Fashion and shopping are probably the first things that come to mind when thinking of Milan. And you’re right! Glamor boutiques and fashion weekends have made the capital city of Lombardy famous throughout the world. But with a history that stretches back to 222BC, the city also hosts tons of historic architecture. All side by side nicely with modern skyscrapers and dynamic Italian life. Have you found a reason to visit the city of fashion? Stay here with us then, as we’ll unveil some of the best hotels in Milan Italy!
Where to Stay in Milan
Every corner of Milan is a spectacle. But nothing beats the Piazza del Duomo. This downtown district is the ideal place to stay for those first visiting the capital of Lombardy. It hosts lavish restaurants, massive gothic architecture, some of the best hotels in Milan Italy, and of course, high-end boutiques. Speaking of which, most of it’s concentrated in Quadrilatero Della Moda, one of the world’s best 9 shopping streets.
As for nightlife, Milan’s party scene has hardly shifted away from the Navigli district. Tons of excellent drinking and dining options can be found here. Recently upgraded after the 2015 Expo, the area also offers a variety of options for electronic music and live jazz. You’ll have no trouble finding some of the top 10 things to do in Milan while you’re here.
While many associate it with fashion, Milan actually qualifies as the city of love. The capital of Lombardy has San Lorenzo, one of the most romantic districts in Italy. Offering a peaceful atmosphere, this area is in the vicinity of the Piazza San Lorenzo column and the nearby Basilica. There’s a variety of brilliant restaurants, local shops, and hotels, including some of the top 11 gay-friendly hotels in Milan.
So, are you ready to shop and explore the famous boutiques of Milan, one of the top 12 fashion capitals of the world? Or interested in its rich history and architecture? Whatever your reasons, stay with us. Right after this break, we’ll dig into some of the best hotels in Milan Italy.
NH Collection Milano President
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The NH Collection Milano occupies the historical side of the city and is 500 meters apart from the famous Cathedral. This is great news for shopaholics too, as Via Monte Napoleone, Milan’s top shopping street, is just around the corner. Additionally, this modern and stylish hotel is easily accessible from the San Babila metro station, about a five-minute walk.
As you’d expect from the best hotels in Milan Italy, the NH Collection Milano President offers elegant rooms, with contemporary furniture and parquet floors. Refresh your body after being exposed to the hot summer sun, as the hotel provides air conditioning. Need some light refreshment to brighten the mood? There’s a minibar. Apart from that, other amenities such as flat-screen TV and rain shower are also available. We also love the fact that there is a private balcony with a pretty view of the cathedral. Lovely!
Treat yourself to a rich breakfast buffet. At the NH Collection Milano President, they serve a wide selection of fresh fruit, home-made juices, cereals, and milk. But for a true taste of the fashion city, we recommend ordering a meal at Il Verziere. The hotel restaurant has Milan-style menus, as well as other Italian and international dishes.
For those interested in art, the Brera Art Galery is less than a mile from the hotel. Known locally as the Pinacoteca di Brera, it houses hundreds of collections of famous Italian paintings. Some that stand out are Madonna della Candeletta by Carlo Crivelli, Crucifixion by Bramantino, and Holy Conversation by Piero della Francesca.
The Square Milano Duomo
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If you’re looking for a modern style hotel with excellent service, then look no further than The Square Milano Duomo. This four-star accommodation is one of the most famous in the city, thanks in part to its lovely hospitality. They have all the amenities that’ll make your holiday in Milan even more memorable, including a restaurant, bar, and free WiFi.
The Square Milano Duomo building is one of the historical relics of the city. Until now, it’s still one of Milan’s legacies due to its architecture and position. Over time, the building has been renovated and upgraded several times. Now you’ll get a luxury hotel that boasts 126 rooms with elegant décor. Like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, they all come with air conditioning, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
For your culinary desires, the hotel has the Arya. This elegant and modern restaurant serves typical Italian food, with carefully selected local ingredients. Come in the summer? Then you’re lucky! That’s because they’ll open a dining area on the 10th floor, which presents a gorgeous view of the city from a height.
Speaking of location, The Square Milano Duomo is arguably superior. Famous spots such as Palazzo Reale, Duomo Square, and Palazzo della Ragione are all less than a mile from here. But for those looking to spend some extra cash, head over to the Galleri Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s the oldest active shopping mall in Italy and a major landmark in Milan. Browse luxury goods from top brands, while admiring the masterpieces of architect Giuseppe Mengoni.
Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione
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This modern hotel is very close to the Duomo, one of the unmissable points of Milan. It’s also not far from the infamous public square, Piazza Fontana, which is actually pretty great if you’re into history. As for its facilities, Rosa Grand Milano – Starhotels Collezione boasts no less than 331 rooms and suites, a gourmet restaurant, a wellness center, and eight meeting rooms.
One thing we love about Rosa Grand Milano is the atmosphere. It’s so inviting, warm, and intimate. As soon as you set foot in the lobby, the splendor will immediately catch your eye. As if it really reflects the style and sophistication of Milan as the fashion capital of the world.
And don’t get us started talking about the room. All are decorated elegantly, but still in their own distinctive style. You’ll find many colors of gold, blue, red, and pink. Of course, just like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, standard amenities such as a TV, minibar, and work desk are also available.
Breakfast can be enjoyed at the cleverly named, Eataly Restaurant. They serve Milan specials and several international dishes. Once your stomach is full, hurry outside because there’s a lot to see! The La Scala theater and the Via Montenapoleone shopping street are just a five-minute walk from here. Meanwhile, to witness the original The Last Supper, Leonardo da Vinci’s most famous work, you only need to travel less than 0.74 miles.
B&B Hotel Milano Sant’Ambrogio
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Make your holiday even more memorable by bringing your four-legged friends along! While in Milan, there are many pet-friendly hotels to choose from. But one that we recommend is the B&B Hotel Milano Sant’Ambrogio.
This three-star hotel is in a strategic location. The nearest metro station is only 450 meters away. Meanwhile, to get to the Rho Exhibition Center you only need a single metro ride from Cardona station, which is connected to the station near the hotel.
We couldn’t find anything that really stood out in the architecture or interior of the Milano Sant’Ambrogio. But it won’t be a problem because they really know how to cater to the needs of tourists here. You’ll find rooms with a flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and hairdryer. And just like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, free WiFi access is available in all areas.
For some relaxing moments, you can sit in the shared lounge. Take your time before starting to tour the city. If you’re still unsure, the hotel front desk provides tour services. They also have bicycle rental services, in case you want to explore Milan like a local.
Apart from Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper painting, another top destination around is Sforzesco Castle. It’s only about 0.68 miles from the hotel. Known as Castello Sforzesco for locals, it’s one of the largest citadels in Europe, built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan. Definitely worth checking if you’re into history.
Bianca Maria Palace Hotel City Center
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Vacation is not an excuse to not stay in shape, especially if you’re at the Bianca Maria Palace Hotel City Center. That’s because this four-star accommodation provides a free fitness center for all guests. As for other leisure facilities, the hotel has a rooftop and a garden which offers beautiful views of the city. Apart from that, they also boast 92 rooms of various types, all decorated with elegant taste.
The rooms at the Bianca Maria Palace Hotel City Center come with satellite TV, a minibar, and air conditioning. Everything is soundproofed to ensure a total good night’s rest. No need to pack toiletries, because everything is provided in the private bathroom. And just like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, free WiFi is available throughout.
Oh, and did we forget to mention that the Bianca Maria Palace Hotel building is the work of famous Milan architects from the 1940s? While restructuring work was undertaken, it only added to its luxury. Until now, many have used this hotel as an authentic example of Milanese architecture from the past decade.
But if you really have a passion for architecture, we highly recommend visiting Villa Necchi Campiglio. Only 0.49 miles from the hotel, this work of architect Piero Portalluppi has now been transformed into a museum, but still maintains its originality. With stunning rooms, it’s one of the most celebrated villas in Italy and a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
Hotel Rio
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Hotel Rio is perhaps the place where you can find all the best in Milan. Within a 500 meter radius, there is the Dominican monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the shopping point of Vittorio Emanuele, and of course, the world-famous Duomo Cathedral. Need to travel further? There are two underground stations within a few footsteps away.
Now let’s talk about the rooms, an important feature of any hotel. Hotel Rio may not be the most luxurious around, but we love the fact that they strive to keep everything to the highest standards. You’ll find a modern, clean, and comfortable residence. Speaking of which, all rooms come with amenities such as air conditioning, modern furnishings, TV, and a private bathroom. And don’t worry about internet connection, because like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, they also provide it for free!
An on-site bar is in your service if you’re not sure where to go. Take some relaxing moments while enjoying your favorite cocktail. You can ask the bartender or local staff about some of the best destinations around here. Who knows, they might have better insights than your boring tour flyer!
If you don’t mind traveling long distances, 3.2 miles from the hotel is the San Siro Stadium. Officially known as the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, this 75,000-capacity sports arena is home to the AC Milan and Internazionale teams. It’s also one of the historic venues in Milan, as it was used as one of the host stadiums in the 1934 and 1990 World Cups.
Hotel VIU Milan
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Of all the leisure facilities a hotel might have, we like the rooftop pool the most. Feel the freshness of the water while enjoying the gorgeous view from a height, nothing can beat that experience! And for this reason, we highly recommend Hotel VIU Milan.
This five-star property offers a rooftop pool with panoramic 360-degree views. Discover and experience every beautiful corner of Milan, while enjoying your favorite cocktail or snack. Once you’re done, take a break on the nearby patio. Lie down for a few minutes while indulging in the warm Milanese summer sun. And let us tell you, this is a guaranteed recipe for a perfect vacation!
You’ll find that each room at Hotel VIU Milan is elegantly decorated, with designer furniture and a modern look. This isn’t something that really comes as a surprise, as this hotel is one of the works of award-winning designer Nicola Gallizia. Each comes with free WiFi, smart TV, private bathroom, and high-end toiletries. This is why we have included it in our list of best hotels in Milan Italy. You’ve got everything you need in one room!
And don’t forget to get a culinary experience like no other at Morelli. This gourmet restaurant is the place where you can enjoy Giancarlo Morelli’s one and only delicacy. Enjoy brilliant menus from the best local ingredients at this Michelin award-winning restaurant. It’s guaranteed to amaze all your senses!
UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano
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UNAHOTELS Cusani Milano will make a great launchpad to explore the capital city of Lombardy. Located in the center of Milan, this four-star property is just a five-minute walk to the La Scala Opera House, one of the most prestigious theater venues in the fashion city. For a vibrant slice of Milan life, Parco Sempione aka Sempione Park is only 250 meters from here.
Each room at UNAHOTELS Cusano Milano has a different decor style, it can be classic or modern. Whichever you choose, they all feature air conditioning, a safe, minibar, and flat-screen satellite TV. Free WiFi is also available free of charge, as are most of the best hotels in Milano.
Buffet breakfast is available every morning in the dining area. We appreciate the fact that the hotel provides options for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals. There’s also UNA Restaurant, for those who prefer Italian and International specialties. Margaritas, martinis, Moscow Mule, and few other light refreshments are served at UNA Cafe. We would also like to highlight the fact that it is open until 12 in the morning, so it would be the perfect place to unwind after a long day exploring Milan!
For business travelers, UNAHOTELS provides a number of modern conference rooms at your disposal. Ask the 24-hour front desk for assistance in arranging conferences, meetings, or other events. In case of sudden office calls, there are two free internet stations in the lobby. Finish your assignments efficiently, so you can quickly return to your beloved vacation in Milan!
Room Mate Giulia
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Despite its modern interior, the boutique hotel Room Mate Giulia actually occupies a historical building dating back to the late 19th century. The design uses a vintage touch and contrasting elements, making you feel like you’re in a familiar setting. We also love the fact that some corners of the hotel feature cheerful tones like pinks, greens, and blues. They blend perfectly with traditional materials, such as the typical Lombard terracotta brick.
The rooms at Room Mate Giulia have a unique concept, a signature from renowned designer Patricia Urquiola. It’s got modern decor and designer furniture in distinctive colors,. All come with a minibar and flat-screen TV, while some feature furnished patios. Just like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, this one also offers free WiFi access in all areas.
Breakfast is provided each morning in the dining area. Enjoy the buffet menu with continental or Italian dishes. If you want, you can also order gluten-free dishes here.
As soon as your morning routine is over, move outside the hotel as there are so many interesting things to see. Milan’s Duomo, one of the world’s grandest domes, is just a few steps away. Meanwhile, the legendary La Scala opera house can be reached in less than five minutes. For a more complete experience, you may want to take the La Scala Theater and Museum Tour in Milan. For one hour, you’ll be invited to explore every corner of the auditorium, stage, and orchestra pit in this historic performance building in the capital of Lombardy.
Hotel Dei Cavalieri
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Being in the heart of the city makes Hotel Dei Cavalieri the perfect location to visit Milan. This prestigious four-star property offers great accessibility and flexibility for all types of travelers. Top destinations such as the Alla Scala Theater and Duomo Cathedral are just steps away. Meanwhile, some of the city’s main business and economic venues can be reached in a few minutes.
We also love the fact that the Hotel Dei Cavalieri building is an attraction in itself. The work of architect Emilio Lancia has been a symbol of Milan since it first opened in 1949. Over the decades, they have hosted countless celebrities, musicians, and politicians.
And you can have your own celebrity-like experience by staying in one of the classic rooms in Hotel Dei Cavalieri. All are decorated with wooden furniture, pastel colors, and parquet or carpet floors. You’ll also get standard amenities such as a satellite LCD TV and a private bathroom. And just like most of the best hotels in Milan Italy, WiFi is available at no additional cost.
The hotel’s buffet breakfast is highly recommended as its offerings include tempting cold cuts, cheese, and fresh pastries. For those who prefer hot snacks, go straight to the bar. If you visit during the summer, be sure to stop by the rooftop restaurant. Enjoy the perfect dishes on their open terrace while being accompanied by a beautiful view of the city.
Hotel D’Este
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Hotel D’Este just steps away from Navigli, one of Milan’s liveliest districts. It’s also close to Bocconi University, one of the best places to study management and economics in Europe. As for a taste of history, the historical center of Milan can be reached in 15 minutes on foot.
Rooms at Hotel D’Este feature air conditioning, carpet or parquet flooring, TV, minibar, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. WiFi is available free of charge in all areas, a standard for best hotels in Milan Italy. For a more memorable stay, we recommend booking a room with a garden view. But because rooms like this are very popular, it’s best if you contact the local staff in advance.
The common area is the place where you can enjoy breakfast every day. The foods served are generally sweet and savory. But if you want, the hotel restaurant also provides continental dishes. For a more relaxed moment and a touch of entertainment, there’s a hotel bar that features a piano.
Of all the top destinations around Hotel D’Este, we highly recommend Museo del Novecento. Only about 0.89 miles from the hotel, this museum occupies the Palazzo dell’Arengario, near the Piazza del Duomo. Inside you’ll find hundreds of collections of Italian artists from the 20th century. This is a must-visit for all art lovers.
Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Milan:
- Seta – Seta is how the Italians call silk. And it perfectly describes this refined dining spot with teal-colored chairs on Via Andegari. As for dishes, be prepared to be surprised by innovative foods, such as lobster with zabaglione and white miso. All are the result of the brilliant thinking of chef Antonio Guida.
- Pasticceria Marchesi – This is a pastry shop not to be missed while in Milan. Since first serving customers in 1824, this hidden gem on Via Santa Maria alla Porta has never failed to satisfy its fans. Experience for yourself how delicious their bignes, pralines, and panettones are. For a more memorable experience, try chilling for a moment in their elegant dining area.
- Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadia – What started out simple now becomes extraordinary. That’s a brief overview of this two-star Michelin restaurant. The regional Italian cuisine is the main thing that gives this dining venue on Via Privata Raimondo Montecuccoli its many loyal fans. If you stop by, be sure to sample their fabulous risotto.
Recommended Activities in Milan:
- Milan: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour – Experience the best of the Milan Cathedral. For an entire hour and a half, admire every corner of this magnificent gothic structure. Check out the archaeological traces that lie beneath it. After that, continue your journey to the famous Duomo Museum.
- Milan: La Scala Museum and Theater Tour – Any fan of classical music won’t want to miss this tour. In no less than 60 minutes, you’ll be invited to explore one of the most amazing opera houses and performing arts in Milan. Learn more about its history at its amazing museum. Starting from costumes, instruments, and other musical artifacts, all are on display here.
- Milan: Gourmet Food Tour – Luxury and fashion aside, you will have Milan with its great food. This tour is one of the best ways to sample the best of the specialty cuisine in the capital city of Lombardy. From wine, handmade pasta, pizza, cakes to gourmet potatoes, you can find everything here.
