Very well located and opened just over two years ago, the Mandarin Oriental is without a doubt one of the best hotels in Milan. Close to the Duomo, it is a charming boutique hotel, with great restaurants, a renowned spa and first-class service, worthy of the Asian brand.
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The Location of one of the best hotels in Milan
Mandarin Oriental Milano is a few blocks from the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle and Teatro Scala, the city’s main tourist attractions.
It is also surrounded by great restaurants and is just a few steps from Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, Milan’s main shopping areas. It is next to the metro and is also easily accessible by taxi. To top it off, it’s just a 20-minute drive to Linate airport and 45 to Malpensa International.
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O Hotel
Since its opening, I’ve been dying to visit MO Milan, as I’m a fan of the brand and it is in fact one of the best hotels in Milan. Even with high expectations, the hotel was still more spectacular than I imagined.
The architectural design of the Mandarin Oriental in Milan combined three old buildings into one, where a bank operated. Therefore, it has three different inputs. This means that restaurant and spa customers do not need to go through reception. Which is much more practical, in addition to being a way to preserve guest privacy.
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The historic building from the 1920s still has the typical colors of the time, used in Milanese houses. At the back there are beautiful gardens, where you can eat in the hot months of the year.
Also curious is that the entrance is on a very discreet and calm alley. We are next to super busy streets, but you won’t even notice it from inside the hotel.
The rooms
The 104 rooms are divided into ten categories in this one of the best hotels in Milan. They are spacious, with contemporary decor and both Italian and Asian touches. In fact, Mandarin Oriental hotels always have their own personality and interact with the city where they are located, which is very attractive.
However, the hotel offers different environments and different room models, according to the taste (and budget) of each guest.
My Deluxe Suite was wonderful, measuring 80m², very well divided and with the largest number of closets I’ve ever seen in a hotel room. It had two rooms, a very large living room, sofa, armchairs and small table, plasma TV, cupboards, as well as a very practical work table, for those who need to turn on the computer when traveling (like me!?).
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The space also had a mini kitchen, with sink, bar, minibar and coffee maker. I thought it was super chic!
In the main bedroom, a king size bed, another TV, charming bedside tables with more than one lamp. I liked the lilac tone that brought joy to the room, in contrast to the rest of the sober colors.
The bathroom, all in marble, is equally spacious with two sinks, an inviting bathtub and a great shower. Excellent quality and abundant amenities, enough to spend a month at the hotel. (I just don’t know who would pay the bill, lol).
I also loved the variety of robes. I’m one of those people: I always wear bathrobes and slippers when I’m in a hotel. ?
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The price of the Deluxe Suite is around 2 thousand euros. I visited other rooms in the hotel and even the smallest one has a good amount of space, measuring around 40m² and costs around 600 euros.
The Design Suites
Of course, a luxury hotel in Milan has to have a relationship with design, and the Mandarin Oriental is no exception. So much so, that they created two suites precisely to pay homage to two Milanese designers: Piero Fornasetti and Gio Ponti, inspiration for many artists since the 1950s. Named Milano and Premier, they are stunning and were decorated with original pieces created by the designers.
The greenish wall in the living room immediately catches the eye and the mirrors with decorative frames give the room a very cheerful look. The Riflesso wallpaper was a very original touch and in the furniture, Capitello chairs, Ultime Notizie table and Fly coffee table and Gucio sofa, capable of driving any design lover crazy.
The Premier suite has a more classic but no less charming decor, with several Fornasetti pieces, simply stunning. The feeling is like being in someone’s stylish home and not in a hotel room. No wonder, their rates start at 4 thousand euros per night.
Even knowing that these are the best hotels in Milan, they surprised me.
The restaurants
The luxury hotel has two restaurants: Seta (silk, in Portuguese, a typical Italian product) and Bistrô. The first offers southern Italian food, with French techniques and Asian touches and is open for lunch and dinner. A more formal restaurant and ideal for those who want to dine without rushing or needing to sleep. Led by chef Antonio Guida, it has two Michelin stars. The atmosphere is elegant and contemporary, with beautiful blue chairs that bring a lot of life to the space.
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The Mandarin Bar & Bistrot is less formal but very attractive. I loved the black and white mosaic walls and the bar, modern and right in the center of the room. I had a delicious dinner there, where I tried pasta, octopus and wonderful sweets. Just looking at the tray I’ve already gained five kilos. ?
The bistro is also run by chef Antonio Guida. The difference is that the dishes are less elaborate but you can be sure that everything will be impeccable! There are three distinct spaces and it is noticeable that it is frequented by non-guests, as it is a great option in the city, whether for lunch, dinner or a drink.
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Breakfast is also served there daily, buffet style. It’s impressive how the atmosphere changes from day to night and we feel like we’re in another place.
The cafe is super plentiful and has a variety of fruits, breads, cakes, eggs, cheeses, cold cuts, juices, yogurts – and even a centrifuge where you can prepare your smoothie yourself, or ask someone at the hotel to prepare something for you – everything you expect from the best hotels in Milan and a little more, to start your day off right.
The Spa
As is the case at all Mandarin hotels, the MO Milan spa is renowned and offers a range of relaxing and rejuvenating body and facial treatments. The focus is on the Chinese massage technique and the therapists always indicate the most suitable treatment for each client.
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I didn’t get to try it, but I thought one of the treatments for couples, called Italian Romance which includes massage, exfoliation and even a private hot tub that lasts three hours!
The spa also has a heated pool ideal for relaxing even more after the massage and super comfortable sun loungers. It also has a gym and hairdresser. In other words, it is a more than complete spa! Exactly what you would expect from one of the best hotels in Milan.
The service
The quality of service is nothing new to anyone who stays at a luxury hotel like the Mandarin Oriental. But when we are really well attended to and pampered, we don’t forget. In Milan it was like this: everyone at the hotel was smiling all the time. The concierge was very kind, giving me special attention by suggesting a place to have dinner alone, since my husband was working.
The manager is also always helpful, and the doorman, Brazilian, very lively and polite! The advantage when we stay in a hotel of this size is that we don’t have to worry too much about what to do in the city, because we will always have the answer at our fingertips. What a difference this makes for tourists! ??
Conclusion
The Mandarin Oriental, one of the best hotels in Milan, is a hotel capable of pleasing guests of any nationality, age or level of demand. A true urban oasis that leaves us wanting to leave the 17th century property, which combines style and sophistication. Take a few hours to just enjoy the hotel, because it’s so worth it. Just remembering it, I’m already dying to go back!
I traveled insured by GTA Seguros, in partnership with Europcar and Easysim4u, a cell phone chip.
By Renata Araújo
Photos: Renata Araújo and Divugalção
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