Milano, magnifico

ITALY'S second-largest city, the country's commercial heart, is renowned for its fashion, culture and architectural splendours.

Milan

ITALY'S second-largest city, the country's commercial heart, is renowned for its fashion, culture and architectural splendours.

This is where you can visit the beautifully restored Duomo, see Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper and hear sublime opera at La Scala. But it's also the place to shop. Every designer brand is here, all conveniently placed within striking distance of your luxuy hotel. Here's our guide to the best of the best.

Hotel Principe di Savoia, Piazza della Repubblica 17, Milan 20124
The hotel - The Principe opened in 1927 and was originally a business hotel, located away from the central part of Milan but close to its industrial heart. In the 1950s, the property was expanded and became a favourite of Hollywood celebrities. Since 2003, it has been part of the Dorchester Collection. Located on the top floor, accessed by a private lift, is the Presidential Suite, which, at 500sqm, is said to be the largest suite in Europe.
The vibe - Comfortable, relaxed and very fashionable. If a celebrity is in residence, expect crowds and paparazzi to be camped outside.
The clientele - The Duke of Windsor, Maria Callas and Eva Peron all stayed here. Sofia Coppola shot scenes for her film Somewhere in the hotel, including in the Presidential Suite's indoor pool. David Beckham stayed in the Royal Suite while he played for AC Milan.
The neighbourhood - An easy 20-minute walk from the Duomo area and it can be somewhat quieter than other hotels in the city's bustling centre.
Must do - Stay here during fashion week and hang out in the lobby - from there you are ideally placed to see the passing parade of models and the occasional celebrity.
hotelprincipedisavoia.com; + 39 02 62301

Grand Hotel et de Milan, Via Manzoni 29, Milan 20121, 
The hotel - The Grand Hotel et de Milan opened in 1863. It has been expanded several times: a new floor in 1879; extensively remodelled after World War II; and meticulously restored in the late 1990s.
The vibe - Old-world glamour. This hotel is one of Milan's best-kept secrets. Despite being located on one of the city's main thoroughfares, it's a comfortable haven away from the hustle and bustle outside.
The clientele - The hotel's proximity to La Scala opera house has attracted Maria Callas, Enrico Caruso, Rudolph Nureyev and Luchino Visconti. Its most famous resident was the composer Giuseppe Verdi who spent the last years of his life at the hotel and died there in 1901.
The neighbourhood - The hotel is in the heart of Milan's fashion shopping district. Don Carlos restaurant, which has an entrance adjacent to the hotel, is open late for dinner after an evening at La Scala.
Must do - Enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, or something stronger, at Gerry's Bar after a hard afternoon's shopping.
grandhoteletdemilan.it; + 39 02 723141. Or book through Leading Hotels of the World on 02 9377 8444 or lhw.com/ghmilan.

Carlton Hotel Baglioni, Via Senato 5, Milan 20121
The Hotel - The Carlton Hotel Baglioni opened in 1962 and has 92 rooms. Some of its suites have outdoor terraces, which make them ideal for a stay in the summer months. The Hotel is located on Via Senato but it also has a private entrance on Via della Spiga
The vibe - Lavish and elegant.
The clientele - During fashion week you can expect a good smattering of fashion editors and buyers. Outside of those times, the Baglioni, given its location, is a great place for a short shopover in the city.
The neighbourhood - The Carlton Hotel Baglioni is not far from many of Milan's popular attractions such as the Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele and La Scala.
Must do - If you opt for a suite with its own terrace, you have the perfect place for room service on a hot summer's night; alternatively enjoy dinner at Caffe Baglioni, which overlooks the hotel's interior garden. And for total relaxation, there's the Spiga 8 Spa, equipped with sauna, Turkish bath and a tempting range of massage and holistic treatments.
baglionihotels.com; + 39 027 7077. Or book through Leading Hotels of the World on 02 9377 8444 or lhw.com/carltonbag.

Shopping
As well as being a great place to stock up on Italian designer brands such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Tod's, Prada and Ermenegildo Zegna, you'll find flagship stores for Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton and Burberry as well as virtually every other major luxury brand.
Be sure to also check out the legendary 10 Corso Como run by Carla Sozzani, former editor of Vogue Italia, as well her outlet store, the appropriately named 10 Corso Como Outlet, where you can find pieces by the likes of Alexander McQueen and Azzedine Alaia at vastly reduced prices. The outlet store is located at Via Tazzoli 3.
One of Milan's best kept shopping secrets is the D Magazine store on Via Montenapoleone, where you will find past season clothes from a range of designers.
If you're a Dolce & Gabbana fan, the brand's three-storey flagship men's store on Via Venezia is a must. There is a special black-tie room and the brand also has a barber shop next door. For Dolce and Gabbana women's wear, go to the Via della Spiga store.

Designer hotels
Milan is home to three hotels by fashion brands.
The Armani Hotel Milano is situated above the brand's flagship store on Via Manzoni.
The very cool Bulgari Hotel is located on a private street between Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga in an18th-century Milanese palazzo renovated by architect Antonio Citterio. The Bulgari is more like a city resort than a hotel and has a 4000sqm private garden, which is an oasis of calm in the middle of Milan.
Maison Moschino is on Viale Monte Grappa in a renovated 1840s railway station. The Moschino has 65 rooms and suites, and its design themes evoke some kind of contemporary fairytale. The hotel is near Corso Como and not far from the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, which was restored in 1999.