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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Review of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan Italy. Let Your Accommodations Be Part of the Travel Experience!

LTD's Review of Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan Italy.  


When you think of a five star property, what comes to mind?  Comfort? Pampering?  Food? Luxurious rooms?  Fine dining? Spa? Views?  The Hotel Principe di Savoia has all of this and more. 


Hotel Principe di Savoia, or simply referred to as "The Principe", is a five-star hotel in Milan. The hotel has long become one of Milan's Landmarks. Founded by the name of "Principe e Savoia" in 1927, a time when Milan had already established its position as financial center of the country, it soon became a home for businessmen. Over time, celebrities and royalty chose The Principe for their Italian stays: Edward VIII, Aristotle Onassis, Evita Peron, Maria Callas; and more recently, Madonna, David Beckham and George Clooney, just to name a few.  


The Principe is a quiet oasis in the second largest city in Italy.  LTD always recommends a luxury hotel in a large city.  After a long day of touring a relaxing comfortable environment is the best way to recharge.  



RX Tip:


LTD uses American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program frequently.  This is a great way to get a luxury hotel at a great price with extra amenities.  The best prices on FHR are found with early booking.  The reservations can be canceled if you find a better option.  In this case LTD booked the reservation for the principe 6 months before.  The rate was excellent and breakfast daily, room upgrade and $100 food credit were included.

Check reviews of the Hotel Principe di Savoia, rates and book at TripAdvisor by clicking here! 


1. Service Service Service


One aspect of this hotel that sets it apart from many five star locations where LTD has stayed is  service that anticipates your needs.  While at most locations, service may be provided, isn’t it nice when an employee has things ready without you having to ask?  That is really something special when you experience it.  Examples: When shown to our room, the clerk asked if he could send a housekeeper to make the bed into a king when he saw we were a couple.  Of course!  A doorman is handing you water on a hot day before you make it to the door. Thank you! A doorman is handing you an umbrella as you exit on a cloudy day.  Thank you!  A sunny day on the roof and an attendant asks if you need an awning lowered.  Certainly!  Even checking out was a pleasure with car service ready to take us to the airport.  LTD prearranged car service via email before arrival.  Our bags were in the car before we completed checking out.  A nice touch is the gift of a tin of mints from the desk attendant.  Perfect for the long international flight


2. Ask for the Mosaic Suite and you will immediately be drawn into looking at the bathroom



 The bathroom is large in the mosaic suite with a large closet and changing room.  Over the large tub is a lovely mosaic design, for which the suite is named, and of course there is a commode and a bidet along with double sinks.  Decor is a mix of luxury, traditional and contemporary.  The room is large with a long entrance hall. Typically mattresses are very firm in Europe and that is the case at the Principe also.  The pillows are down and firm but not as hard as other hotels where LTD has stayed in Europe.  The robes are plush and perfect. A large dressing area is included in the suite between the bedroom area and bathroom with a writing desk, large closets and many drawers.  Shower amenities are by Acqua di Parma, locally made in Milan, which has a masculine but unique scent.

Ask for the Mosaic Suite and you will immediately be drawn into looking at the bathroom.

Ask for the Mosaic Suite and you will immediately be drawn into looking at the bathroom.

The tub is large with a lovely mosaic design over it.

The suite is named for the lovely mosaic over the tub.


Shower amenities are by Acqua di Parma, locally made in Milan, which has a masculine but unique scent.

Entrance to the Mosaic Suite
Decor is a mix of luxury, traditional and contemporary which begins with a long entrance hall. 


Decor is a mix of luxury, traditional and contemporary. 


Decor is a mix of luxury, traditional and contemporary. 


A large dressing area is included in the suite between the bedroom area and bathroom with a writing desk large closets and many drawers.




RxTip: 



 At a 5 star hotel, ask the bed to be made into a king configuration if you want.  Housekeeping can come to your room and change the bedding for you.  




3. Go to the tenth floor to view the famous Presidential Suite, a favorite of royalty and celebrities.


Having a private elevator, this majestic suite presents three en suite bedrooms, a formal dining room and a Pompeii styled private swimming pool. Working fireplaces add to the warm ambience, while a private terrace on the hotel’s tenth floor offers a prime view over the rooftops of Milan.  To complete important work enjoy your own WiFi network.

Private Elevator leading to the Presidential Suite.
Entrance to the Presidential Suite.

Private Foyer of the the Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite (compliments of the Dorchester Collection)

The Presidential Suite private pool (compliments of the Dorchester Collection)




4.  Make a reservation that includes breakfast. You won't regret it!


Breakfast is everything you would expect including a large selection of breads, pastries, jams, honey, meats, cheeses, yogurt, juices, champagne and cereal.  There is a special selection table
specially prepared and new from the chef daily.  There are extensive gluten free options.  The service is excellent with the staff anticipating your needs.  Finally, actual cream for coffee (not milk) was provided!

Breakfast in Acanto Restaurant

Breakfast in Acanto Restaurant


Dinner at the Bar Principe was outstanding.  Principe Bar is style personified including the resident DJ, the warm and impeccable bartenders, and the statement ceiling. It’s an experience not to be missed. LTD enjoyed regional white wines and extensive complimentary olives, nuts, homemade chips, and creations from the chef such as octopus, polenta, fresh vegetables with sliced olive oil for dipping, among others.  LTD shared a caprese salad with buffalo mozzarella, lobster and tiramisu.  LTD had plenty of food while enjoying the “DJ” quietly and elegantly spinning hits from the 80s and 90s.  Clearly they know the ages of their patrons!



5.  Enjoy the facilities at Club10 before or after your satisfying day of touring



Club 10 is on the top floor which is the same as the famous Presidential Suite with great options for spa services which LTD welcomed after a long cycling journey.  Enjoy the indoor pool or the terrace for some downtime in a busy city.  There are bottles of water, infused water, apples and iced cloths available.  The locker rooms of the 10th floor are well stocked with lockers, robes and flip flops available for your use.  There are full bathing amenities and if you have forgotten your own styling products, there are complimentary facial and hair care products available for use.  Shower amenities are by Acqua di Parma.  The view of Milan from this floor is fabulous an is the same as provided in the Presidential Suite. After touring, at least go to the roof top terrace for beautiful views of the city and a cold bottle of water.  You can order a glass of wine if you would rather. If the terrace is too sunny ask for an awning to be opened or an umbrella.   An excellent gym is present on the top floor if you prefer to enjoy the view while exercising.   The gym is hot by American standards.  see LTD post on European air conditioning.  





The locker rooms of the 10th floor are well stocked.


Complimentary skin care products in Club 10.

Complimentary hair care products in Club 10.



The dressing area of Club 10.


Shower amenities in Club 10.


The women's locker room area of Club 10.


Indoor pool of the Principe on 10th Floor.


An excellent gym is present on the top floor.


Enjoy the view while exercising.


The roof top terrace has beautiful views of Milan.


The view of Milan from the rooftop terrace is fabulous.








6.  The Principe is not in the center of tourist attractions. 



The only downside to the Principe is that it is far from tourist sites, but some may find this to be a positive attribute.  A house car (a small Mercedes van that can fit several persons) is available to take you to the city center near La Scala Opera or shopping sites, but if you enjoy walking, the walk is safe and easily manageable.  Plus the walk will take you by many of the fashion houses which is a great opportunity to see what happens before fashion items end up in store fronts!  


When traveling, your accommodations can be part of the experience if you let it.  Enjoy the hotel AND enjoy the destination.  Milan is a city with a rich history of art, architecture and culture. For more information on what to do in Milan see LTD post about what to do in Milan by clicking here.


The best guide in Milan is Alice Salvagnin, of Milan Private Tours!

Rx Tip:


The best guide in Milan is Alice Salvagnin, of Milan Private Tours!  To see the true Hidden Gems of Milan, contact her and enjoy fabulous insights into this beautiful city of art, culture, and architecture. Read LTD full review of Milan Private tours by clicking here!

Rx Tip:


Recommended reading while relaxing at the Principe in Milan are Leonardo da Vinci by Walter Isaacson and The Tigress of Forli: Renaissance Italy's Most Courageous and Notorious Countess, Caterina Riario Sforza de' Medici who was a daughter of Milan, written by Elizabeth Lev.



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