The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Milan

The Yard Milano is a snazzy 30-room hotel in the lively neighbourhood of Porta Genova, known for its art and festivals as well as cocktail bars and cafes. Inside, the family-friendly hotel is a contemporary but homely place where children stay for free and one pet per room is allowed. The on-site restaurant, Gipsy, serves eclectic, experimental food. The pizzeria, Dirty Gym, resembles a boxing gym’s locker room and is as laid-back as they come, while cocktails are available from the Wootsu Society bar. The Yard, which opened in 2013, offers free breakfast and also provides an airport shuttle service.

Room Mate Giulia is a trendy boutique hotel in a historic building dating back to the late 19th century. It’s in the heart of Milan, next to Piazza del Duomo and just a 10-minute walk from the Fashion District. The four-star hotel has many room types, including family rooms, and combines the best in traditional design and vintage touches with bold, colourful finishes – keeping with Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola’s unique style. Guests who fancy a lie-in can enjoy breakfast until noon and take advantage of the 24-hour gym and spa.

Hotel Magna Pars Suites, in the Navigli district, looks like something straight out of the pages of an interior-design magazine. The beautifully renovated building is filled with floral arrangements and trees, plus it has a secret garden. The lavish boutique hotel sits in an old perfume factory, has an event space on the ground floor and guest suites all finished with a classic, simple and refined flair. It’s child-friendly (complete with childcare) and pet-friendly, too; plus the location isn’t far from the Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology, Santa Maria delle Grazie – home of The Last Supper – and Piazza del Duomo. When in need of food, head to the Da Noi In restaurant and drink at the Liquidambar.

Antica Locanda dei Mercanti lies inside an exquisitely restored 18th-century Milanese townhouse in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the Fashion District. This discreet boutique hotel oozes charm, and its 15 rooms and suites – four with beautiful terraces – are best suited for couples or families. The hotel is pet-friendly and provides in-room childcare (children under the age of six can stay for free) and an airport shuttle service. Guests have the Teatro alla Scala, Duomo di Milano and Castello Sforzesco on the doorstep.

Fifty House Soho aims to create a homely environment for visitors who are looking for a luxury boutique hotel. The five-star pad is a secret hideaway located in Porta Nuova and features a smooth, urban design. The city lodging uses vibrant pops of colour against a black backdrop, sleek marble floors and textures of velvet and brass to create an opulent space, which also showcases works by artist Bisha. One child stays free with travelling families, and the hotel also offers guests a complimentary breakfast buffet. Centrally located, Fifty House Soho is close to attractions such as Corso Como, Teatro alla Scala and Pinacoteca di Brera, the city’s main public art gallery.

Set in an 18th-century period building in the heart of Milan is the charming Palazzo Segreti. You can choose from one of 18 rooms, each one is uniquely decorated with warm colours and raw materials – think minimalist rooms with wooden floorboards and hand-painted walls. Nearby are some of Milan’s star attractions such as the Duomo and the Sforzesco Castle. Enjoy freshly baked bread in the morning and relax in the lounge with locally sourced, organic wine once the day is over.

Locanda Pandenus is perfect for travellers who prioritise privacy. This small lodging sits above a bustling café in Porta Garibaldi, a lively neighbourhood that’s home to numerous theatres, monuments and Corso Como. The art-deco influences flow from the bistro through to the four bedrooms, giving it an intimate and laid-back vibe. The inn’s classy style is finished with plush velvet materials and bespoke finishes. A breakfast of pastries and fruits is available for guests in the bistro, and although children are welcome, the hotel is best suited to couples and adults.

Before becoming a stunning boutique hotel, the Senato was once a private residence owned by the Ranza family. The finishing style is eclectic and embodies the Milanese love for design and fashion. Handcrafted wall lamps in the shape of ginkgo biloba adorn the reception, while the furniture, such as the armchairs and the tables, are unique pieces created by the architect Alessandro Bianchi, who oversaw the design of the hotel. It has 43 rooms, complete with all comforts.

Located in the historic centre of Milan, a few steps from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo, this hotel has a young spirit and futuristic design. Neon lights surround the mirrors, and pops of bright colour dominate the decor in each room. The lounge room has large windows overlooking a lush garden.

Elegant and sophisticated, Montenapoleone Suites lies in the Fashion District. The rooms, equipped with every comfort, are furnished in soft and warm tones and come with a complimentary bottle of prosecco in the refrigerator. For those who can afford it, the hotel also has executive suites with a Turkish bath or sauna.

Housed in a former Milanese residence, Savona 18 Suites has the touch of designer Aldo Cibic, who carefully renovated the historic building. Cibic preserved the Milanese courtyard with communal balconies – a signature style of residential houses of the early 20th century. The design is minimal and the atmosphere intimate. For espresso breaks or relaxation, the hotel also houses the Petit Café.

Sina The Gray is about 100m (328ft) from the Duomo and is recognisable by its art nouveau facade. The hotel is the product of Florentine architect Guido Ciompi. The 21 rooms and suites – each different from one another and some with hanging beds – are conceived as a small private home. While GBar is perfect for those who want to take a break after exploring the city, Aria is an open-air terrace where guests can enjoy an aperitif or a nightcap.

Hotel VIU Milan is a 10-minute walk from Piazza Gae Aulenti and the elegant Corso Como area. It has a rooftop pool with 360-degree panoramic views, a wellness centre and a sauna. Designed by the award-winning Nicola Gallizia, the rooms have a modern and refined decor with luxury furniture, marble bathrooms and environmentally friendly materials.

The beautiful Borgo Nuovo lies in Chiaravalle, a district of Milan just south of the city centre. The arty hotel occupies a prominent spot, offering guests panoramic views of the surrounding area. Designers Viviana Fedeli and Luca Puglia have brought the interior alive with exclusive artworks by Samantha Lina. The 11 rooms feature vintage 1940s-inspired pieces, metallic finishings and warm colour palettes, while some have access to rustic outdoor terraces. Guests can hire a private driver and use the on-site gym or enjoy massages and pilates. The restaurant lounge provides a relaxing but refined space for dining and drinks. Central Milan is reachable within 15 minutes by car.