Milan is calling – Travel advice from a design addict continues

Europe & UK, Hotel Interior Design

Hotel Design Milan

When travelling for business, one of my favourite moments is when I can kick off my shoes and allow myself to fall onto the bed in my hotel room, feeling a rush of accomplishment running through my body, despite the exhaustion…

This is why the choice of hotel is very important to me. Being the design addict I am, it’s gotta have me some style and at the same time offer ultimate comfort and convenience. Personally, I prefer small to medium sized hotels, hotels with that special something, with their own distinct personality. One of these hotels is the Park Hyatt Milan.

Milan is the city of style in terms of fashion and design. Every year in April the world of design flocks to Milan for the famous Milan Design Week. The abundance of extraordinary design and creativity that comes to life during this event is simply unparalleled and Milan turns into a true wonderland for design lovers like me. However, Milan’s got plenty to offer throughout the entire year and the city sure knows a thing or two about living la ‘Dolce Vita’ in style.

Duomo Milano

This masterpiece of gothic architecture is the most iconic landmark of Milan and only steps away from the hotel.

Whether you have been to Milan or not, you have probably heard of its landmark, the Duomo. The Cathedral of Milan is a masterpiece of gothic architecture and  took nearly six centuries to be completed. Work began in the late 14th century and was completed in 1965. It is the fifth largest cathedral in the world and the largest in Italy. In front of the Duomo you will find an impressive square, the Piazza del Duomo, which is the main piazza of Milan.

The piazza marks the center of the city in every sense of the word – from a geographic point of view and because of its importance from an artistic, cultural and social point of view. With an overall area of 17,000 m2 it is surrounded by some of the most important buildings of Milan, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, also referred to as the arcades.

Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele Milano

The Galleria with its massive glass dome never ceases to impress, even after dozens of visits.

As you walk across the piazza, which is bustling with life, it is hard to imagine that you are only steps away from an oasis of tranquility. So as I stroll across the piazza, after a long day of meetings, I take in the atmosphere of this truly Italian city and head towards the arcades. Leaving behind some of the liveliness and noise of the piazza, I enter into this space that offers a sophisticated allure. Moments after, stepping outside of the arcades, I find myself in front of the Park Hyatt Milan. The porter, dressed in elegant black attire, opens the doors and greets me with a friendly and cheerful smile.  As I enter the lobby, I find it hard to believe that only seconds before I was amidst the hustle and bustle of the piazza, because here I find myself in a sanctuary of classic contemporary elegance and serenity.

Park Hyatt Milan

The first thing that comes to mind when admiring the architecture of this stunning hotel is authenticity. A luxury hotel, which is true to its host city Milan in terms of sophistication and style. The hotel was  built around a beautiful historical palazzo dating back to 1874. As the hotel’s architect and interior designer, Ed Tuttle, declared: “The hotel has a unique character, Park Hyatt Milan remains true to the historical style of the original building, but it also has something more contemporary and refined about it now.” He then added: ”All big cities possess a precise cultural identity and it is important to capture that spirit. Guests at Park Hyatt Milan must be able to feel that they are in Milan and nowhere else.”

Elegant lounge below majestic cupola

As you enter you are greeted with this elegant lounge under the majestic glass cupola and you immediately know you’re in for a treat.

Personally, I have always admired the art of combining ‘the old and the new’, which is also one of my personal trademarks, when describing my own style. I like to refer to it as ‘contemporary with a touch of nostalgia’. I therefore immediately fell in love with the Park Hyatt Milan, because it offers the best of both worlds. Refined contemporary design with an elegant classic soul.

In fact the building is bathed in history. The palazzo was built around the same time as the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Documents suggest that it was originally built as a hotel of 400 rooms, which was modern and much appreciated by its many guests, most of whom were businessmen. Goods and baggage lifts were steam driven and all floors came equipped with hot and cold water and radiators, lighting was provided by 900 gas lamps. Though the palazzo was later turned into offices and elegant shops, it appears as if its soul reclaimed its original purpose, namely to become a world-class hotel.

Park Hyatt Milan wine cellar

The restaurant VUN again showcases that simple elegance is the cornerstone of the interior design at the Park Hyatt Milan.

The common areas of the hotel feature beautiful travertine stone, strategically placed lighting, elegant furnishing and are dotted with a mixture of masterpieces by artists such as Pin Morales and antique sculptures from Nigerian tribes. La Cupola, which is found at the heart of the hotel, is dominated by a huge nine-metre-high glass dome. It is in this area, which is flooded with light, where an elegant and rich breakfast buffet is served with the addition of lovely hot options on order – the perfect place to start your day.

The public spaces, which include La Cupola, the Park Bar, the Michelin Star Restaurant VUN and DEHORS, a fashionable hot spot for seasonal aperitifs, feature stunning architecture and interior design with lots of attention to details. However, my personal favourite are the rooms. After all, this is where I spend most of my time, when I am in the hotel. As mentioned in my introduction, there is quite nothing like taking a moment to relax after a long day and that is exactly what you will want to do when you enter your room at the Park.

Elegant bedroom design

Subtle warm tones and exclusive materials create an elegant and relaxing ambiance.

The spacious rooms include a relaxation area and are held in neutral and warm tones, modern lines, contemporary shapes as well as classic fabrics, such as velvet and silk creating a harmonious ambiance. Travertine with black inlays, elaborate architraves, which are a distinguishing element of Milanese architecture, high ceilings and all the mod-cons you require complete this sanctuary.

luxury bedroom design with a view

With a private terrace and large windows overlooking historic buildings, this room truly is an oasis of calm in the middle of the city.

The bathrooms are an experience in itself. Spacious, travertine covered walls and floors, bathed in natural light and equipped with a deep soaking bath and an octagonal-shaped rain shower. A separate toilet, double sinks, extra-large bathroom mirrors and a walk-in closet with a mini bar round up the ultimate bathroom experience.

hotel design milan

The exquisite materials used for the bathrooms create a timeless elegance.

Those who seek even higher worldly pleasures, may opt for one of the 25 splendid suites, one of which even offers an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the Duomo!

hotel design milan

This is what I call living la ‘Dolce Vita’ – imagine sitting on your private terrace overlooking the Duomo with a glass of Spumante in hand.

On those days, when my body calls for a ‘time-out’ and I simply want to escape the outside world, I head to The Spa. More travertine stone, mellow lighting and pastel Venetian stucco are some of the key features of this haven of relaxation, comprising of men’s and women’s steam rooms, aromatherapy showers, a whirlpool adorned with precious gold mosaic and a chic relaxation area.

hotel design milan

Exquisite materials, beautiful decor and subtle ambiance lighting create a sense of serenity.

If you need some additional pampering, book yourself a holistic and personalised massage, which is customised to create the perfect balance between mind, body and soul…

With this in mind, I am ready to pack my bags and head to Milan! What about you?

Happy stylish discoveries!

Simone xx

Hotel Website: Park Hyatt Milan

Photography: Courtesy of Park Hyatt Milan

P.S. If you like city trips you should also check out my article about the M Maison Particulière in Porto, the Andaz London Liverpool Street and the Citizen M Tower of London.

Note: This blog post was created in collaboration with the hotel (sponsored press visit).

 

 

About the Author

Interior Designer and Blogger

Welcome to Global Inspirations Design’s Blog!

I’m Simone Aïda Baur and I invite you to embark on a design journey with me. My blog is your passport to global inspirations and where I share my passion and discoveries from the world of interior design.

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