mod-cons like complimentary minibars and bespoke Armani bath products, we loved the suites. The best was the Armani Presidential Suite, which boasted a massive terrace with spectacular views of Milan.

Bulgari Hotel Milano

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Most luxurious. Sitting right at the top of the list of 5-star stays in the heart of Milan is the Bulgari Hotel Milano. One of the best hotels in Milan Italy near Duomo, this luxurious expanse sat in an 18th-century Milanese palazzo with a massive 43,000-sq-ft-huge, lush garden. It’s also the first hospitality outpost of the Italian luxury fashion house.

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This hotel has lived up to its hype — and how. There’s a serene vibe that permeates throughout the property, especially since the outdoor gardens are visible from just about everywhere. On the inside, it’s all high-end finishes, stone and marble from world over, and nature-inspired hues. The highlight was undoubtedly The Bvlgari Spa, which featured a sensational indoor pool. Finally, the onsite Il Ristorante nicely rounded out the features, serving classic Italian fare by acclaimed chef Niko Romito.

Not surprisingly, the digs here were insanely luxurious, with light flooding through the soaring windows in the bedrooms and living rooms, with gorgeous views on the outside. On the inside, mod-cons like coffeemakers, cloud-like beds, and stunning bathrooms with bathtubs and Bulgari bath products made our stay as memorable as comfortable. No wonder it’s one of Milan’s best 5-star luxury hotels.

Our Verdict!

Luxury is the name of the game in Milan, where there’s a 5-star stay on every corner in the city center. However, if you’re having difficulty in choosing, here’s a specialized list to help you choose.

Where to Stay in Milan City Center?

The city center of Milan is Centro Storico, a.k.a. Zone 1, the historical center of the city. It’s anchored by the Duomo Cathedral, which is one of the world’s most extraordinary churches. While the city center might seem small when you see it on the map, the fact is that it’s quite spread out and huge. So, you need to decide where you want to stay.

We’ll begin with our favorite neighborhood, which is the heart of Centro Storico, that is the area around the Duomo Cathedral. P.za del Duomo 24, 23, 3, and 3, which surround the cathedral, are home to hotels closest to it, and these include some uber-luxurious stays with mesmerzing views of the Duomo. Next, Quadrilatero Della Moda or there’s Quadrilatero d’Oro, the Fashion Quadrilateral in the northeastern corner of the city center. This is where the city’s high-end fashion scene is, with flagship stores of some of the world’s most luxurious brands, like Prada, Gucci, Versace, and the likes.

We also loved Borgogna just south of Quadrilatero d’Oro, Brera just north of the Duomo, and the business district of Porta Nuova, one of the greenest areas of the city center.

You might also want to check out the best hotels in Milan, Italy’s city center.

Why is Milan’s city center so popular to stay?

Milan’s city center, or Centro Storico, is home to some of the major attractions, sights, and landmarks in the city as well as some of the best things to do around. That, plus it’s extremely walkable, which makes it perfect and popular for travelers. 

Is it safe to walk in the Milan city center at night?

While you always need to exercise caution, no matter where you are in the world, Milan’s city center is considered very safe for walking at night.

Which 5-star hotel is closest to the Duomo Cathedral?

That would be the Park Hyatt Milan, which sits right next to Duomo Square. Many places across the hotel, including the restaurants, the rooftops, and many of the rooms, boast killer views of the cathedral.