Almost a century after it opened its doors, Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan’s most splendid hotel dame, still boasts its legendary status in luxury, opulence and hospitality.
Traveller: Maria Pasquale
Room: Junior Suite
Address: Piazza della Repubblica 17, Milan
Date: November 2022
Price range: From $800
Best for: The luxury traveller will love the plush setting and amenities, while those on business are positioned well near the city’s commercial heart
Location
A few minutes from Milan’s Centrale station, Hotel Principe di Savoia is strategically situated for business and pleasure. With a domineering location in Piazza della Repubblica, many of the city’s major sites are accessible by foot, and the dynamic Porta Nuova district is right on its doorstep.
Within a short walk you can find
Thanks to the newly developed surroundings, there is plenty of shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife in the immediate vicinity. A short stroll takes you to the pretty, artsy Brera neighbourhood. The celebrated Quadrilatero d’Oro, the most exclusive shopping area in Italy, is an easy 15-minute walk away.
Claim to fame
A true luxury landmark, Hotel Principe di Savoia opened its doors in 1927. With opulent decor and the very highest service standards, this old-school glamour always stays in style. It has welcomed royalty, celebrities and international figures to its sumptuous surroundings throughout its illustrious past.
The showstopper
The grandeur and history of the hotel are seamlessly blended with modern amenities. The Presidential Suite – that comes compete with its own grand private swimming pool and spa – is pure Milanese style and luxury.
The Presidential Suite private swimming pool © Hotel Principe di Savoia
The room
My Junior Suite is a spacious, comfortable and luxurious home from home, complete with giant marble and a mosaic bathroom. Art deco features are complemented by rich fabrics, inlaid woods and elaborate prints to create a haven of Lombardy luxe style. A colour palette of sift mauve, deep claret and brilliant gold, along with low-level lighting and lavish textiles, combines for a cosy and inviting ambience.
Amenity game
Rooms feature fast WiFi and interactive TVs that keep the hotel in touch with the latest technology. While the distinctive Acqua di Parma toiletries adorn bathroom shelves. Fruit and chocolates are waiting to greet you on arrival.
A haven of Lombardy luxe style © Hotel Principe di Savoia
Beyond the rooms
As expected, the facilities are top-notch, from the spa and fitness centre to the heated pool. The Acanto restaurant serves seasonal, traditional fare with an elevated twist. The Hotel Principe di Savoia bar is the hotspot for movers and shakers (especially during Fashion Week) thanks to its expert mixologists and gorgeous interior decor.
Spa life
Hotel Principe di Savoia rooftop Club 10 is renowned as one of Milan’s best health and fitness centres, and with its panorama across the city certainly has the best view. As well as a large gym and indoor heated pool, there is a celebrated spa offering a whirlpool tub, sauna, steam room and a full menu of treatments for both him and her. Choose from a dizzying range of facials and massages that utilise luxury products from Sensai and Comfort Zone to leave you pampered and relaxed.
Dish to dine for
Restaurant Acanto is a draw in its own right, with young chef Alessandro Buffolini ensuring that the food offering is on par with the hotel’s high standards of hospitality. Reserve your table next to the glass-walled chef’s kitchen and order the decadent tasting menu with paired wines. It’s the best seat to sneak an insider’s look at the preparation of the dishes and enjoy the multi-sensory dining experience.
Staying in
There is plenty to do onsite, with the heated pool being the biggest hit with families. Food and drink are a draw at the Principe Savoia bar, the hotel’s hub of social activity. You can enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch with a live swing band or partake in the Thursday evening ‘glam aperitivo’. Be sure to sample the signature Principe Anniversario cocktail served in a Murano glass goblet as a nod to the vast iconic chandelier that looms overhead.
Principe Savoia bar © Hotel Principe di Savoia
Stepping out
The dedicated concierge staff are happy to help organise your time with tailored recommendations for unique trips and tours – helicopter ride over the mountains? Boat trip on the lakes? There is a free shuttle bus to the centre of Milan every 15 minutes for sightseeing, and if it’s retail therapy you are seeking, the front desk can supply you with a unique ‘shopping map’ to point you in the right direction.
The family factor
Kids are looked after from special kid’s menus to the in-room mini-bar stocked with cheeky kid treats like chocolate buttons and gummies. Children under three dine for free, and families staying in the penthouse have access to private swimming lessons as well as that stunning private pool.
Before booking
Special offers can be found on the Dorchester Collection website. The concierge team will be more than happy to manage your every pre-arrival request. From transfers and concert tickets to spa bookings and restaurant reservations. Milan has a busy event schedule, particularly around Fashion Week (February/March and September/October) and Salone del Mobile (annual furniture, design fair). So it’s best to research current event dates to avoid this rush.
Insiders’ tips
For a bucket list experience, book the Tavolo Cristallo for dinner, a private dinner table that seats six and is surrounded by shimmering curtains of Swarovski crystals at the Principe Savoia bar. The Dorchester Collection group publishes the Collect Magazine twice a year – a curated collection of culture, art and lifestyle stories. You can view it online to stay abreast of the latest news from DC hotels worldwide.
I wish I could take home
Those elegant, weighted curtains, thick rugs, paintings and objets d’art don’t just look outstanding; they also help to block out the noise and light. Ensuring a good night of uninterrupted sleep and the chance to wake every morning in pure, time-honoured, luxury.
Signature expert rating
9 out of 10 – Hotel Principe di Savoia is hard to fault. The staff and ambience are impeccable, and its timeless elegance will make you return again, and again.
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