Milan is a city that never stands still. The capital of fashion, design, art and one of the finest cuisines in the world has always attracted travelers with refined taste. Fashion Week, Salone del Mobile, Tourism Exchange, something significant happens here every week. Milan is a city that lives twenty-four hours a day and demands the same from you. During my last stay in this extraordinary city, I decided to stay at the Hilton Milan. Now I can say with certainty that this is one of those choices that justify every dinar. This hotel is not just a place to sleep, it is a destination in itself. The space where Italian elegance meets contemporary design inspired by nature makes it a unique experience in the world of big hotel brands.
Before starting today’s hotel review in Milan, I would like to express my special gratitude to the United Nations World Tourism Organization – UN Tourism and the Hilton Milan Hotel for their support and promotion of quality tourism around the world. Their dedication to connecting cultures and destinations is an inspiration to all of us who believe that travel enriches the soul.
If you happened to miss my Milan travelogue, or simply want to revisit some details before planning your own trip to this extraordinary city, I recommend setting aside a few minutes to read the full story. Everything I discovered, experienced and fell in love with during my time in Milan from hidden neighbourhood gems to the landmarks that never lose their magic is waiting for you at the following LINK.
HILTON MILAN: A GAME-CHANGER LOCATION
When choosing a hotel in Milan, location is everything. Hilton Milan is located at Via Luigi Galvani 12, just two hundred meters from the Milano Centrale train station. This practically means that you have less than a five-minute walk from the platform to the hotel lobby. For any traveler arriving by train from Venice, Florence, Rome or even Lake Como, this is an invaluable advantage. The Milano Centrale station is also the hub of the city’s metro, so you have direct access to the entire city without any effort.
From there I walked around Milan every day from the Duomo di Milano and the elegant Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, to the La Scala theater and the mighty Castello Sforzesco. All these sights are located about two kilometers from the hotel, which is the perfect distance for a pleasant walk through the streets of Milan. On the way, I also passed through the Isola neighborhood, which just served as inspiration for the complete renovation of this hotel. Porta Nuova is just a fifteen-minute walk away, and the famous Corso Como is less than a kilometer and a half away.
What should be noted is that the surroundings of the hotel are very lively and practical for everyday needs. There is a supermarket and a car rental agency right next to the hotel, while buses to Malpensa, Linate and Orio al Serio airports are available directly from the train station. Even the Rho Fiera Milano exhibition center, where the world’s largest exhibitions are held, is only fifteen minutes away by train. For shopping lovers, one of the longest shopping streets in Europe, Corso Buenos Aires, starts at a short walking distance from the hotel.
HILTON MILAN: THE HISTORY OF THE HOTEL AND THE NEW ERA OF BIOPHILIC LUXURY
Hilton Milan was built way back in 1968 and since then has been one of the most recognizable hotel addresses in the city. With nine floors and 323 rooms, this hotel has been synonymous with business elegance and comfort for decades. Its proximity to the train station has made it a favorite choice of both business travelers and tourists from around the world.
What sets Hilton Milan apart from the competition in the last few years is the ambitious renovation launched at the beginning of 2024. The project was entrusted to the renowned architectural studio THDP, whose founders Nicholas Hickson and Manuela Mannino already won the London Design Award for the best hotel lobby in 2017, precisely for the previous renovation of this same hotel. This time they went one step further.
The entire concept of the new renovation is based on the principles of biophilic architecture, a philosophy that emphasizes the harmony between man and nature. They found inspiration in the green spirit of the nearby Isola neighborhood and the Palazzo Sistema project, which is based on the same principles. The interior of the rooms and public spaces is full of natural materials, wooden panels, marble and soft lighting that creates an intimate atmosphere. Plants and green elements are present at every step, from the lobby to the floors.
The renovation first included 155 rooms in the west wing, which were ready for the Milan Fashion Week in September 2024. This was followed by the renovation of 165 rooms in the east wing, as well as the complete transformation of the suites and the Executive Lounge area. The terrace has been transformed into a versatile modular indoor space, suitable for organizing events throughout the year. On that occasion, the general manager stated that he expects the renovation to attract a larger number of tourists who value the environment and seek psychophysical balance even during travel. That approach is really felt in every corner of the hotel.
HILTON MILAN: THE GLASS GARDEN, THE GREEN HEART OF THE HOTEL
One of the most fascinating stories about the Hilton Milan hotel is their greenhouse on the first floor terrace. When I first saw it, I thought it was a decorative event space. However, the truth is much more interesting than that. This garden is actually a functional garden where tomatoes, eggplant, various types of herbs, hot peppers of different strengths and edible flowers are grown. Everything that grows in this garden ends up directly in the hotel restaurant.
The chef personally takes care of the plants in the greenhouse, respecting the seasonal rhythms of nature. He picks fresh ingredients every day and uses them in his recipes. This approach reduces the hotel’s carbon footprint because it eliminates the transportation of food from more distant sources. At the same time, guests are guaranteed absolute freshness on the plate. The inspiration for this green project was found in the nearby park of the Biblioteca degli Alberi, the green lungs of Milan’s Porta Nuova district.
ISOLA DISTRICT: INSPIRATION FOR HOTEL REVIVAL
It is worth devoting a few words to the Isola district, because without understanding this part of Milan it is difficult to fully understand the philosophy behind the renovation of the Hilton Milan hotel. Isola, which means “island” in Italian, was once a working-class neighborhood isolated from the rest of the city by railroad tracks. In the last fifteen years, it has experienced an incredible transformation and has become one of the most interesting and greenest urban areas in Milan.
The Biblioteca degli Alberi Park, a green oasis that stretches over almost ten hectares right next to the skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova complex, is the heart of this transformation. It was this park that served as the inspiration for the hotel’s greenhouse and the overall biophilic approach to the renovation. A stroll through Isola takes you from trendy galleries and independent boutiques to colorful cafes and restaurants with food from around the world. This neighborhood perfectly exemplifies what Milan does better than any other European city, blending past and future effortlessly.
The heart of Isola is less than a twenty-minute walk from the hotel, making it ideal for an afternoon stroll after a morning tour of the city center.
HILTON MILAN: THE LOBBY, THE PLACE THAT CONQUERS YOU AT FIRST GLANCE
As soon as I stepped into the lobby of the Hilton Milan, I knew I was in for something special. The space is grand, but not in the cold, unapproachable way I sometimes find in large chain hotels. Everything here is warm, refined and thought out to the last detail. The marble floors shine under the light of the impressive chandelier that dominates the central part of the lobby. Below it stands an elegant round table with beautiful flower arrangements in black vases of pink alstroemeria, purple allium and yellow orchids creating a vivid contrast with the neutral tones of the space.
The reception is on the right, with a marble counter and a warm background of upholstered wall in copper bronze tones. The staff is professional, friendly and speaks several foreign languages. Check-in was fast and comfortable, and what particularly pleased me was the careful treatment and detailed explanations about all the hotel facilities.
On the left side of the lobby there is an elegant lobby bar and lounge with armchairs upholstered in gray and beige tones, decorated with pillows with a distinctive houndstooth pattern. Wooden shelves-partitions with green plants give the space warmth and intimacy, while parquet in a fish pattern adds a classic Milanese note. Artistic paintings on the walls, modern lighting and carefully selected pieces of furniture make you feel like you are in a well-decorated space rather than a conventional hotel lobby.
COTOLIAMO RESTAURANT: A CULINARY GEM
The CotoliAMO restaurant represents the gastronomic heart of the Hilton Milan hotel. It specializes in Northern Italian cuisine with a special focus on Milanese specialties. The restaurant space is elegant and modern, with dark wooden tables, dark leather chairs and a striking art installation of metal discs hanging from the ceiling creating an almost hypnotic visual effect. Behind this curtain of metal elements hides the doors of the elevators, which is a brilliant design solution that turns functionality into art.
The atmosphere in the restaurant is suitable for both business dinners and romantic outings. The lighting is dim and warm, the tablecloths are impeccably clean, and each table is decorated with a small flower arrangement. The restaurant staff is attentive and discreetly present. The menu is full of traditional Milanese dishes prepared with ingredients from the hotel’s greenhouse, which gives everything an extra dimension of freshness and authenticity.
HILTON MILAN: LOBBY SALON AND BUSINESS SPACE
In addition to the bar and restaurant, Hilton Milan also has a spacious lounge for work and rest. This space is designed for guests who want to do business in a relaxed atmosphere or simply retreat with a book and a cup of coffee. Round tables, comfortable armchairs, a large conical lamp and wooden shelves filled with books and plants create the perfect environment for productivity.
For those with more serious business needs, the hotel offers thirteen conference rooms for groups of six to two hundred people. There is also a brand new ballroom that can accommodate two hundred seated guests. All halls are equipped with modern audio-visual technology and wireless internet. Given its proximity to the train station and metro, the Hilton Milan is an extremely practical choice for business meetings and conferences.
HILTON MILAN KING JUNIOR SUITE: MY HOME IN MILAN
Staying in the King Junior Suite was one of the best hotel experiences I can remember. The apartment is spacious, with a clearly separated space for living room and bedroom. The bed is of king size, with soft white sheets that invite you to crawl into it and not get up. Above the headboard is a shelf with framed artwork of abstract paintings in tones of red, green and white, flanked by two Edison bulbs that provide a romantic, warm light.
The walls of the room are lined with vertical textile panels in soft beige tones that add depth and elegance to the space. On one side of the room there is a dressing table with a round backlit mirror and a Lavazza coffee machine, the perfect detail for the morning ritual. Macaroons in various colors, fresh fruit and a bottle of Acqua Panna water greeted me on the welcome table. Such small gestures show how much the hotel cares about its guests.
The living room in the apartment is equipped with a comfortable burgundy sofa, a round table and elegant curtains. The lighting can be adjusted as desired, from a fully illuminated working mode to a subdued evening ambience. The TV is large screen and connected to all modern streaming platforms. The air conditioner works flawlessly, and every detail in the room, from sockets on the bedside tables to quality bedding, speaks of a hotel that understands the needs of the modern traveler.
MARBLE BATHROOM: TRUE MILAN LUXURY
The bathroom in the apartment deserves a separate chapter. It is completely covered with marble in warm shades of white and brown with distinct patterns that make each piece unique. The shower cabin is spacious, with glass partitions in black metal frames and a large rain shower head. In addition, there is a hand shower for added comfort. The sink is elegant, with an oval mirror bordered by a wooden frame and two black wall lamps on each side.
Bathroom amenities include Crabtree & Evelyn’s signature shampoo, conditioner and shower gel mounted on the wall in large pumps of a turquoise design. A detail that I especially appreciated is the cosmetic mirror with magnification and its own lighting, ideal for morning preparations. The towels are soft, thick and always neatly stacked on the shelves under the sink.
Another smaller bathroom with sink and mirror ensures that you always have enough space and privacy in the apartment. Every element, from the joints in the marble to the chrome faucets, gives the impression of quality and attention to detail. This is not a bathroom in which you rush to work, this is a space in which you enjoy. The warm shade of marble creates the feeling that you are in a private spa, not a hotel room.
HILTON MILAN: A MEAL YOU REMEMBER, THE BEST ITALIAN BREAKFAST
If you ask me what is one of the strongest points of the Hilton Milan, I will say breakfast without hesitation. The buffet breakfast served in the restaurant is simply spectacular in scope and quality. I’ll start with the juices, freshly squeezed orange juice, kiwi and pear juice, and ACE orange, carrot and lemon juice are served in large glass dispensers. This detail alone speaks of the seriousness of the approach towards visitors.
The buffet continues with a rich offer of fresh fruit: mango, pineapple, watermelon, fruit salad and green apples. There are yogurts, muesli, various types of cereals and seeds. The meat section leaves you breathless: prosciutto crudo (parma ham), prosciutto coto (cooked ham), mortadella with pistachios and various types of salami are laid out on wooden boards. Everything is freshly cut and attractively presented.
The hot part of the breakfast includes eggs prepared in a variety of ways, steaks, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes and warm croissants straight from the bakery. Coffee is prepared to order: cappuccino, espresso or latte machiato, always fresh and with that real Italian creamy foam. For someone used to fine dining around the world, I can safely say that this is among the best hotel meals I’ve had in Italy.
I was particularly impressed by the presentation of the food. Each dish has its own label in two languages: Italian and English. Herbs in pots are placed along the buffet as a decoration, but also as a functional element that emphasizes the hotel’s connection with nature and fresh ingredients. Even the plates, bowls and utensils are carefully selected to be in harmony with the overall aesthetics of the space. This is a breakfast that is not just a meal, but an experience that sets the standard for the whole day in Milan.
HILTON’S NOTES: MY PERSONAL GUIDE TO MILAN
One of the funniest details in the room was the Hilton notebook I found on the coffee table. On it I immediately wrote my list of must-see Milan destinations: Duomo di Milano, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Teatro alla Scala, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Castello Sforzesco and Navigli. This little prop perfectly illustrates how conveniently located the hotel is for exploring the city.
The Duomo di Milano is the untouchable symbol of the city, a Gothic cathedral whose construction took almost six centuries. Its roof terrace offers one of the most beautiful views of the city and the Alps in the distance. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest shopping center in Italy and an architectural gem with a glass roof, home to luxury brands such as Prada and Louis Vuitton. Teatro alla Scala is one of the most famous opera theaters in the world, with a tradition spanning over two and a half centuries, where works by Verdi and Puccini were premiered.
Santa Maria delle Grazie houses Leonardo’s Last Supper, one of the most valuable works of art in the history of civilization. Tickets for this masterpiece need to be booked weeks in advance, so I advise that this be the first thing you organize before the trip. Castello Sforzesco is the former residence of the Dukes of Milan, today a museum with collections from Michelangelo to Egyptian artifacts. Its inner courtyards are a peaceful oasis in the midst of urban chaos. And the Navigli, Milan’s canals, are the perfect place for an evening stroll, an aperitivo and enjoying the local atmosphere with the inevitable spritz.
HILTON MILAN FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS, EVERYTHING YOU NEED
Hilton Milan has long been considered one of the most important business hotel addresses in Milan. With thirteen conference rooms with a total area of over one thousand and six square meters, the hotel can host everything from intimate meetings for six people to large congresses for two hundred participants. The newly built ballroom offers the possibility of dividing it into three smaller halls, which gives exceptional flexibility to event organizers.
The gym is open twenty-four hours a day, which is an important detail for travelers who come from different time zones or simply like to fit a workout into unusual hours. The Executive Lounge with outdoor terrace offers complementary refreshments and snacks throughout the day, with a happy hour from 18:00 to 20:00 with wine, beer and cocktails.
WHY IS HILTON MILAN SO POPULAR?
The popularity of the Hilton Milan hotel stems from a combination of several key factors. First of all, the location is unbeatable, two hundred meters from the biggest train station in Milan gives access to the whole city and makes the hotel ideal for every type of traveler. The 2024 renovation brought a completely new visual identity based on biophilic design, which makes the hotel unique among the large hotel chains.
Then there is the gastronomic offer that goes beyond the usual hotel standards. The CotoliAMO restaurant and the concept of a greenhouse with fresh ingredients from its own cultivation set a new standard for urban hospitality. The breakfast is really of exceptional quality and variety. Finally, the general manager and his team create an atmosphere where every guest feels welcome and valued.
It is also important to mention the Hilton Honors loyalty program, which further increases the value of the stay. Program members enjoy a variety of benefits such as free wireless internet, digital check-in and check-out via the app, and access to exclusive offers. For frequent travelers, earning points in the Hilton Honors program offers significant savings and long-term lodging upgrades.
Over the decades, the hotel has built a reputation as a reliable host for Milan’s biggest events. Its proximity to the fair center and the train station makes it the first choice during Fashion Week, the Furniture Fair and numerous international conferences. That combination of practicality and style is hard to find in one place.
HILTON MILAN: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS
For anyone planning a visit to Milan, here are some useful tips from personal experience. The city center can be reached from the hotel in a thirty-minute easy walk or in just five minutes by metro from the Centrale station. Linate airport is fifteen kilometers away, while Malpensa can be reached in about an hour by bus that leaves from the train station. A trip to Lake Como takes only an hour by train, and it’s one of those day trips not to be missed.
I recommend booking a room with Executive Lounge access as the complimentary breakfast and refreshments throughout the day add significantly to the value of the stay. The glass garden on the terrace is a must-see, even if you are not a gastronomic enthusiast, the space itself is extremely photogenic and is something you rarely find in urban hotels. Make a reservation at the Cotoli restaurant for at least one dinner, because Milanese specialties prepared with spices from the garden are an experience not to be missed.
For shopping lovers, Corso Buenos Aires is within walking distance, and the famous fashion district with Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga can be reached by metro in ten minutes. As for the best time to visit, spring and autumn are ideal, the temperatures are pleasant for walking, and Milan is especially beautiful surrounded by greenery and without the summer heat. Winter brings the magical atmosphere of Christmas decorations and winter sales, while summer is perfect for the combination of city and lake in the north.
Also, it’s worth noting that Milan is a city that rewards early birds. A Milanese breakfast in one of the local cafeterias, a walk through the empty streets while the city is just waking up, and a morning coffee with a view of the Duomo are moments that photos cannot fully capture. Hilton Milan, with its exceptional breakfast and central location, allows you exactly such rituals.
DEAR MILANO, SEE YOU AGAIN!
My stay at the Hilton Milan left a deep impression. This is not just a hotel, it is a carefully designed space that combines Milanese charm, contemporary biophilic design and true Italian hospitality. From the moment you step into the magnificent lobby, through enjoying a rich breakfast, to evening relaxation in the One Bedroom suite with a marble bathroom, every segment of the stay carries that fine Italian signature of quality.
Hilton Milan proves that large hotel chains can be both innovative and authentic. A functional greenhouse can replace conventional decorations, and a nature-inspired renovation can completely transform the guest experience. For anyone looking for luxury accommodation in Milan with an unbeatable location and a rich gastronomic offer, this is the right choice.
Over the years I have visited many hotels in various parts of the world. However, Hilton Milan brought me back to the essence of why I love to travel, to discover a place that is not only functional, but that tells a story. The story of the city, of the design, of the people behind it. And it is this story that makes every stay unforgettable.
Dear Milano, Thank you for another exceptional experience. See you soon, maybe at the next Fashion Week. 🇮🇹
With Love from Milan,
Mr.M
This post is sponsored by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) and the Hilton Milano Hotel, as well as other local partners who selflessly supported this project. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.
Brilliant review, Marko. I stayed at the Hilton Milan back in 2022 before the renovation and the rooms were decent but showing their age. Seeing your photos of the new marble bathrooms and the biophilic redesign, I barely recognise the place. The glass greenhouse on the terrace is something I have never seen at any hotel chain property anywhere in Europe. Next time I fly through Malpensa I am definitely booking a night here to see the transformation for myself.
Toller Beitrag, Marko. Ich war letztes Jahr in Mailand und habe im Excelsior Hotel Gallia übernachtet, das ebenfalls in der Nähe des Hauptbahnhofs liegt. Die Lage ist ähnlich praktisch, aber diese Glashausgeschichte mit dem eigenen Kräutergarten hat mich wirklich beeindruckt. Mein Mann und ich planen eine Reise nach Norditalien im Herbst und ich werde den Hilton Milan definitiv in die engere Auswahl nehmen. Kann man das Gewächshaus auch besichtigen, wenn man kein Hotelgast ist?
Superbe article, Marko. J’ai séjourné au Château Monfort à Milan il y a trois ans et j’avais adoré le style romantique de cet hôtel. Le Hilton Milan semble offrir une approche complètement différente avec ce concept biophilique et la serre sur la terrasse. Les photos du petit-déjeuner avec le prosciutto crudo et les jus pressés me donnent vraiment envie d’y retourner. Est-ce que le restaurant CotoliAMO est ouvert aussi pour le déjeuner ou uniquement pour le dîner?
Marko, I have been following your blog for a while now and this is one of your most detailed hotel reviews yet. The detail about Chef personally tending the greenhouse plants and using them in the kitchen is exactly the kind of story that separates a good hotel from a memorable one. I visited Milan for Salone del Mobile two years ago and stayed at the NH Collection Milano President near Porta Venezia. Solid hotel but nothing like the character you describe here. That Hilton notepad with your handwritten sightseeing list was a lovely personal touch in the review.
Excelente reseña, Marko. Estuve en Milán en 2023 con mi esposa y nos alojamos en el ME Milan Il Duca, que tiene una terraza espectacular con vista a la ciudad. Sin embargo, el concepto del invernadero del Hilton Milan con hierbas aromáticas y flores comestibles me parece realmente innovador para un hotel urbano. Me gustaría saber si el desayuno buffet está incluido en la tarifa de la habitación o si se paga aparte. Las fotos del buffet de embutidos italianos son increíbles.
Fantastic post Marko! I travel to Milan three or four times a year on business and have always stayed at the Park Hyatt near the Duomo because of the central location. Your review has genuinely made me reconsider for my next trip in September. The proximity to Centrale station is actually more practical for my schedule since I usually take the train from Zurich. One question though, did you find the neighbourhood around the hotel safe and pleasant for evening walks or is it mainly a business district that quiets down after dark?
Geweldig artikel, Marko. Mijn vrouw en ik zijn vorig jaar in Rome geweest en hebben toen jouw Italië-reeks ontdekt. Nu plannen we een reis naar Milaan en deze recensie komt precies op het juiste moment. Het biofiele ontwerp met natuurlijke materialen en planten spreekt ons enorm aan. De foto’s van het marmeren badkamer zijn prachtig is het Crabtree & Evelyn-assortiment in alle kamertypes beschikbaar of alleen in de suites?
Bellissimo articolo, Marko. Sono milanese e devo ammettere che non conoscevo il progetto della serra sul terrazzo del Hilton. È incredibile pensare che un grande albergo di catena abbia creato un orto urbano per il proprio ristorante, proprio nel cuore della città. Le foto che hai scattato della lobby e del ristorante CotoliAMO rendono perfettamente l’atmosfera del nuovo design. Complimenti per la qualità delle immagini, si vede che hai un occhio professionale per la fotografia.
Marko, what a thorough and beautifully photographed review. I stayed at the Armani Hotel Milano a few years ago during fashion week and while it was exquisite, the breakfast did not come close to what you have shown here. That charcuterie spread with prosciutto crudo and pistachio mortadella looks like something from a dedicated salumeria rather than a hotel buffet. The fact that they press their own juices including that kiwi and pear blend shows real commitment to quality. I am adding Hilton Milan to my list for next spring.
Hallo Marko, vielen Dank für diesen ausführlichen Bericht. Ich war 2024 geschäftlich in Mailand und habe damals im Westin Palace übernachtet. Die Renovierung des Hilton Milan klingt wirklich beeindruckend, besonders das Konzept der biophilen Architektur mit der Inspiration aus dem Isola-Viertel. Gibt es im Hotel auch einen Spa-Bereich oder beschränken sich die Wellness-Angebote auf das Fitnessstudio? Für meine Frau wäre das ein wichtiges Kriterium bei der Hotellauswahl.
Great review. The THDP studio clearly did remarkable work with this renovation. I remember reading about their London Design Award for the lobby back in 2017 and it is impressive to see them return and take the project even further. The suspended metal disc installation in the restaurant is a clever way to disguise the lift doors while creating a genuine focal point. Your photo captured that beautifully. I work in interior design myself and the material palette they have chosen warm marble, wood panels, soft textiles is timeless without feeling conservative.
Merci pour cette revue détaillée, Marko. Je suis allée à Milan pour la première fois l’année dernière et j’ai logé au Rosa Grand près du Duomo. C’était bien situé pour le tourisme mais le petit-déjeuner était très ordinaire comparé à ce que tu montres ici. La présentation des charcuteries italiennes et les jus frais dans ces beaux distributeurs en verre, ça change vraiment l’expérience du matin. Je note le Hilton Milan pour mon prochain voyage en Italie.
Hola Marko, llevo siguiendo tu blog desde hace tiempo y siempre me sorprende la calidad de tus fotografías. El detalle del bloc de notas de Hilton con la lista de monumentos escritos a mano es genial, le da un toque muy personal a la reseña. Estuve en Roma hace dos años y me alojé en un pequeño hotel boutique cerca del Panteón, pero para Milán prefiero algo más grande y con buena conexión al transporte. La cercanía del Hilton a la estación Centrale parece ideal para alguien que quiere explorar también el Lago de Como en una excursión de un… Read more »
Marko, this is exactly the kind of review I look for before booking a hotel. Not just listing amenities but telling the story of the place. The section about the Isola neighbourhood and how it inspired the renovation gave me context I would not have found on the hotel website. My husband and I are planning a two-week Italy trip starting in Milan and ending in the Amalfi Coast. Could you recommend how many nights in Milan would be enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed? Your list on the Hilton notepad seems like a solid starting point.
Prachtige review, Marko. Ik ben vorig jaar voor het eerst in Milaan geweest en had toen geen idee waar ik moest overnachten. Uiteindelijk koos ik voor een klein boutique hotel bij Navigli, wat leuk was voor de sfeer maar niet zo praktisch qua bereikbaarheid. De locatie van het Hilton Milan op loopafstand van het Centraal Station klinkt veel handiger, zeker als je ook dagtrips wilt maken naar Como of Bergamo. De foto’s van het ontbijt hebben me overtuigd om hier de volgende keer te boeken.
I appreciate the honest and detailed perspective here. Too many hotel reviews read like paid advertisements but yours feels like genuine travel journalism. The fact that you mentioned the Crabtree & Evelyn products by name, the Lavazza coffee machine model and even the specific juice flavours at breakfast tells me you actually paid attention to every detail. I stayed at the Hilton Milan about five years ago when the rooms were still in their pre-renovation state and the difference based on your photos is remarkable. Well done.
Ciao Marko, complimenti per questo bellissimo racconto. Ho letto anche il tuo precedente articolo su Milano e devo dire che insieme formano una guida completa per chi vuole visitare la città. La parte sulla serra mi ha colpito particolarmente perché non sapevo che lo chef Ghirardi coltivasse personalmente le erbe aromatiche. Quanto tempo sei rimasto a Milano durante questo soggiorno? Mi piacerebbe sapere se hai avuto modo di esplorare anche la zona dei Navigli durante la sera.
Hallo Marko, wat een fantastische hotelrecensie. De marmeren badkamer ziet er werkelijk schitterend uit op de foto’s. Ik was twee jaar geleden in Milaan voor een modebeurs en heb toen in het Starhotels Rosa Grand overnacht. Het was prima maar vrij standaard qua inrichting. Het biofiele concept van het Hilton Milan met al die planten en natuurlijke materialen spreekt me veel meer aan. Is het hotel ook geschikt voor gezinnen met tieners of is het meer gericht op zakenreizigers en stellen?
Dear Marko, I have just read through this entire review and I am genuinely impressed by the level of detail. The greenhouse concept is something I have only seen at resort properties in Southeast Asia, never at an urban hotel in a European capital. The fact that they grow chillies of varying heat levels specifically for the restaurant menu shows that this is not just a marketing gimmick but a real commitment to farm-to-table dining. Marko, did you get a chance to try any specific dish at CotoliAMO that used ingredients from the greenhouse? I would love to know what… Read more »
Ausgezeichneter Bericht, Marko. Ich reise regelmäßig nach Mailand zur Möbelmesse und habe in den letzten Jahren verschiedene Hotels ausprobiert, darunter das Principe di Savoia und das Bulgari Hotel. Beide sind natürlich erstklassig, aber das Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis des renovierten Hilton Milan mit diesem einzigartigen Gewächshauskonzept klingt sehr überzeugend. Die Fotos des Frühstücksbuffets mit den italienischen Aufschnittwaren sehen fantastisch aus. Weißt du zufällig, ob das Hotel während der Salone del Mobile besonders früh ausgebucht ist?
Bonjour Marko, merci pour ce partage. J’ai découvert ton blog grâce à ton article sur Nice et le Boscolo et depuis je lis régulièrement tes récits de voyage. Le Hilton Milan semble avoir réussi sa transformation avec brio. Ce qui m’impressionne le plus c’est la cohérence du design entre le lobby, les chambres et le restaurant, tout semble raconter la même histoire. Les macarons et les fruits frais en guise de bienvenue dans la suite sont un joli geste d’attention.
Marko, your photography really brings this hotel to life. The shot of the lobby with the circular chandelier and the flower table is magazine quality. I visited Milan briefly in 2019 before the pandemic and stayed near Porta Garibaldi at a smaller property. The city has clearly evolved since then and it sounds like the Hilton Milan has evolved with it. Your suggestion about taking the metro from Centrale to reach the fashion quadrilateral in ten minutes is exactly the kind of practical tip that makes travel blogs genuinely useful.
Grande Marko, articolo davvero completo. Lavoro nel settore alberghiero e posso confermare che la ristrutturazione del Hilton Milan ha fatto molto parlare nel nostro ambiente professionale. Il progetto di THDP è considerato uno dei migliori esempi di rinnovamento alberghiero in Italia negli ultimi anni. Le tue foto della hall e del bar rendono giustizia al lavoro degli architetti. Un dettaglio che apprezzo molto è la scelta del parquet a spina di pesce, un classico milanese che dà calore agli ambienti.
What a lovely read. I have visited Italy many times but never stayed at a Hilton property there, always opting for independent boutique hotels. Your review has changed my perspective entirely. The combination of the biophilic design, the greenhouse farm-to-table concept and the quality of the breakfast buffet suggests a hotel that genuinely cares about the guest experience rather than just ticking boxes. One practical question is the gym open around the clock as you mentioned, and does it get crowded in the early morning hours?
Marko, qué artículo tan completo. He estado en Milán dos veces, la primera me alojé en el Hotel Cavour cerca de la catedral y la segunda en el Four Seasons, que evidentemente es otra categoría de precio. Lo que me gusta del Hilton Milan es que parece ofrecer una experiencia de lujo con elementos únicos como el invernadero sin llegar a los precios desorbitados de los hoteles boutique del centro. La ubicación junto a la estación central es perfecta para los que viajamos en tren por Europa.
Hallo Marko, dein Reisebericht hat mich wirklich inspiriert. Mein Mann und ich waren vor drei Jahren in Florenz und Venedig, aber Mailand haben wir damals ausgelassen. Nach dem Lesen deines Beitrags bereue ich das. Die Beschreibung des Isola-Viertels als Inspirationsquelle für die Hotelrenovierung hat mich neugierig gemacht. Gibt es in der Nähe des Hotels auch gute Restaurants außerhalb des Hotels, oder ist die Gegend eher geschäftlich geprägt und am Abend ruhig?
Really enjoyed this review, Marko. The way you structured it from the entrance through the lobby, rooms, bathroom and breakfast creates a natural flow that makes you feel like you are walking through the hotel yourself. I am a Hilton Honors Diamond member and have stayed at dozens of Hilton properties worldwide, but the greenhouse concept at this location is completely unique in my experience. The renovation clearly positions this as one of the standout Hiltons in Southern Europe. Excellent photography throughout.
Bonjour Marko, j’ai lu avec grand plaisir ta revue du Hilton Milan. Je voyage souvent en Italie pour le travail et je cherche toujours des hôtels bien situés près des gares principales. La distance de deux cents mètres jusqu’à Milano Centrale est imbattable. J’ai noté ton conseil sur la réservation anticipée des billets pour La Cène de Léonard de Vinci à Santa Maria delle Grazie, c’est une erreur que j’ai faite lors de mon premier voyage à Milan et j’ai raté cette visite. Merci pour le rappel.
Marko, I appreciate you mentioning the practical details that other reviewers often skip. The information about shuttle buses to all three airports from the nearby station, the Aldi supermarket next door and the proximity to Corso Buenos Aires for shopping are the kind of things that genuinely help when planning a trip. I was at the Mandarin Oriental Milan last November for an anniversary and while it was spectacular, for a regular city break the Hilton Milan seems to offer outstanding value with its renovated rooms and that impressive breakfast spread.
Ciao Marko, ottimo articolo. Sono di Torino e vado spesso a Milano per lavoro, ma non avevo mai considerato il Hilton perché lo ricordavo come un hotel datato degli anni Sessanta. Le tue foto dimostrano che la ristrutturazione ha cambiato completamente il carattere dell’albergo. Il dettaglio della Acqua Panna e dei macarons come benvenuto nella suite mostra una cura per l’ospite che non mi aspettavo da una grande catena. La prossima volta che devo pernottare a Milano proverò sicuramente questa opzione.
This is a comprehensive review that covers everything a traveller needs to know. I particularly liked the section about the Hilton notepad with your sightseeing list. It is a small detail but it perfectly illustrates the kind of personal storytelling that makes your blog different from generic hotel review sites. I visited Milan with my wife in early 2024 and we stayed at the NYX Hotel near Centrale. It was modern and stylish but lacked the warmth and attention to detail you describe at the Hilton. Your breakfast photos alone make me want to switch hotels for our next visit.
Hola Marko, acabo de descubrir tu blog y me ha encantado esta reseña. Mi marido y yo estamos planeando un viaje a Italia en otoño, empezando por Milán y continuando hacia los lagos del norte. Tu consejo sobre la excursión de un día al Lago de Como en tren desde la estación central es muy útil. Me gustaría saber si el hotel ofrece algún servicio de conserjería que pueda ayudar con la organización de excursiones o reservas de restaurantes en la ciudad. Las fotos del invernadero son realmente impresionantes.
Fantastischer Beitrag, Marko. Als jemand, der beruflich viel in Mailand unterwegs ist, kann ich bestätigen, dass die Lage an der Via Galvani kaum zu übertreffen ist. Die Tatsache, dass THDP den London Design Award für die Lobby bereits 2017 gewonnen hat und dann acht Jahre später für die komplette Neugestaltung zurückgekehrt ist, zeigt echte Kontinuität im Designansatz. Deine Beschreibung des Houndstooth-Musters auf den Kissen als typisch mailändisches Detail hat mir besonders gefallen. Sehr aufmerksam beobachtet.
Marko, what struck me most about this review is how you connected the hotel to its surrounding neighbourhood and the wider story of Milan. The section about the Isola district transforming from a working-class area to one of the greenest urban quarters in the city gives the hotel renovation real context. Too often hotel reviews exist in a vacuum without telling you anything about where the hotel actually sits within the fabric of the city. I also read your previous Milan travelogue and together the two posts create an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip. Well done and keep… Read more »