The Vibe: A classic hotel that is always in fashion.

The Area: The hotel is located on Via Manzoni in Milan‘s fashion district, just steps from the La Scala and Duomo.

The DNA: A firm favourite with the Milanese high society since 1863 (and still private owned), and -more recently- with the fashionista incrowd, the Grand Hotel et de Milan is a classic grand hotel, yet always with that je-ne-sais-quoi atmoshere that is always in fashion. Giuseppe Verdi lived at the hotel for 27 years and wrote both Othello and The Falstaff here. Everything about the hotel is grand, from its sweeping staircases, to the enormous fireplace hall with its marble floors, mirror clad walls, velvet chaise lounges, Queen Elizabeth chairs and the original wood paneled Stigler hydralic lift still in use. Caruso Restaurant is decorated with beautiful 1920s Murano glass chandeliers and an installation made from old soup tureen lids. Dine inside or out in the winter garden with its mismatched chairs and vintage lampshades. For a post-theatre candlelit supper, dine at Don Carlos, an intimate restaurant with walls full of paintings and sketches of La Scala. Cocktails at Gerry’s “American style” Bar feels like stepping into a bygone area.

Suite-Me-Up: A striking example of Gothic Revival Architecture and filled with antiques, the rooms and suites follow a similar design, yet with all the comforts of today. Each is individually designed but many feature high white corniced ceilings, wooden sleigh beds, parquet floors, walnut cabinets, decorative vintage wardrobes and tapestry rugs and marble clad bathrooms.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 73 rooms (23-36m2) (248-388 sq ft), 22 suites (40-106m2) (431-1,141 sq ft) • hotel opened: 1863 • bathroom amenities: Etro • parking possible nearby (charged) ✅ pet friendly, no charges • 24-hour front desk • wheelchair accessible