At the Prince's Behest

Milan’s Principe di Savoia offers palatial delights and historical grandeur

Few hotels capture Milan’s glory quite like Principe di Savoia. The five-star property, which is part of the luxurious Dorchester Collection, is housed in an iconic neoclassical building, complete with late 19th-century and Art Deco furnishings, hand-painted frescoes and public spaces enveloped in a lush, velvety feel.

Located on imposing Piazza della Repubblica, Principe di Savoia first opened in 1927, and it remains Milan’s grande dame of hotels. The high level of service is apparent at the moment of arrival: doormen and porters immediately greet you, carry your bags and lead you to the check-in desk. This treatment may be standard for stars and celebrities, but at Principe di Savoia it applies to every single guest.

While there are various room options, go for the spacious Junior Suite, designed to look like an abundantly stylish Milanese apartment and combining Art Deco glamour with contemporary flair. This luxurious abode has a separate living, with a seating area, fridge and TV, a blissfully oversized marble bathroom with both a tub and a shower stall, plus Acqua di Parma bath products, and scenic views over Milan’s dynamic streets. Rich purple hues, noble dark wood furniture and cascading drapes transform the suite into a veritable cocoon of refined luxury.

You may find it nearly impossible to tear yourself away from the comfort of your suite, but you must, because Principe di Savoia has much to offer when it comes to dining and nightlife. First there’s Acanto restaurant on the ground floor to the right of the lobby. This is where a decadent buffet breakfast is served, and you can enjoy your feast of pastries, charcuterie, cheese, cereal and much more either indoors or in the breezy garden. Acanto also serves lunch and dinner, featuring a succulent Italian menu devised by chef Alessandro Buffolino.

For a lighter meal, dessert, a glass of wine or artisan coffee and tea in a lively setting, head to the hotel’s lobby lounge, the gloriously furnished Il Salotto. Here, in the elongated parlor and among a well-heeled fashion crowd, you can sip an Aperol Spritz while enjoying the hotel’s quiet busyness. And then you’ve got the Principe Bar, a prime Milan destination for those seeking superlative cocktails in dramatic surroundings. Here, in front of the sculpted crystal bar and back-lit mirrored wall, you may be lucky enough to spot the likes of Madonna or Lady Gaga.

For a change of pace, head to Club 10 fitness and beauty center on the hotel’s rooftop. You can work out at the city’s best gym with a panoramic view of Milan via floor-to-ceiling windows, or take a dip in the enclosed heated pool or whirlpool tub. The spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, including facials, waxing, nailcare and massages.

Once you’re ready to explore Milan, the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the center of town. You can also explore the city on foot, thanks to Principe di Savoia’s central location on Piazza della Repubblica. Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro, where many of the high-end boutiques are located, is just a 15-minute walk away. The trendy Brera neighborhood, with its ancient architecture, terrific restaurants and lively bars, is even closer, while the financial district of Porta Garibaldi, with its sleek modern towers, fountains and piazzas, is literally in the hotel’s backyard and visible from the top-floor gym. And should you wish to extend your exploration further, the Repubblica subway station is right outside the hotel, ready to whisk you away to the hipster neighborhood of Navigli, lush Parco Sempione or artistically lovely Fondazione Prada.

After a few days and nights at Principe di Savoia, you’ll realize that the staff knows you by name, that the concierge understands your preferences and that the mixologist at Principe Bar remembers your favorite cocktail and prepares it to perfection. You’ll never want to leave.

For more info, visit dorchestercollection.com

Il Salotto lobby lounge

Principe Bar

Words Marwan Naaman