The exclusive hotel chain, renowned for its excellence and its roster of VIP guests, has chosen Milan as the location for its first hotel in Italy, confirming that the Milanese capital is one of the world’s top hospitality spots. During this year of Expo, the oriental colossus has finally brought the art of oriental hospitality to Milan, a feat which it has carried off in great style. Exclusivity and luxury take centre stage at this hotel renowned for its one-of-a-kind hospitality and unparalleled excellence. Even the choice of location was based on the diktats of absolute exclusivity. Four elegantly redeveloped 18th century buildings, situated on the discreet via Andegari, in a privileged position right in the heart of the city, just steps from Teatro alla Scala and the Quadrilatero della Moda, were chosen to host the hotel. The management of all of its activities was entrusted to the luxury Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, which has made its mark with an important coup, namely the opening in Milan of the Group’s first hotel in Italy. On the other hand, the task of manning this magnificent 5-star hotel (and its numerous staff) went to Luca Finardi who the Group appointed as its General Manager. Mr. Finardi boasts a wealth of experience in the Italian luxury hotel industry with prior appointments as General Manager of Royaldemeure Spa Hotels and Villa San Michele in Florence, the regional capital of his place of birth.
A five-star menu
Multi-award winning Executive Chef Antonio Guida presides over the hotel’s fine dining scene and is responsible for the bistrot-style menus on offer at the Mandarin Bar as well as those of the Seta restaurant featuring the sophisticated specialities of creative Italian cuisine. The heart of the hotel, dominated by a large, iconic polygonal U-shaped counter is the Mandarin Bar which can be accessed either from the reception area or from its own entrance on via Monte di Pietà. The walls, covered with black and white marble geometric mosaic patterns and wood boiserie, frame the inner space whose large windows open up onto the first inner courtyard of the hotel furnished with sofas and low tables and illuminated with soft lighting. The Seta restaurant, which can be accessed either from the Mandarin Bar or from its own entrance on via Monte di Pietà, is open both at lunch and at dinner and welcomes residents and visitors alike with its myriad fine dining options. The restaurant consists of two main areas: the outdoor spaces of the hotel’s second courtyard, and an indoor area which extends over three of its four sides. The indoor and outdoor spaces merge harmoniously thanks to large glass windows which allow guests to see the chefs at work in the kitchen situated in one of the four sides of the courtyard.
A design hotel
One of the hotel’s signature features is its interior decor, which instantly catches the attention of visitors thanks to its minimalist, sophisticated architectural elements created by internationally renowned studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel Interiors, entrusted with the arduous task of translating the concept of style and elegance in the hotel’s furnishings. The result gives visitors a sense of the luxury and visual richness typical of the brand set within a classically ‘Milanese’ environment. Each piece of furniture found in the hotel is custom-made, like, for example, the Italian marble which covers all the walls of its bathrooms. In contrast to the exuberance of the communal spaces on the ground floor, the atmosphere in the hotel’s rooms and suites is decidedly more understated, referencing a refined Milanese aesthetic with its perfect meld of elegance and functionalism. Among the hotel’s plus points, particularly worthy of note are its two special suites (the hotel has 104 rooms, 32 of which are suites) which though distinguished by original, exclusive interior designs nevertheless remain in keeping with the general style of the rest of the hotel.
An oasis of wellness
The Spa offers an holistic approach to wellness. Here, the hotel’s oriental heritage is expressed to the full both as regards the treatments on offer as well as its architectural choices. Inspired by the philosophy of Feng-Shui, both in terms of the materials used – water, air, fire, wood and metal – and the layout of its rooms, the architects have harmonized its spaces and design to create a universe of relaxation and rejuvenation. Every visit to the Spa begins with a welcome ritual. Guests are gradually introduced to the wellness experience inspired by traditional Chinese medicine and tailored especially to suit individual requirements. The Spa has four individual treatment rooms, two couples’ suites, a Thai massage room and a VIP suite. A hair salon headed by celebrity hairstylist Massimo Serini and a beauty studio for make-up, pedicures and manicures serve as a complement to the fitness centre, equipped with all the latest, hi-tech equipment.
Hotel to the stars
The Mandarin Oriental’s famous international advertising campaign ‘He’s a Fan/She’s a Fan’, featuring VIP testimonials from all over the world (including well-known Italians such as beautiful actress Caterina Murino) has increased its number of ‘fans’. A newcomer to the scene is multi-awarding winning French actress Isabelle Huppert. The campaign aims to make the brand recognizable throughout the world by linking the name Mandarin Oriental (always with the style and elegance that distinguishes the well-known hotel chain) to the international celebrities who stay at hotels owned by the Group on a regular basis. All proceeds are donated to charities suggested by each celebrity involved.
Mandarin Oriental Milan
Via Andegari, 9
M3 Montenapoleone
www.mandarinoriental.com
