We’ve always said we’d follow our favourite GM Luca Finardi to the ends of the world, well the Italian border at least, and as the GM of the Mandarin Oriental in Milan it gives us an even better reason to visit one of our favourite cities in Italy.
This is the first Italian venture for one of the most respected hotel chains in the world. They’ve cleverly occupied a series of 18th century buildings in the heart of the fashion district, the Quadrilatero neighbourhood and during Fashion Week it is THE place to have fun and do deals. However, under Luca Finardi’s watchful gaze, this isn’t just a hotel for the fabulous – whether our clients are visiting for a performance at La Scala (just a few streets away) or spending a few days exploring the city’s unbelievably important art scene (from the Modernist Villa Necchi to the ancient 11th century basilicas) we know they will be looked after impeccably.
The beating heart of the hotel is the black and white Mandarin Bar with its eye bending, Bridget Rileyesque geometric design – wicked cocktails by night and an old-fashioned breakfast of freshly baked pastries and cakes make it a delight whatever the hour. However, with a nudge to the hotel’s history in the Far East it is the only place in the city for really good dim sum. And if you can’t be bothered to leave the hotel at all, then down in the basement is the sexiest pool (possibly trumped by the gold mosaicked pool at the nearby Bulgari) and a superb spa.
And finally to the bedrooms – the Fornasetti suite is fun fun fun – an homage to the designer who was born in Milan and spent most of his life there. Book to find out why the drinks cabinet is so damn clever but if it’s already taken, the other rooms albeit not quite as cheerful are fantastically comfortable, soothing and work impeccably.
Bellini Travel loves Milan and never fails to feel inspired by it. The Mandarin Oriental only strengthens that love.
