The 13 best hotels in Milan, curated by a local expert

This updated Belle Époque gem is strategically placed for seeing all that Milan has to offer – and doing it in style. With over 180 sleek, well-appointed guest rooms and suites boasting modern amenities alongside handcrafted pieces by local ateliers, the Excelsior Gallia is a luxurious retreat from the relentless bustle of the city. The common areas are grand, paying homage to the timeless elegance of the Art Deco era, with furnishings crafted exclusively by Italian masters. A world-class spa, swimming pool, rooftop restaurant and bar, and anything-is-possible service makes this property a winner.  

The mood: Grand and luxe with friendly, accommodating service

Location perks:  Stazione Centrale, a major transport hub, is just across the street, making it easy to hop on the metro or a tram and zip around Milan, or take a fast train to Italy’s other world-class cities.

Budget range: A high-end price tag.

Time Out Says:

This immaculately clean budget B&B (part of a larger chain with locations throughout Europe and the United States) in a well-connected residential neighbourhood near the city’s famous Sant’Ambrogio basilica ticks a lot of boxes. Its 94 minimalist yet modern rooms are equipped with everything a traveller would need for a successful stay in Milan, such as comfortable beds,  air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Deluxe rooms even have terraces and views of the city’s rooftops and cupolas. 

There are a variety of contemporary communal lounges and a small rooftop terrace available to all guests that provides wonderful views of the nearby church. Breakfast is not included but can be purchased for around 10 euros (children pay half price); the morning meal is an abundant buffet of sweet and savoury options, served along with coffee, tea, and a selection of juices. The reception is staffed during the day but if guests arrive after hours, they can enter the property using a PIN code.

The Sant’Ambrogio metro stop is just down the block, making it easy to get around the city, and the Cadorna train station is also nearby with other transport options, including the Malpensa Express train for connecting to the city’s largest international airport. The Navigli district, with its vibrant nightlife scene, is about a 20-minute walk away, but it can also be reached easily via the metro. 

All in all, this hotel is a clean, functional option for those seeking comfort at an affordable price.  

Neighbourhood

Nearby

1. Bar Magenta: Do as the locals do and grab breakfast or aperitif at this historic bar, with its vintage vibe. Established in 1907, it has long been a cultural institution with the Milanese and students from the university nearby.  Located at Via Carducci 13. 
   
   
2. Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum: Located just around the corner from the B&B, this vast museum will appeal to anyone who loves science and unique gadgets. It has a large permanent collection (including models of some of da Vinci’s earliest inventions) with entire sections on rail transport, air transport, naval transport, and space. Though it does have some newer interactive exhibits, many of the areas are endearingly retro.
   
   
3. Viale Papiniano street market: Milan’s largest street market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from early morning until about 3 p.m., typically longer on Saturdays), selling a variety of food items as well as clothing, jewellery, and bargain knick-knacks. Stalls stretch as far as the eye can see along Viale Papiniano (about an 8-minute walk from the B&B). Though not a “flea market” per se, this is a mecca for thrifty shoppers so haggling is par for the course.  

Time Out tip 

Milan’s famed “Last Supper” is nearby, located inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. While it can be hard to book a slot to visit Leonard da Vinci’s masterpiece (visitors are limited due to the delicate nature of the wall mural), new appointments tend to be added on  the official website on Wednesdays at midday Italy time. It is always better to book well ahead of time, but checking last-minute on the official website on Wednesdays is also an option.

This hotel opened in the prime location of Porta Genova in the Spring of 2021 and immediately caused a storm with excited travellers. Choose from a deluxe or executive suite, with a continental breakfast, bathrobes and slippers. There’s also a gym, lounge and speakeasy bar, which is host to an array of organic wines and Italian snacks. 

The mood? Chic, modern. 
Location perks? These beautiful architectural suites were made for falling in love with Milan, putting you right near the magnificent Palazzo Reale. 
Budget range? Decently priced for a few nights. 

The Mandarin Oriental Milan oozes pure luxury, what with its location being in not one, but four 18th-century buildings in the Quadrilatero della Moda fashion area. Within the hotel, the sleek, contemporary décor has an Asian flair, and the 104 guest rooms are outfitted with custom-made Italian furnishings, desks and marble bathrooms. The suites are top-of-the-line and decked out with designer furniture. If you want to be pampered, the spa has an indoor pool, a 24-hour gym and all manner of relaxing treatments.

The mood? No scrimping on the style front. 
Location perks? Some rooms offer views of the courtyard and Milan Cathedral so it's well worth requesting. 
Budget range? A high-end price tag.  

Possibly the chicest addition to the Milan hotel scene, 21 House of Stories Navigli is a guaranteed stay to remember. From the bespoke interiors – and exteriors – to the next-level buffet breakfast, that's included by the way. Need a little more? The on-site poolside bar is one for the night owls who like a little unwinding after a hard day's work. Speaking of work, why not join the co-working space at 21 House of Stories? Designed for digital nomads on the go, this hotel has thought of it all. 

The mood? Networking nomads.
Location perks? You're only 5.6 miles from the nearest airport and walking distance from popular sites such as the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore.
Budget range? Surprisingly well priced – unless you're booking the suite, which may tighten the purse strings slightly. 

Room Mate Giulia is fresh, fun and design-minded, found just steps away from the Duomo. Interior design comes from Spanish/Italian designer-of-the-moment Patricia Urquiola, who decked out each of the 85 industrial-chic rooms in greens, oranges, and blues, with flat-screen TVs, desks and coffeemakers. The lobby invites lounging and socializing, with its bright lighting and art-lined walls. Downstairs, there’s a small gym and sauna in the basement.

The mood? Colour block central. 
Location perks? A mere 10-minute stroll to Milan's Fashion District. 
Budget range? Mid-high. 

Slicing through Milan's bustling metropolitan exterior like velvety butter is this opulent hotel where true luxury meets Milanese design. The 19th-century-inspired rooms carry boatloads of Italian charm in the form of gold trimmings, draped curtains, rich linens and marbled finishings. When you're not pounding the piazzas or musing at The Last Supper, Hotel Principe Di Savoia is the perfect place to unwind – from the Turkish bath to the lounge bar, every moment here is exquisite. 

The mood? Statley glamour.
Location perks? Once you've gone for a dip in the indoor pool lined with frescos, there's no question as to whether life truly imitates art. 
Budget range? Deffo on the higher end.

Formally the home of famous composer Guiseppe Verdi, this 18th-century manor is no stranger when it comes to the art of refinement. Each of the 95 room are lavishly decorated to capture a timeless elegance. Think parquet floors, richly patterned rugs, paintings and chandeliers. Food being one of the many revelries here in Italy, you can bank on irresistible dining at on-site treasure Caruso Restaurant with a veranda looking out over Manzoni and Montenapoleone so you can people watch til your heart's content. 

The mood? Contemporary, classic.  
Location perks? Moments away from La Scala Opera House. 
Budget range? Grande. 

Found near the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and around the corner from La Scala, the Park Hyatt is renowned for its luxury vibe and spacious rooms. Many of the 106 guest rooms have large windows overlooking the city, along with a king or queen bed and marble bathrooms with soaking tubs and rainfall showers. Going all-out? The higher-end suites are spectacular, with private terraces and whirlpool baths. Matching the elegance of it all, in-house Michelin-starred restaurant, VUN Andrea Aprea, showcases local ingredients in its delicious modern Italian dishes.

The mood? Modern, romantic. 
Location perks? Soak in the five-star luxury with a limousine pickup when you land in Milan. 
Budget range? No expense spared. 

Practice your best model-off-duty look at the Armani Hotel complete with a bar, spa, restaurant and fitness centre no less. Too cool for the majority of us who could only but dream of crashing here in this 1930s build relished with understated glamour and sophistication up to the eyeballs – but if the price is right, you won't be disappointed. Clad in neutrals, glossy blacks and soft whites, this designer haven does therapeutic and style in equal measure. Rooms also feature both a bathtub and shower for those who can't decide.

The mood? The interior masterpiece. 
Location perks? You'll be in the epicentre of luxury fashion. 
Budget range? No shortage of luxuries. 

Situated in the heart of Milan's luxury fashion district – we're talking couture – this former 15th-century convent has undergone quite the transformation into 118 understated luxury rooms centred around a square-shaped courtyard whose well-manicured shrubs boast an uncanny symmetry. Rooms are bright and airy with high ceilings, frescos and period furniture. Oh, and pooches are welcome too (as long as they're small).

The mood? A quiet haven in the Quadrilatero. 
Location perks? Everything from facials and yoga sessions to cooking classes and a chocolate room.
Budget range? A high-end price for a heavenly stay.

On a side street near the Duomo sits the STRAF – a hip, minimalist boutique hotel with dark, moody rooms – quite the crowd-pleaser among a youngish crowd. That's all thanks to forward-thinking Italian designer Vincenzo De Cotiis whose use of non-standard and recycled materials has created a chic industrial playground of sorts, and we absolutely dig it. Rough-edged guest rooms have been constructed of slate, brass, concrete and marble, all warmed up with bright art on the walls. Locals and in-the-know visitors congregate for aperitivi at STRAFbar, made of concrete and iron and filled with ‘70s furnishings and modern art. Unlike most Milan hotels, a full breakfast is included with every stay.

The mood? Edgy, urban, minimalist. 
Location perks? The happy-hour-ers can take full advantage Bar STRAFS live music, installations and all-round welcoming vibes.
Budget range? Mid-high. 

There are surprisingly few modern design hotels, despite Milan being a modern design city of sorts. Magna Pars Suites is a breath of fresh air for this reason – it’s also a perfume hotel, where fragrances are created on-site and used to freshen up the rooms. It’s located close to the lively Navigli neighbourhood, with chic glass, white and wooden touches. Meanwhile, the 28 large-sized guest rooms include living areas as well as bedrooms, all of which face the lovely inner courtyard. Fashion and music events are often held here, adding to the fun.

The mood? White on white.
Location perks? Along with pleasant aromas, this blissful family-owned hotel brings you fine dining, fitness and spa facilities, a terrace and a library - ideal for those who looking for a quiet retreat. 
Budget range? An affordable break for two.