This article is from the July/August 2004 issue of Dream of Italy:
Blowout Choice: The Bulgari Hotel
With the backing of a luxury goods company, a location in the heart of one
of Milan’s most exclusive neighborhoods,
bell hops who could (and probably do) double as male models and elegant, modern
decor, I expected the
brand-new Bulgari Hotel to be, well, how can I say this, a bit cold. I was completely
wrong.
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No matter that I inadvertently arrived in the sleek, modern, black marble lobby
in jeans and running sneakers (yikes, can you say American?), I was treated
to a warm welcome and a genuine interest in my stay in Milan. The hotel had
been open for just 10 days and while this might have accounted for the enthusiasm
of the staff, I like to think they will be just as friendly a year from now.
I knew this hotel stay was going to be different when my taxi driver turned
on to a private road and checked
in with a security guard. Set next to Milan's botanical gardens, yet just
steps from Armani's flagship store, the Bulgari is a resort oasis in the
middle of a bustling city. Most of the guest rooms have views of the hotel's
lovely back garden which turns into an already-popular-with-the-chic-locals
outdoor lounge in the evenings.
My surprisingly cozy room was decorated in a palette of black, beige, white
and tobacco. It had a walk-in closet (there's a free unpacking and packing
service), a black leather desk, a movable flat-screen television, a Tivoli CD
player and two plush, pillow-strewn beds.
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I often judge hotels on the quality of their bathrooms. Although it may sound
cliché, when I walked into mine, I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
The well-lit and airy marble bathroom featured a large tub, bronze-accented
shower, separate toilet area, thick white towels and a slew of sweetsmelling
bath products from Bulgari's
Green Tea line. There was also a large window overlooking the garden. Next to
the tub was a bath menu, in case I wanted a staff member to whip me up a relaxing
aromatherapy bath (for an additional fee).
Even luxury travelers who are paying a small fortune per night, don’t
like to be nickel-and-dimed and I was pleased
that the hotel offered free Internet access on the plasma TV as well as the
complimentary use of a laptop computer.
I knew this hotel was truly focused on the details when the chocolates I received
at turn-down were so luscious
that I saved the wrappers on the side table so that I could remember the brand
name, Babbi. The housekeeper noticed my enthusiasm and returned to my room one night to give me a few extra. This winning
combination of detail and service extended to the bottle of water the front
desk clerk handed me as I left for the airport. It was like she had read my mind.
Bulgari Hotel
Via Privata Fratelli Gabba, 7b
(39) 02 8058051
Rates: Room rates start at just under 500 euros, per night, although we've seen specials for around 360 euros per night. (Prices updated August 2006.)
Budget Choice: Hotel Manzoni
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don't want to pay the equivalent of a Prada bag for the privilege, the
Hotel Manzoni is an ideal choice. On a quiet street just off of Via Montenapoleone,
the Manzoni offers one of the best deals in the entire city. A double room with
breakfast is 193 euros year-round. This 52-room hotel offers comfort without
the frills. There's a bar and television lounge just off the lobby. The
guest rooms are small but functional with simple, yet attractive décor.
Some of the rooms have balconies. All have television, hair dryers and air conditioning.
Don't expect bath menus here as the bathrooms contain showers only. Travelers
renting cars and heading off to the Lakes or other destinations should take note
that the Manzoni has an attached garage where guests can park for an additional
fee. If you're planning a visit to Milan, make your reservation at Hotel
Manzoni as soon as possible. The word is out on this
affordable gem. One travel agent I know has never been able to book a room here,
while I was able to secure a last-minute reservation at the beginning of June.
Hotel Manzoni
Via Santo Spirito, 20
(39) 02 76005700
Rates: A single room with breakfast costs 135 euros per night;
a suite is 260 euros per night per night, including breakfast. (These are 2004 prices, trying to find out 2006 prices, hotel may be in the midst of a full renovation.)
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