Business Enquirer Issue 124 | IHG Crowne Plaza Milan | April 2024

ENHANCE YOUR MILAN STAY WITH IHG’S LATEST UPGRADE

Enhance your Milan stay with IHG’s latest upgrade

Thanks to investment from the city council, Milan city has undergone radical transformation over the last few years, enabling increased trade and diversification in the region.

The investment has seen core development of the city as well as the urban areas, transport and sustainability, which has improved the region for tourists as well as the Milanese.

Its diversification has seen the Italian city develop from a region known for business, to one which is now attractive to tourists, too.

From its renowned Milan Fashion Weeks, to the world’s most popular pop stars, such as Taylor Swift, hosting concerts, and major sporting events including the 95th Edition of the F1 Italian Grand Prix in 2024, Milan is increasingly becoming a place to explore.

“There are a lot of hidden gems in Milan,” said

Fabio Bettinelli, Director of Sales

CROWNE PLAZA MILAN

and Revenue, at IHG’s Crowne Plaza Milan City, “Milan is a historic city, the cathedral, the galleries and the canal offer a lot of culture, and there are also plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy whilst taking in the views”.

A city known for art, as well as fashion, Milan is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, which can be found in its original instalment at the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Meanwhile, a more unique connection between da Vinci and the city is Leonardo’s Vineyard.

A short metro journey from the Crowne Plaza Milan City will take you to Leonardo’s Vineyard, a gift to da Vinci from the Duke of Milan in 1498 (whilst Leonardo da Vinci was working on the Last Supper). Now, the site offers tours, a museum, and a cafeteria.

A well-connected city, at the end of March 2024 improvements to the train route will see the journey from the airport to the city taking half the time.

Recognised for Sustainability

Based in the financial district, the Crowne Plaza Milan City is well situated for any traveller looking to explore Milan.

“One of the USPs of the hotel is that we have secure parking for our guests, something which can be difficult to find in cities such as ours,” explained Fabio.

As part of the hotel’s continued improvement, it is hoped that within the next year electrical charging points for EVs will be installed. The electricity will be generated from solar panels on the hotel's roof which are already being used to support the hotel's energy usage.

Following IHG’s sustainability initiative, Green Engage, the Crowne Plaza Milan City has taken the steps to ensure sustainable tourism at the hotel, by measuring and reducing its energy, water, and waste consumption.

In recognition of its efforts, the Crowne Plaza Milan City has also been certified by Dream & Charme. The independent certification guarantees the characteristics of the hotel comply with those described on its website, providing guests with greater reliability. In addition, it ensures the application of the main ESG requirements defined by international standards on sustainable tourism.

“We are delighted to become Dream & Charme certified, and we hope this will support the hotel’s growth,” said Fabio.

In 2023, the hotel saw 89% occupancy overall, which Fabio considers to be largely due to the impact of the increased tourism in the region. However, it is hoped that the continued renovations and improvements of the hotel will also see the footfall grow.

CROWNE PLAZA MILAN

Unique Facilities in an Urban Setting

A unique offering for a Milan city centre hotel, in May 2023, the Crowne Plaza Milan City officially launched its outdoor swimming pool. In the same year, it used the facility to host its 15th anniversary celebrations, proving the versatility of its offering.

“The outdoor swimming pool has been a great success with guests of the hotel. With the lounge and bar adjacent to the pool, it has become a popular spot for hosting events, too,” shared Fabio.

Now, the hotel is further uplifting the area, creating a green path leading towards the pool and remodelling the terrace area. Plus, a full renovation of the courtyard will see more capacity for events.

Towards the end of 2024, Crowne Plaza

Milan City hopes to unveil the revamp of its lobby and restaurant, which will see the area receive an updated contemporary and elegant design

“Highlighting the hotels ability to serve both business and leisure guests, the redesigned lobby and restaurant will focus on creating spaces and atmosphere for socialisation, which whilst open, will feel intimate, where both businessmen and leisure travellers can feel comfortable in,” explained Fabio.

The bar and restaurant area will benefit with extra space after the current patio is converted into an indoor area with a glass wall overlooking the garden. Additionally, the hotel is planning to modernise its guest rooms, updating the wallpaper and lighting, and bedroom and bathroom surfaces.

“As well as this, in line with our sustainable programme, we have replaced single use toiletries in all rooms for a more sustainable option,” shared Fabio.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

For those planning to travel to Milan for business (or a mix of business and pleasure!) the Crowne Plaza Milan City has plenty to offer, with business facilities spanning 2000 square feet over four meeting rooms, as well as a business centre accessible to all.

Its meeting facilities offer state of the art equipment for hosting meetings, presentations, and training. A refurbishment of this part of the hotel will see fresh carpets and wallpaper, in addition to new furnishing and technical equipment.

“Once the refurbishment of the meeting space is complete, it will be an exemplary space for our business guests,” said Fabio.

And if technology is something you're looking for in a hotel, the Crowne Plaza Milan City has incorporated this into its rooms.

“Our gym offers lots of classes such as pilates and yoga. However, if guests want to remain in the comfort of their room, we’ve incorporated a QR code which allows them to participate from their room,” shared Fabio.

When all renovations are completed, 2025 is set to see the hotel be one of the most modernised in the city, offering guest comfort, style, technology, and its unwavering commitment to service.

CROWNE PLAZA MILAN

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