From Armani, With Love

We’ve got just the postcard-perfect reasons why you’ll want to make this your Milan address.

byBarbara Koh

We’ve got just the postcard-perfect reasons why you’ll want to make this your Milan address.

"The Duomo di Milano, with its striking spires, is a Milanese icon."

It’s a city steeped in history and many argue that Milan pips out Paris as fashion capital of the world, being home to showrooms of some of the oldest and biggest names in luxury fashion. But whether you’re there to soak in its culture and architecture, or get your dose of Italian designer shopping, we’ve got the perfect address for you to unpack your bags and find your rest. The Armani Hotel Milano, at Via Manzoni 31, 20121, Milano, is perfectly placed for the stylish tourist living la dolce vita.

"Elegant Armani/Casa furnishings adorn The Armani Hotel Milano"

YOU’RE A SHORT WALK AWAY FROM THE DUOMO

If you love architecture, especially of the Gothic nature, the Duomo di Milano is a mustvisit. And it’s only a six-minute walk from the hotel. This amazing Milanese icon, with its striking pink-hued white marble, sourced from the quarries of Lake Maggiore, had its beginnings in 1386 when the Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo made plans for a new cathedral to be built on the site of Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore.

It took six centuries to complete! So you can expect the most intricate of details, stunning stained glass windows, sculptures, and paintings. The outer perimeter alone, with its roof terraces, 135 spires and pinnacles covered with thousands of ornamental elements, will have you enraptured. Being so iconic, it naturally gets very busy, so book your tickets ahead online. You can also enjoy the novel experience of climbing directly onto the spire-laden rooftop (weather permitting) of the Duomo for a panoramic view of the city. You’ll need to book tickets for this too.

"Stylish address: The Armani Hotel Milano is located in Milan’s “golden rectangle” fashion district."

SHOPPING STARTS RIGHT AT YOUR DOORSTEP

To be accurate, shopping starts within the building – with all things Armani available. Besides the latest designs from the Italian designer, the store on the ground floor of the hotel also carries the Giorgio Armani range of makeup, and beauty lovers will tell you to stock up on the Lip Maestro liquid lipsticks which are currently only available in Duty Free stores at Changi Airport.

Even better, the elegant Armani Hotel Milano is located in the prestigious Manzoni 31 building, anchoring the world-famous fashion district, the Quadrilatero d’Oro or “the golden rectangle”. It is named as such as the highend boutiques are limited to four streets: Via Monte Napoleone, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Via Della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea. They enclose a posh maze of streets that’ll grant you endless hours of shopping.

Closer to the Duomo is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a covered pedestrian street with two glass-vaulted arcades and an intricately designed central glass dome. The Renaissan cestyle structure is one of the most famous examples of European iron architecture, and the Galleria reflects what retail space used to look like in the 19th Century. It’s Instagram worthy, but you’ll have to head there first thing in the morning, before the pigeons and obtrusive selfie sticks descend. You’ll also find stores like Prada and Gucci here.

"The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II stands out with its iron architecture.''

ITS’ WHERE THE CHIC DO DRINKS

When the sun sets and it’s time to chill, step into one of your most stylish outfits and head for the Armani/Lounge on the seventh floor of the hotel. Overlooking the stunning skyline and terraces of the city, it offers guests an exclusive yet elegant space surrounded by a relaxing atmosphere and good music. The Armani/Bamboo Bar, with its double volume ceiling, louvered window wall and backlit onyx features, is perfect for catching up with friends, an informal lunch or to simply watch the world go by while enjoying an elegant afternoon tea or a pre-dinner aperitif.

"Have pre-dinner drinks in style at the Armani/Bamboo Bar."

DESIGNER STYLE LIVING

If you’ve always wanted to know how Giorgio Armani lives, the hotel rooms will give you an idea. Each of the 95 rooms and suites has been designed by Giorgio in his chic, minimalist style with shades of sand, cream and beige.Order and sense of space play an important part of the design aesthetic, so you’ll see cupboards recessing into walls and sliding panels concealing flat-screen TVs. The elegant stone bathrooms allow a respite after a day of shopping and exploring. And if you want further pampering, head for the rooftop spa.

The hotel aims to give guests a home-away from home experience, and Lifestyle Managers are assigned to guests before and during their stay. They are responsible for anticipating and attending to your needs – and will show you to your room upon arrival to help you feel as relaxed as you would be in your own home.