Hotel Principe di Savoia Milano

The Principe di Savoia in Milan has always been something of a contradiction, offering the sort of style and luxury typical of city-centre hotels, along with the business-focused services provided for its clientele. When it was founded in 1927, its location well outside the city centre surprised many people, but its proximity to the Central Station placed it firmly on the business map. In those days, an orchestra played classical music for diners from 8 to 11 p.m. It quickly became an international success story, attracting royalty, artists and intellectuals as well as the business personalities that it was originally designed for.

A major refurbishment was performed from 2003, when the Principe di Savoia became part of the Dorchester Collection. Rooms, suites and meeting areas were redesigned, along with spa, gym, swimming pool, business centre, and latest technology including wi-fi and interactive TV. All this is presented in the lovely Neoclassical-Art Nouveau style in which the building was originally constructed. Today, the hotel continues its long tradition, making it a place at which the international elite can meet in a setting of style and class.

The hotel has won an impressive number of awards. To mention just the most recent, these include first place as Italy's Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2011, second-best hotel in Italy at Class 2011, best Italian hotel in the category "Congress Hotel" at the Premio dell'Osso prize 2009/10, its position as one of the 500 World's Best Hotels (Travel and Leisure USA 2010), and as one of the world's top five best luxury business hotels (NABTA Award 2009).

Its restaurants also rate highly, and they have won the accolade of "Best Restaurant in a hotel in Europe" from Prix Villegiature 2010, and Wine Spectator's Best of Award Excellence from 2007 to 2010. Acanto Restaurant has been highlighted for its fine cuisine in Gambero Rosso 2011, L'Espresso 2011, Il Sole 24 Ore 2011, the Michelin Guide 2010, and in other publications. Il Salotto and the Principe Bar are featured as amongst the best bars in Italy. The hotel's celebrated visitors include Emperor Akihito of Japan and Empress Michiko, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, King Gustav of Sweden, Queen Rania of Jordan, Bill Gates, the Dalai Lama, and stars galore including Woody Allen, Ursula Andress, David Bowie, Eric Clapton and many others.

Rooms and Suites
There are 401 prestige accommodation units, 335 rooms and 66 suites. All offer an impressive standard of comfort and luxury. The Principe Suites feature hand-painted frescoes, traditional Italian furniture, opulent purple armchairs and atmospheric floor lamps. Bathrooms are stunning, spacious and bright, with a Lasa marble bath, and a shower with hand-made glass mosaic. There are four Imperial Suites, 230 square-metre spaces with a large sitting room and a splendid bathroom with Turkish bath, chromatherapy system and power shower. The Royal Suite has two bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious hall and a sitting room with walnut wall panelling and inlaid timber floors. however, the Presidential Suite is a pearl of Italian hoteliery, with three sumptuous bedrooms, a living room, private pool, exquisite décor and spectacular views.

Acanto Restaurant
Acanto presents a fresh and characteristically Milanese cuisine. Executive chef Fabrizio Cadei's menus are inspired by classic Italian cuisine, with a light touch and superb presentation. Lombard traditions are combined with Mediterranean flavours, prepared in a show kitchen designed by Paul Valet (famous for his work with Alain Ducasse) and featuring state-of-the-art cooking equipment and glass panelling. Diners can watch the fascinating process of chefs at work. Fabrizio Cadei has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the culinary field, propelled by his creativity and his work with Michelin-starred chefs. He himself has attained a Michelin star and the "Best Hotel Restaurant in Italy" award.

The restaurant is continuous with the veranda, providing a stylish dining setting and a lovely courtyard for cocktails. Banisters separating the raised floor from the main dining area are in curved glass, with under-floor lighting for extra sophistication. The veranda looks onto the Italian-style garden with an 18th century fountain. During the day, sunlight pours in through a glass dome, while in the evening, the atmosphere is made even more romantic by the garden lighting. The setting is completed by natural beige fabric wallcoverings, Murano glass chandeliers, and generous timber panelling.

The Principe Bar
Light, sparkle, sensuous, glittering and radiant: these are just a few of the adjectives that could be used to describe the bar at Hotel Principe di Savoia. Architect and interior designer Thierry Despont created an exciting interior, featuring extensive marble, lovely Italian fabric and hand-made velvet, mirrors and glass. The centrepiece of the bar is a custom-made banquette that theatrically embraces a grand piano, which provides a pleasant musical backdrop. The bar itself is a work of art, sculpted in tinted crystal, with a backlit mirrored wall that enhances the sophisticated lighting within the room.

The Principe Bar has long been famous for its cocktails, served to celebrities including Madonna, Robert De Niro and Quentin Tarantino, as well as the fashion set. One of its characteristic rituals is the Thursday evening oysters and champagne selection, with six fine Tsarskaya oysters and a flute of Moët & Chandon. A suitable accompaniment is provided by a live DJ set. The Principe Bar is open from 6 p.m. until late.

Il Salotto
Il Salotto is the lobby of the hotel, and it is truly spellbinding for its opulence and the warmth of its atmosphere. Designer Thierry Despont created a balance between classic and innovative style. The lobby is a favourite location in the city for aperitifs, surrounded by prestige furniture and fabrics, carpets, tables and armchairs, hand made by local craftspeople. Notes of period classicism are provided by paintings by artists such as Luca Giordano, as well as a superb Murano glass chandelier.

In-Room Dining
In-Room Dining is available around the clock at Hotel Principe di Savoia, with menu options ranging from a wide selection of breakfast specialities including Continental Breakfast, Wellness Breakfast, Savoia Breakfast and more, to special menus such as a Kids’ Menu, Vegetarian Dishes and a Take-Away menu.

Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center
The Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center is the ideal location for a unique remise en beauté, with its state-of-the-art beauty treatments, make-up and personalized hairdressing. On the top floor of the Hotel Principe di Savoia, the Center offers psychological and physical wellbeing in premises offering spectacular views over the city. The luxury of the setting is enhanced by prestige detailing including mahogany panelled dressing rooms and fine polychrome marble showers. Its habitual customers include personalities including Victoria Beckham, Nadonna, and Queen Rania of Jordan. Signature treatments include a two-hour Thai massage and Aromasoul Treatment, a ritual scrub based on natural elements, and Kanebo, Thalgo and Comfort Zone products.

The spa is open to hotel guests, and to 120 elite members, with a membership policy that guarantees an exclusive and tranquil atmosphere. In addition, there is a spacious gym with Technogym equipment. Each unit has a mini-TV, headphones, fast track control, joystick, and a natural perfume essence device.

Facilities also comprise a 60-square-metre pool, and a relaxation area with whirlpool tub, sauna and Turkish bath. Beauty treatments are available every day from 7.00 a.m. until 10.00 p.m. Phone +39 02 6230 4024 for information and bookings.

Banqueting and meetings
The Principe di Savoia has 14 exclusive event spaces, which can be combined if required. The largest meeting hall can host up to 1,000 guests. All halls have the latest audio-visual technology, including wi-fi internet. Event planners are assisted by the hotel's staff and catering facilities, so that services can be customized to requirements.

H.N. 16.12.2011