Location
I never thought that I would ever have the opportunity to sleep in a bank. So when the opportunity was first presented to me my first thought was, won’t I get caught?! One of Milan’s premium 5-star hotels was home to a previous bank and showcases a wonderful blend of Italian and French inspiration. Based within city’s artistic district of Brera, we found it perfectly placed to enjoy Milan, we were on the doorstep of the Golden Triangle shopping district, a short distance from the Duomo where we had time to stop off for a coffee or a quick bite in many trendy cafés and shops of the Corso Como.
Style and character
When we arrived at this palatial and glamorous hotel I took an intake of breath at the beauty of the reception area and the grandeur of the marble staircase. You definitely get a feeling for the Parisian and Milanese designs and as you walk through the property and will fully appreciate the antiques and carefully selected artworks.
Rooms
This hotel is extremely family-friendly and have several room configurations that can be made to interconnect, such as Classic and Deluxe and Executive with Deluxe Corner and where appropriate ) they can add an extra bed or a cot to the room). The 65 rooms and 33 suites at Palazzo Parigi are simply beautiful. They are bright, spacious, elegant and decorated with natural tones with splashes of color here and there in each room. Again, you will find some lovely antiques, sculptures and paintings they have been selected to complement each room. We found that we had ample space in our connecting corner rooms, adding to the space was the surprise of a balcony overlooking the city allowing us to enjoy the sunshine and even a glass of wine in the evenings. Later I found out that every room in the hotel has a balcony or terrace. Our children were delighted with their ‘own room’ treats, juice, fruit, sweets, and complimentary water, they were even more excited when the realised that the treats were replenished, nothing like happy kids!
Pricing starts at about €540 per night.
Services and amenities
The impressive lobby invites you to enjoy all the facilities on the first floor from enjoying reading paper or a book in the lounge to a cocktail or aperitivo in the bar. After spending a little more time there you will find that you can enjoy dinner in their formal restaurant or a buffet breakfast that spills out onto a gorgeous patio and little garden to relax and enjoy.
We were over the moon when after a morning of touring and shopping In Milan we were able to come back to the hotel and swim in their family-friendly pool that can be found in the Grand Spa. The Grand Spa is very impressive and boasts a hammam (Turkish bath), steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, gym, pilates equipment, personal trainers and hairdressers on standby.
Food and Drink
We travelled in the Summer months and enjoyed our breakfast in the leafy garden of the hotel of Caffè Parigi (this was one of our highlights and one of the tastiest and beautifully presented breakfasts I have ever seen and experienced). Breakfast is served between 7:00am and 10:30am. An abundance of fresh foods from the buffet table and an option for a cooked breakfast of the al-a- cart menu. There is also an option to enjoy some light snacks and afternoon tea here too.
You cannot miss the Bistrot Lounge / Bar to the right of the concierge on the ground floor with its grand but modern bar complimented with spacious and comfortable seating, it offers guests an intimate location for a quick bite, a casual lunch or the chance to simply relax away from the frenzy of Milan. We enjoyed an aperitivo there before dinner.
Dinner is more formal with the restaurant decorated in Italian neo-classical style and serving traditional Italian dishes with a modern twist be sure to make a reservation and they are open 7:30pm and 10:30pm
If you get the munchies (which my kids did) there is a 24-hour room service menu to enjoy.
Take time to visit
History, culture, fashion, arts and architecture are all neighbours here in Milan. For sightseeing in Milan you can visit:
- Santa Maria Presso di Satiro
- Royal Palace of Milan
- Milan Cathedral (Il Duomo)
- Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
- Teatro alla Scala
- Santa Maria dell Grazie
- Parco Sempione
- National Museum of Science and Technology
- San Siro Stadium (for football fans)
- The Last Supper
If you wander further afield you can visit the likes of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore.
Getting in and around Milan
Airports
Linate airport is the closest just 8 kilometres away and 20 minutes by car and Malpensa airport is 50 kms away and 50 minute’s car.
Trains
Milano Central is just 2 kilometres away, if you would like to travel to other cities Trenitalia and Italo run services from here.
Cars
If you are driving the hotel offers a parking service at a cost of €50 euros per night.
In Summary
The beauty and grandeur of this hotel makes you feel special but what is even more special is the impeccable service (with a fabulous concierge). The hotel is extremely family friendly and it has a relaxed atmosphere, as well as being centrally located.
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