When Mr & Mrs Smith ask you to review one of their newly appointed hotels, you know you’re not going to be disappointed. Especially when said Hotel is in the fashion capital of the world; Milan! I’ve long been a fan of Luxury & Boutique Hotel Travel site Mr & Mrs Smith, and can pretty much guarantee that if it’s made it onto their website, I’m going to enjoy my stay.
I’d been to Milan a few times before when I worked as a Fashion Buyer, but only ever in and out in one day. I was looking forward to exploring the place properly and of course checking out the rooftop pool at our Hotel.
Em’s Guide to Milan…
Sleep...
HOTEL VIU MILAN
Staff were friendly and attentive, and the minute we arrived, we couldn’t wait to drop off our bags and hot-foot it up to the Rooftop pool, a real plus for a Milanese Hotel.
A contemporary, modern, luxury hotel. Hotel Viu only opened its doors in March this year, but there were none of the usual teething problems you may expect from a new hotel.
Views from the top were breathtaking, and it was the perfect spot for Breakfast, Lunch & Pre Dinner Cocktails, we also enjoyed lounging around the stylish seating areas & soaking up the strong Italian Sun.
Hotel Viu’s Rooftop Pool…
Rooms were sleek & stylish, and we had the bonus of a huge terrace. The hotels choice of Malin+ Goetz toiletries & Marvis toothpaste was also a nice touch.
We ate dinner in the hotel’s Courtyard, full of greenery & twinkling lights, a picturesque place to enjoy a Bellini & plate of delicious pasta! We were shown the Chefs Table, the perfect setting if travelling with a group.
The Chefs Table at Hotel Viu…
HOTEL VIU IS LOCATED PRETTY CENTRALLY, A 30-MINUTE WALK TO THE BUSTLING DUOMO OR JUST 5 MINUTES IN A TAXI.
Eat…
AS WELL AS ENJOYING DINNERS AT HOTEL VIU WE TRIED WHAT ELSE MILAN HAD TO OFFER. PIZZA, PASTA & GELATO WERE HIGH ON OUR LIST OF PRIORITIES DURING OUR STAY.
Trattoria Della Pesa – Old school Trattoria that is a favourite with the locals, the special dish to try is Ossobucc0 Rissoto.
Dry – A contemporary pizzeria in a young setting.
Il Salumaio Di Montenapoleone – A beautiful restaurant right in the centre of the Designer district. In warmer months try and get a table outside in the courtyard.
Ceresio 7 – A lively and popular place, perfect for dinner or drinks. This Restaurants/Bars focal point is the rooftop pool with surrounding views.
Vanilla Gelati Italiani – Delicious ice cream parlour.
Il Giardino – The Garden of the Bulgari Hotel, a stunning & relaxed setting for drinks.
Shop...
ALL OF THE DESIGNER STORES YOU CAN IMAGINE ARE BASED IN MILAN. I BLEW MY SPENDING MONEY IN CHANEL AT HEATHROW’S TERMINAL 5 (I’D BEEN COVETING THE CHANEL SLIDES FOR MONTHS!), BUT IT WAS JUST AS FUN TO WINDOW SHOP THE LIKES OF SAINT LAURENT, CHLOE & GUCCI.
Via Montenapoleone – The main fashion district, this is where you will find designer heaven.
Di Brera – The Bohemian District, pretty little streets lined with Pizzerias, cafes & fortune tellers! Plus cute little Boutiques.
10 Corso Como – A contemporary concept store with a lovely cafe/restaurant area.
Blazé Milano – For effortlessly cool high-end blazers. Book an appointment at the Blazé Atelier for you very own one-of-a-kind Blazer.
Do...
Duomo – This staggering Cathedral is the heart of Milan.
Hire a Moped – We weren’t brave enough, but Milan would be the perfect place explore the beautiful streets in Style, on a cool moped.
Lake Como – Lake Como would be the perfect place to go onto once you’ve had a few days in Milan. Located just 40 minutes away, The Grand Hotel Tremezzo is high on my wishlist of places to visit.
Wear...
IT WAS HOT! COOL CLOTHES FOR POUNDING THE PAVEMENTS, HERMES SLIDES WERE A STYLISH OPTION TO TEAM WITH PRETTY SUNDRESSES. FOR EVENING PACK HEELS & A LEATHER JACKET FOR ULTIMATE MILANESE CHIC.
Shop my Milan wardrobe...