Milan hotels

One of the best hotels in Milan, the original frescoes in this 15th-century convent are just some of the Four Seasons’ many attractions. The sumptuous rooms in a contemporary Italian design are arranged around the landscaped internal courtyard, once the nuns’ herb garden and now an attractive place to enjoy the raw bar and an aperitivo.

Even the entry level rooms have plush Fortuny fabrics, wooden floors and marble bathrooms with deep soaking bathtubs. Meanwhile, the beautifully designed spa in the cellar is by Spanish architect Patricia Urquiola and features a 24/7 gym, steam room, sauna, treatment rooms and a lovely pool.

If you’re here to shop, the ritzy Quadrilatero district is mere steps away, with all the best designer boutiques on Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea.

Another one of the best hotels in Milan, the Park Hyatt is in an excellent location near Piazza del Duomo and the historic Teatro alla Scala, a haven for opera lovers. (Top tip: Performances at the opera house are often sold out, but it’s possible to buy last-minute tickets two hours before, often at a 25% discount.)

Contemporary Italian design is at its best in the hotel’s top suites, with plenty of marble in the bathrooms, dark parquet floors and light wood cupboards. The Fiori Chiari Suite is one of my favourites, with its high dome-shaped ceilings and generous balcony with views of the historic city centre.

The food and drink offerings are excellent at all-day La Cupola Lounge and fine dining spot Pellico 3 Milano (the clam and squid spaghetti is fantastic). In the evening, Mio Lab is a lively cocktail bar featuring vibrant nightly DJ sets.

Part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, this Art Nouveau gem is just outside the centre in the Monforte district, overlooking the elegant Piazza Tricolore. Chateau Monfort was originally a private home and has a crystal-domed lobby bar, making it one of the most unique properties in the city.

Interiors were inspired by fairy-tales and operas like Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. In fact, the Butterfly Suite is decked out in red and gold with Oriental decoration and floral patterns that evoke the famous opera.

The spa is quite special too, with a sauna, Turkish bath and saltwater swimming pool. Located in a lovely neoclassical Royal Villa, the Gallery of Modern Art is within a 10-minute walk. There you’ll find an impressive collection of 19th and 20th-century art.