Milan is known as Italy’s city of style and there’s plenty of it to be found at the five star Hotel Principe di Savoia, part of the prestigious Dorchester Collection.
Opened in 1927, the historic hotel has a sense of grandeur, overlooking the open and leafy Piazza della Repubblica. It’s also just a short walk from the artistic Brera neighbourhood, designer shopping at 10 Corso Como in Porta Nuova and Central Station for convenient travel links.
Not only is the hotel a favourite among well-heeled Milanese and the international crowd during Milan Fashion Week, but it has hosted royalty and stars in its impressive Presidential Suite that boasts its own swimming pool.
Arrival
Arriving at the hotel’s marble entrance, it instantly feels opulent and inviting, with beautiful flower arrangements and theatrical draped curtains. This leads on to the lobby, where the open-plan lounge Il Salotto has a warm glow and is a delightful place to relax over a coffee or a club sandwich at any time of the day.
Keep meandering through the lobby and you’ll find the famous Principe Bar, a real hotspot for Milan Fashion Week parties, as well as its expertly-mixed cocktails and typically Milanese aperitivo bar bites.
The Suite
Our check-in was friendly and welcoming and we were kindly shown to our Ambassador Junior Suite on a high floor. It was simply breathtaking, designed in a characterful Art Deco style with dark wood panelling and a rich colour palette of regal purple, soft gold and cream. The decorative wood furniture, silk-covered walls and luxurious carpet bearing the Dorchester Collection signature pattern added to the drama of the suite.
Ambassador Junior Suite features include a separate bedroom and sitting room with sliding door, reception area with spacious fitted wardrobes, two large LCD TVs, executive writing desk, minibar and complimentary wifi.
The queen-size bed was an absolute delight, covered in the most exquisite linen, and we found it ever so comfortable. It’s also very quiet and peaceful around the hotel grounds, so you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
The Bathroom
The bedroom leads on to the bathroom of dreams! The enormous white marble and mirror mosaic bathroom features a deep-soaking tub, a fabulous walk-in shower with strong water pressure, bidet, vanity-style sink, luxurious towels, plush bathrobes and slippers and a full set of Acqua di Parma amenities. The underfloor heating and hot towel rail also make it feel cosy and inviting, like a boudoir that you might not want to leave.
Club 10 Spa
A real perk of being a guest at Hotel Principe di Savoia is having access to the penthouse Club 10 Spa and Fitness Centre. After an afternoon of culture at Fondazione Prada and a cheeky gelato from nearby Biancolatte to sustain us, we were ready for some spa relaxation.
The swimming pool was so heavenly and tranquil, with a fabulous adjoining hydro-massage tub for a real treat. There is also a perfectly-maintained sauna and a powerful steam room with eucalyptus aromas. For that bit of extra indulgence, the spa offers face and body treatments by [comfort zone] and Sensai. In the warmer months, the outdoor terrace, with views over Porta Nuova, is an ideal spot to relax with healthy drinks and snacks.
Breakfast at Acanto
In the morning, we had a lovely table at Acanto restaurant for a typical Italian breakfast. This spacious and smart restaurant, overseen by Executive Chef Alessandro Buffolini, boasts elegant Murano glass chandeliers and a veranda overlooking the hotel’s beautiful Italian garden.
Breakfast is a stylish affair with a copious buffet offering classic hot dishes from the live chef station, Italian meats and cheeses, smoked salmon, luxury yoghurts, pastries, at least three different cakes and a selection of home-baked bread rolls.
There is also an a la carte menu for more elaborate breakfast dishes and if you visit on a weekend, a decadent Sunday Brunch is served just after noon, with a sumptuous buffet, live jazz and Champagne.
Free limo ride
The Dorchester Collection hotels always have some extra treats in-store for guests and what could be better than your own private car to do a spot of shopping on the Via Montenapoleone or arriving in style for an evening at Teatro della Scala? Every day, from morning to early evening, a complimentary limousine service to the city centre is offered to all hotel guests. That’s not to say that the hotel is far away – it’s just a pleasant 20-minute walk through the chic Quadrilatero Della Moda neighbourhood to the heart of Milan – but why not indulge.
Hotel Principe di Savoia is a stunning hotel with so much charm, sophistication and fabulous facilities. Compared to the city’s ultra-luxe (and eye-wateringly expensive) designer brand hotels, rooms at the Principe start at a surprisingly modest rate, making it the perfect choice for a luxurious weekend in Milan.
For more information and booking, visit: www.dorchestercollection.com
Chérie City was a guest of Hotel Principe di Savoia
Photos by Chérie City and Hotel Principe di Savoia
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