Business Enquirer Issue 114 | Hotel Cristoforo Colombo | Lifestyle | June'23

DISCOVER THE RICHES OF MILAN

WORLDHOTEL CRISTOFORO COLOMBO

Discover the Riches of Milan

CRISTOFORO COLOMBO MILAN

Milan is getting hot!

MOMA GROUP PROJECT DIRECTED BY: CHARLOTTE ROPE

ARTICLE

And whilst the city in Italy’s Northern Lombardy region does reach a balmy average temperature of 30 degrees in the summer months, that’s not what is meant.

WRITTEN

BY: LAURA WATLING

In the last 12 months, Milan has seen significant investment into its tourism sector, with an expected 24,000 new hotel rooms being added by 20261

Amongst the investments is the complete renovation and remodelling of the Hotel Cristoforo Colombo.

Director of Sales and Revenue, Fabio Bettinelli, and Sales Manager, Sarah Calza, speak exclusively with Business Enquirer about the hotel’s relaunch.

Where Classic Meets Contemporary

“Key to the hotel is its location,” shared Fabio.

Found just a 10 minute walk from the city’s Duomo di Milano Cathedral, and 1.5km from Milan’s shopping district, theHotel Cristoforo Colombo is perfectly situated for those wanting to stay central to Milan’s sights.

Officially bestowed the moniker of “Fashion Capital of the World,” Milan is home to some of the biggest names in fashion, most of which can be found in the Quadrilatero d’Oro. Meanwhile, Via Montenapoleone was named Europe’s most expensive street in Europe, and third most expensive in the world.

Ensuring the hotel is fit for the growing tourism industry in Milan, the Hotel Cristoforo Colombo has seen a complete makeover, bringing it up-to-date for the modern guest.

https://italiabsolutely.com/tourism-industry/business/milanhotel-investments-boom-with-aview-to-the-2026-olympics

Whilst the building dates back to 1880, it opened its doors as a hotel around 40 years ago. It has seen several renovations in the last 15 years, but none as big as the one being launched in 2023.

“The renovation has seen the remodelling of all of the hotel’s 120 rooms, bringing the rooms inline with the desires of the modern-day guest” explained Sarah.

Each room features all the expected comforts - high-end toiletries and linen, air-conditioning, a smart TV, and that all-important free wifi. Additionally, some rooms come with a private balcony, overlooking Corso Buenos Aires.

And, if your trip to Milan involves a bit of business as well as pleasure, the hotel includes three welcoming and fully equipped meeting rooms which can host up to 60 delegates.

“What’s really special about the hotel and it’s renovation is that, whilst it maintains the original, beautiful, 19th century architecture, it’s been completely modernised,” shared Sarah, “the redesign, which has been managed by an architect, includes Molteni & C furniture, which has given the hotel a contemporary, Italian feel”.

Happy Mind, Happy Belly

The Hotel Cristoforo Colombo has embarked on extensive market research to ensure its facilities meet the needs of the modern-day traveller.

As such, the hotel launched its new Wellness Centre in May 2023. The Hado Spa, which is open to hotel guests and locals, includes a Turkish bath, sauna, hammam, and a thermal water tub.

At the spa, guests can also book massages and aesthetic treatments.

“The Hado Spa aims to give guests the opportunity for psycho-physical wellbeing, we want guests to discover peace of mind in the heart of Milan!” shared Fabio.

Residents of the Hotel Cristoforo Colombo also receive access to the hotel’s refurbished gym, which features the latest Technogym equipment. “Guests can keep in shape, even on vacation!” Fabio continued.

CRISTOFORO COLOMBO MILAN

And guests may very well appreciate the opportunity to burn off a few calories, with the launch of the hotel’s sophisticated, new restaurant.

Restaurant Chiantà is managed by Head Chef, Vito Paterniti, whose previous experience includes fine dining and a one Michelin star restaurant.

“The restaurant’s speciality is vegetarian with a mediterranean influence. The name itself comes from the Sicilian word “to plant”,” explained Fabio, “our chef is bringing great value to the raw materials and seasonal produce. The world-class menu offers a modern cuisine but not forgetting Italian tradition”.

Serving from 6pm to 10.30pm, Chiantà’s latest à la carte menu features mouthwatering Italian dishes, for example the Fusillo di Nola, with courgette pesto, almond mousse, anchovies and candied cedar. Flexing Vito’s 5-star and Michelin experience, the menu also includes a Mozzarella ice cream.

For those wishing to unwind in their room, the room service menu includes pizza, caesar salad, and something a little extra special. Vito’s Childhood Memory is a dessert with crunchy bread, chocolate, and rosemary ice cream.

The hotel also offers a well-stocked bar, including Chiantà’s own cocktails, such as the Chiantà Spritz, the venue’s take on the traditional Aperol Spritz, made with St Germain, Aperol, Prosecco, and Grapefruit Soda.

It’s the perfect setting to relax with loved ones or meet business partners.

Welcoming Growth

As part of the hotel’s growth, its leadership team has identified the importance of social media marketing done well, and has enlisted the support of an external company to manage this.

“Socialmediaisbecomingincreasingly importanttothecommercialaspectof ourbusiness,”saidFabio,“itskeyforus toshowcasenotonlythehotelbutalso what’sonofferinMilan,toattracttravellers tothecity.Ithinkthatbytheendof2023, Milanwillbeaverypopularcityforleisure travellers,andwehavetheopportunityto impactthat”.

Post-launchofthefullyrenovatedhotel, thefocusfortheWorldhotelCristoforo Colombowillbetofocusonthewantsand needsofitsresidents.

“Weneedtotransitionwithourguests' needs,andguestrelationswillalwaysbe ourpriority,”sharedSarah.

Thechallengeforthehotelisfinding enoughprofessionalstostaffthebusy hotel.Owingtotravelrestrictions causedbytheglobalCovidpandemic, around263,000tourismrelatedjobs werediscontinuedbytheendof2021 inItalyalone.Theimpactofthisis causingacontinuedshortfallofindustry professionalsin2023.

“OurGeneralManager,FabioRenna,is workingonimprovingtheuptakeofroles attheWorldhotelCristoforoColombo. TourismisamajorindustryforItaly,andso thereisalotofopportunityinthesector. Wewelcomeapplications frompeople withlittleexperience,asthedevelopment andtrainingopportunitiesweofferare significant,”saidFabio.

AsCristoforoColombohimselfoncesaid, “Richesdon’tmakeamanrich,theyonly makeamanbusier”.

So,whynotspendyourhardearnedriches bybusilyexploringthemanyfacetswhich Milanhastooffer?

“YouwillbewarmlywelcomedatHotel CristoforoColombo,”closedSarah.

www.worldhotelcristoforocolombo.co m