The 154-room Boscolo Exedra lives up to its location in the heart of Milan’s fashion district — just steps from Via Montenapoleone and the Duomo — with a futuristic style reminiscent of Lady Gaga. Far from its original incarnation as a bank, the Boscolo pushes the limits on bold, modern Italian design with spaces that vary in color, layout and vibe, from the streamlined suites to the enormous white spa with spherical mirrors, making a visit much more of an experience than a hotel stay.

What we love:

Prime location in Milan’s fashion district. Bold, colorful design. Large rooms for a downtown city hotel; some have a view of the Duomo. Spa has a Turkish bath, sauna and heated swimming pool. Oltremare restaurant serves fresh Italian fare

What to know:

WiFi costs approximately $50 (35 euros) per day. If you don’t like futuristic design, this isn’t the place for you. Service can be inconsistent. Small pets are allowed at no extra fee. Daily charge for self-parking is $41 (30 euros); $82 (60 euros) for valet service

What to do:

• Bring Opera Glasses. Teatro alla Scala (more commonly known as La Scala) is one of the world’s great opera houses. See a performance, explore the museum or take a guided tour of the set and costume workshops.
• See The Last Supper. For the opportunity to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, be sure to buy tickets far in advance — only 25 people are admitted every 15 minutes.
• Pack Light. Everyone knows that Milan is home to all the great fashion houses; the Boscolo is at the center of the action.
• Take in Café Culture. There are lots of great options, but two standouts include the in-house café in the Giorgio Armani superstore on Via Manzoni and Cova, Milan’s oldest café, dating back to 1817.
• A Day at the Museum. Milan’s Castello Sforzesco houses 12 museums within its walls, covering a range of subjects such as art, science and design.

How to get there:

Flights are available to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) from major U.S. cities on a variety of carriers. Transfers are approximately $300 per car, each way, and can be arranged through the property. Taxis are also available for approximately $115 per car, each way. Transfers to/from the secondary airport, Milan Linate International Airport (LIN) are approximately $180 per car, each way, and can be arranged through the property. Taxis are also available to/from LIN for approximately $40 per car, each way.

Reserve Boscolo Exedra Hotels Milano
Corso Matteotti, 4/6
Milan, Italy

Portofino World, a World apart.