11 Best Luxury Hotels in Milan Italy

Milan is not just the financial capital of Italy but also the country’s most cosmopolitan city, bursting with cultural panache, creative flair, and oodles of style. It’s not surprising, given that the city is the country’s fashion capital as well. In fact, few old-world-modern Italian cities do luxury like Milan does, and there is no shortage of glamorous stays to act as a base, as we found out. Some of the best luxury hotels in Milan, Italy, include not only world-class brands such as Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons but also big-ticket luxury brands such as Bvlgari and Armani. In fact, their stay offerings are the very epitome of luxury in the world, and not just Milan. To that end, here’s a comprehensive guide to the most luxurious stays in “La Capitale Della Moda.”

Casa Cipriani

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We’re starting the list with Casa Cipriani, which has been the talk of the private members’ club block ever since it opened. The brainchild of the Cipriani family, Casa Cipriani sits in a beautifully restored 20th-century palazzo where Milan’s high society fraternizes in convivial surroundings over backgammon tournaments and jazz nights. On the inside, it’s all inviting and warm spaces with warm walnut and dark mahogany woods and plush forest green velvets. We’d sip on the club’s signature drink, the Bellini cocktail, before heading to the Club Restaurant for Italian and Venetian fare (there’s terrace seating in summer). Did we mention the post-prandial snifters in the top-floor Living Room.

When we wanted to unwind and relax, we’d head down to the sleek spa where we’d soothe our aching muscles in the saltwater flotation pool. There’s also the fitness center, where you can work out with superb skyline views.

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We had the choice of 15 butler-serviced rooms which struck the perfect balance between elegant and seductive, with their fashion photographer white-and-black prints, thick velvet curtains, and striped wallpaper. Of course, the white-and-black marble bathrooms were utterly divine and the perfect space for us to unwind.

ME Milan Il Duca

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Most fashionable 5-star hotel. Located strategically within walking distance of Porta Nuova and Quadrilatero della Moda, ME Milan Il Duca is one hell of a fashionable getaway. The boutique hotel was originally envisioned by heralded architect Aldo Rossi and radiates an air of elegance with its background music and scents.

The amenities at this luxury hotel are absolutely first-rate, starting with the concierge service that made our stay memorable. In fact, the aura manager took care of every detail, right from organizing our day tours to personalizing our amenities. If you’re here during Fashion Week, you might even bump into fashion industry executives and models hanging out everywhere. We especially loved sipping aperitifs at the Radio Rooftop Bar while soaking in amazing views as well as digging into a delicious dinner at the renowned STK Milan onsite.

Choose from 132 rooms and suites, all of which boast elegant and refined furnishings. Think luxe bathrooms with special welcome messages on the mirrors, rainfall showers, cotton robes, oluce lamps, and even soundbars! The rooms are not less, with pillow menus, cocktail makers in the minibars, and Illy coffee machines. Finally, the exclusive Personality Suite boasts everything from a massive patio and a dining room to a PlayStation and even a private lounge.

Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum, Small Luxury Hotels of the World

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Most luxurious themed hotel. Scents bring lone-gone memories and feelings back to life, and that’s the philosophy that the Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum lives by. Built on a former perfume factory, this factory-turned-world’s first “hotel à parfum” sits in the buzzing Tortona design district and is a serene hidden gem.

Beautifully blending innovation and heritage, this chic boutique hotel is all about the “parfum,” and not in the conventional sense of the world. For instance, the courtyard and the gardens are full of delicately scented shrubs, with roses, azaleas, magnolia, maples, and even three liquidambar trees. The scents continue, interestingly, in the Library Hall, where we soaked in the scent of the orange blossoms while sifting through literary masterpieces. The tranquil spa takes it up a notch with the R&R touches, but we were absolutely blown away by the Perfume Laboratory, LabSolue, where they tailor-made fragrances for us! A restaurant and the gorgeous bar Liquidambar, along with an open-plan wine cellar with 600 bottles meant that our food and drink was sublime.

The suites, all of which face the gardens, are named for the fragrances in the Martone family’s olfactory library. What’s more, they all feature original paintings, refined furnishings, evocative Aqua Adornationis amenities kits, and even bathtubs.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia, A Luxury Collection Hotel

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The revitalized art deco grand dame in Milan is the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, A Luxury Collection Hotel. It sat in the chic ‘it’ neighborhood of Porta Nuova, and we were blown away by the subtle homage to the decadence of the Jazz Age. At the same time, the hotel’s gorgeous design and tech-forward stays brought the Great Gatsby into the 21st century. Today, this 1932-built hotel features an original structure as well as a spanking-new, connected glass-and-steel tower, making it the best combination of the old and the new.

We were mesmerized by the more than 500 pieces of artwork the minute we entered the lobby, but it was the hidden cigar bar that added a touch of mystique. Aside from this, the hotel also boasted a traditional Italian espresso, a ground floor restaurant for wonderful breakfasts, and a distinctive rooftop bar/restaurant. The 11,000-sq-ft Shiseido Spa Milan was perfect for decadent R&R, especially since it also had virtual golf and a fitness center. An exclusive wine cellar winds up the amenities here.

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Choose from a little under 300 rooms and suites, all of which have handpicked furnishings, light neutral hues, and a fusion of modern and handcrafted elements by eminent local ateliers like Fendi Casa and Flos, Cassina, and B&B Italia. If you’re looking to splurge, the 11,000-sq. ft rooftop Katara Suite has its own private spa and two terraces!

Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano

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Milan flair meets Parisian chic at the Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano. Nestled on Corso di Porta Nuova, the luxury hotel put us within walking distance of all of Milan’s greats: Via Monte Napoleone, the fashion Quadrangle, and the likes.

We were charmed by the incredibly savvy group of concierges, who treated us and our whims and fancies like we were modern-day royalty. The two dining venues, a restaurant and an informal lounge, were an absolute treat. In fact, the neoclassical dining room even doubles as fashion magazine backdrop, complete with a garden for alfresco meals and cocktails. Besides this, the highlight was the exclusive 18th-century private garden that made for a rare oasis of greenery in the heart of Milan. Did we mention the 15,000-sq-ft Grand Spa, which is nothing less than a modern Bedouin palace? Yep.

Spread across 10 levels, the rooms and suites are decorated in romantic Paris and modern Milan style. What’s more, they all have small balconies and marble bathrooms with huge soaking tubs.

Hotel Principe Di Savoia, Dorchester Collection

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The neoclassical Hotel Principe Di Savoia, Dorchester Collection, has been a Milan icon for nearly a century. Despite its large size, our experience felt very intimate, private, and personal, with late-19th-century finery perfectly complementing the 21st-century technology.

Besides its unabashed style, the amenities here are top-notch. For instance, the acclaimed Acanthus restaurant boasted an incredible breakfast buffet with savory and sweet delicacies. The cherry on top was the in-room dining, which allowed us to soak in the luxury in comfort. The rooftop Club 10 spa offered a healthy dose of R&R with a gym, treatment rooms, saunas, massage rooms, a heated swimming pool, and sweeping city views. We were blown away by the royal treatment from the staff, right from the concierge team to the doormen.

It was hard to leave our sumptuous room, thanks to the ornately designed spaces, the pillow-like beds, and the lovely views. The icing on the cake was the stunning mosaic and white granite bathroom with an inviting bathtub and Acqua di Parma bath products.

Park Hyatt Milan

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The first Hyatt hotel on Italian soil, the Park Hyatt Milan boasts an elegant Baroque exterior, considering that the 1870-built 1,032-sq-ft huge palazzo was once a bank. We were mightily impressed by the meet-and-greet that the hotel had arranged for right at the airport, whisking us away quickly and efficiently.

As soon as we entered, we were regaled by name drops of past guests, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Lady Gaga, and even Michelle Obama and her daughters. When we wanted to unwind, the subterranean spa awaited us, complete with a hydromassage tub and Turkish baths. Did we mention that the relaxation area had a whirlpool laid with 250,000 24-karat gold-leaf tiles? Yep. Two options for eateries are the Mediterranean-themed Pellico 3 Milano and the the Italian La Cupola. If you’re here during summer, you can even sample bespoke cocktails during happy “aperitivo” hour on the seasonal terrace.

We had the choice of 106 rooms and suites with Italian marble bathrooms and bespoke Laura Tonatto products. Mimibars and walk-in closets aside, many of the suites boast private terraces. For some true indulgence, the Duomo Suite has a gold-leaf-tiled Jacuzzi in the secluded patio, complete with Duomo coutryard views.

Mandarin Oriental, Milan

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Best location. The Mandarin Oriental, Milan blends the brand’s legendary hospitality and signature Eastern charm with timeless Milanese design. 4 interconnected 18th-century palazzos house 100+ rooms and suites overlooking tranquil lush courtyards and cobblestoned streets. Since the hotel is a former bank, we loved the understated main entrance on a quiet, serene backstreet.

Aside from its outstanding location near some of the top things to do in Milan, the hotel does excellently well in terms of amenities. One of the highlight’s was the age-old Oriental styled subterranean spa, with its treatments based on the five feng shui elements. The indoor heated turquoise pool was sublime, complete with a relaxation area, a steam room, and a sauna. Two restaurants, including a signature one with more than 1,300 exquisite wine labels and even an intimate marble dining room, completes the offerings here.

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The digs are lavish with muted hues, wooden floors, and white/black Italian marble bathrooms with double vanities, walk-in water closets, and Dr. Vranjes beauty products. The suites top out at the design-focused signature suites and the 1,600-sq-ft-huge terraced Presidential Suite.

Four Seasons Hotel Milano

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The Four Seasons Hotel Milano is an ancient 15th-century convent-turned-urban oasis, with vaulted ceilings, stone accents, and frescoes. We were floored the minute we stepped in, with the adjoining Foyer Bar having been the church of the former convent. It’s where we’d enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif and live piano music. The rest of the hotel was no less impressive, complete with a full-service Rossano Ferretti salon and a fitness center. However, our most favorite feature was the sleek indoor pool beneath an arched brick ceiling and a decadent spa

No matter which room you choose, you can be sure to enjoy a view, whether it’s the pedestrian-only Via Gesù or the impeccably manicured lush gardens. Besides being architecturally unique, all rooms boast subtle color palettes, Frette linens, and floor-to-ceiling marble bathrooms with huge soaking tubs. Did you know that you can even see magnificent original frescoes in some of the suites? Yep.

Armani Hotel Milano

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Most luxurious overall. The Armani Hotel Milano is a stylish, quintessentially Milanese destination that brings the luxurious aesthetic of Giorgio Armani to life. Don’t be fooled by the seemingly austere aesthetic of the A-shaped structure’s 1930s façade in Brera; on the inside, everything is glossy elegance. We were assigned a personal lifestyle manager when we checked-in who catered to our every whim and fancy. The Armani style is evident throughout the property, and the amenities are top-notch, unsurprisingly. A state-of-the-art fitness center aside, the hotel boasted not just the Italian cuisine-serving onsite restaurant but also the Armani-designed outpost of Nobu on the ground floor. Even the spa was sublime, with its bevy of treatment options, but our favorite was the rooftop tranquil relaxation pool.

It was an absolute pleasure staying at this hotel, which featured rooms and suites decked out with pieces from the Armani Casa collection. Mod-cons include the likes of complimentary minibars, in-room iPads for room automation, and beautifully fragrant Armani bath products. If you want something special, the pièce de resistance is the Armani Presidential Suite, which even has a terrace.

Bvlgari Hotel Milan

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Most luxurious boutique hotel. The crown jewel of Milan’s luxurious stays is historic Italian jeweler Bvlgari’s hospitality vision, the Bvlgari Hotel. Opulence is the name of the game behind the immaculate white-and-black marble facade, whether it’s the design or the amenities. Given that this is a Bvlgari brand outpost, the R&R decadence here is through the roof. For instance, the lavish subterranean Bvlgari Hotel Spa has not only a Turkish bath but also a sauna and a rectangular swimming pool tiled in emerald and gold Vicenza mosaics. Plus, there’s an open-air lounge with an intimate yoga pavilion and a four-person Jacuzzi. A fitness center aside, the hotel boasts an onsite Italian restaurant that serves unique contemporary versions of traditional Italian staples.

“Staying at a Bvlgari Hotel has always been a dream, and then Milan outpost made our dream come true!”

WOW Travel

With less than 60 rooms and suites, staying here is the very epitome of luxury. What’s more, the higher-up rooms have courtyard/garden views and walk-in closets, while they all boast luxe bathrooms with sleek black granite bathtubs. For the ultimate in luxurious stays, the penthouse suite features a 1960s Murano glass chandelier, a wraparound terrace, and even a curated library and a fireplace. No wonder it is one of Milan’s most coveted stays.

Our Verdict!

No one quite does luxury stays like Milan does, yes, but the sheer choices could leave you confused! Here’s a specialized list to help you choose.

• Most luxurious boutique hotel: Bvlgari Hotel Milan
• Most luxurious overall: Armani Hotel Milano
• Most luxurious themed hotel: Magna Pars l’Hotel à Parfum, Small Luxury Hotels of the World
• Best location: Mandarin Oriental, Milan

Where to Stay in Milan, Italy?

Milan has many amazing neighborhoods, but most of its luxury stays are focused on a few of them. Sitting at the top of the list is the neighborhood around Piazza Duomo, a.k.a. Centro Storico a.k.a. Zone 1. It’s home to the magnificent Duomo Cathedral, one of the world’s most extraordinary churches, as well as excellent shops, cafés, and performance venues. Next up is Milan’s most exclusive area, Montenapoleone. The upscale and uber-chic shopping district features high street jewelry brands and haute couture houses lining its cobblestoned streets, complete with luxury items on display in the storefronts.

Brera is unarguably the prettiest district in Milan as well as its artistic quarter. The stunning neighborhood features not only exclusive design hotels but also high-end art galleries and a decidedly chic vibe. Finally, there’s the financial hub of Porta Nuova, which suited professionals, tons of greenery, and fashion at every turn.

What is the most luxurious part of Milan?

While there are quite a few upscale pockets in Milan, Porta Nuova is the “Milan of the Future,” with designer buildings and futuristic skyscrapers.

Where do celebrities stay in Milan?

Celebrities usually stay at luxury hotels such as the Park Hyatt Milan, the Bulgari Hotel, and Hotel Principe di Savoia. 

What is the most luxurious street in Milan?

Via Monte Napoleone is Milan’s most popular and upscale shopping street, as well as one of the most expensive street in the world.