Milan is a very suprising city, which offers both the best and the worst in term of luxury and architecture. For sure, this is a paradox for a leading fashion place but fortunately we past our first stay there in an oasis of indulgence and relaxation, the Bulgari Milan. Hidden on a private street close to La Scala, Piazza del Duomo and all luxury shops, a fully renovated 18th-century Milanese palazzo embodies the Bulgari ; honestly I have to say this is one of the best property we ever stayed in. The design by the architectural studio Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel and Partners is both warm and chic, in the same way as Bulgari London design but the overall atmosphere is a bit different. Indeed, London is a vibrant and trendy city hotel where you are greeted in a pure british style while italian property is away from city noise and has a 4000 square-meter private garden that makes you feel in the countryside with singing birds and scent of nature… Both quintessence of luxury, for sure ; now let’s review what Bulgari Milan has to offer !
Living
From the building façade in white marmorino stucco to the black marble from Zimbabwe, all materials used to decorate and ornement living areas are truely stunning. Just go through the entrance, take a seat in the foyer and contemplate: huge modern fireplace, precious furnitures overlooking the private garden and lovely complimentary candies in crystal jar ; then you discover Il Restaurante with its awesome bar and if you are lucky, you can enjoy an outdoor lunch or dinner on the garden terrace. Room area is also a must-see thanks to dark corridors with discreet Bulgari jewel books touches and cute flowers arrangements next to each room doors ; welcome Home !
Of course, a stay in a Bulgari hotel cannot be achieved without a visit to the indoor Spa which is for me the brand signature. No fault, no bug, everything is perfect at all levels: this is clearly a showroom for Bulgari and the Spa itself explain our article title. Once you pass the floor-to-ceiling entrance glass walls, a new world appears where you could stay a whole day ; we didn’t had the chance to experiment the outdoor part and its jacuzzi, for sure you will not be disappoointed in Summer.
Room
We stayed in a Special Room, the highest room category – 45 sqm – overlooking the private park with wooden furnitures, a beautiful black granite bathroom and an efficient TV and electronic system. The overall is very luminous and increase the sense of tranquility coming from the rest of the building. Bathroom is very well furnished – that was a great attention I already mentionned in my Bulgari London article – with natural sponge, Bulgari Thé Vert amenities and a so relaxing bathtube. Regarding double beds, nothing to say except they are as good as expected ; well, we are in a 5-star hotel. Ideally I would recommend to stay in a Junior Suite as the decor and the atmosphere is more exclusive with of course a large floor plan.
Dining
A-la-carte breakfast is served at Il Restaurante and worth the value, even for bed & breakfast packages. Indeed the choice is quite large and everything is cooked on demand – actually, even fruit juice can be served in a smoothie style – and the french omelet we ordered was just stunning. Unfortunately we didn’t had the chance to have lunch or dining there, but I feel confident in saying that it would be a great experience.
Level of exigency
With the Spa, the quality of service is probably the second brand signature for Bulgari: from doormen to restaurant waiters, cleaners, housekeeping and Spa therapists, I must say I have been impressed. Our room was clean always right on time and discreetly when we were out with an attention to detail rarely equaled while our breakfast waiter was very aware of our taste and comfort ; did I mention the Spa reception who kindly found for us the supplier of their candles, gave us his details and even called him to check availability? These are little things that really turn a banal luxury stay into a memorable luxury stay. Thank you Bulgari.
Stay from 27th to 29th October 2013
The Bulgari Milan opened in 2004 and is composed of 58 room and suites in the heart of Milan, 5-minute walk from luxury shops and La Scala. We stayed in a Special Room (45sqm) which standard rate is 740EUR/night.
