Principe di Savoia : A Crown Jewel in Italy’s Unmissable City
When visiting the imperial and rather majestic city of Milan, it makes sense to stay in a palace. The luxurious Milanese Hotel Principe di Savoia, located in the historic Republica underground station and Milan’s main station, Stazione Centrale, offers a right royal experience and is the symbol of the ultimate luxury stay in Milan.
Opened 6 April 1927, the hotel was originally intended for businessmen and was given the name of ‘Hotel Principe & Savoia’. It debuted as an architectural masterpiece and still boasts the architectural detailing from the turn of the century. The hotel became acclaimed for its logistically convenient location when Milan had already begun building its reputation as Italy’s business Centre. Additionally, it offered all amenities imaginable and possible with novelties such as a direct dial phone in every room and dinners from 8 till 11 o’clock that were enlivened by a concert of classical music. The lure of ‘all the comforts one could possibly think of’ and the novelty of the hotel attracted a wealthy clientele of counts of nobility and cultural icons, international travelers and cosmopolitan society, all synonymous with gracious living and focused on business.
From the very beginning, the Hotel Principe di Savoia’s success exceeded all expectations. Developed by a limited company called S.A. Acquisto ed Esercizio Alberghi Savoia and designed by Cesare Tenca, a prominent Milanese architect, it’s excellent services and proximity in the heart of the historical city Centre, was determinant in its success. Outfitted with electricity and every modern amenity, it offered the traditional hospitality of a grand resort in an unapologetically urban setting. The Principe di Savoia quickly became a Mecca for sophisticated business clientele who might wish to invite guests to dinner to work out the final details of a contract ready for signing. Today it continues the tradition it has culled since its founding – a place where the international elite of business and leisure meet in an atmosphere of cutting-edge class and sophisticated style.
Not only was Hotel Principe di Savoia part of the movement west, it epitomized the luxurious lifestyle of Italy’s wealthiest families and was a destination resort before the term even existed. Among its famous guests was Italy’s dashing literary icon, Gabriele D’Annunzio, the Duke of Windsor and Erich Maria Remarque, Charlie Chaplin and Josephine Baker, Evita Peron and Maria Callas, Gianni Agnelli and Marella Agnelli, the Prince of Monaco and the Visconti di Modrone, Henry Ford and David Rockefeller, The Aga Khan and Aristotle Onassis.
The history of the hotel which dates back to the beginning of the 20th century is intimately connected to the history of Milan having played a significant part as the stage for remarkable events. In the golden age of the ’30s the Hotel Principe di Savoia became headquarters for the Germans and later for the Americans. Although the Second World War left its mark on the hotel it was not damaged by wartime events. Today, it is one of the few that has not only survived, but still flourishes as a world-class hotel.
In 1938, the company was incorporated into the CIGA Hotels group (Compagnia Italiana Grandi Alberghi, or Italian Grand Hotels Company), a super elite Italian based international hotel chain which owned a significant number of the world’s most famous and exclusive hotels like the Danieli and Gritti Palace in Venice. Between 1956 and 1957, the hotel premises were extended by two new wings, called ‘Principe Rosso’ and ‘Metallico’. Soon after the renovation, the hotel was renamed as the Principe di Savoia in the 1980s prompted by the fact that Principe di Savoia is the correct way to refer to the Italian royal family, rather than Principe e Savoia.
In 2003 the Dorchester Group, a London based company controlled by The Brunei Investment Agency, took over the Hotel Principe di Savoia. The new owners embarked on an overall expansion and refurbishing with the aim of meeting the requirements and demands of the modern age, while preserving the hotel’s traditions and unique grace. From interior design to remodeling of rooms and meeting areas, the historic hotel preserved a rich history that allows guests to take a trip down memory lane while experiencing all the modern day conveniences.
On entering the Hotel Principe di Savoia, one immediately senses its special intimate atmosphere, like being in a different world surrounded by entire luxury. The Il Salotto lobby lounge designed by international acclaimed architect, designer and artist, Thierry Despont is a welcoming entrance to this prestigious palace hotel and a crucial meeting point for the well-heeled Milanese. The punctual and personalized service and the comfort of a hotel furnished with taste and sensibility, comes together with something that is difficult to find elsewhere. The hotel has been the finest venue in Milan since 1927 and the palatial property is no musty relic, offering cutting-edge facilities that meet the expectations of the 21st century jet set. If the thought of living like Italian royalty sounds appealing this hotel delivers. Film producers and directors often take advantage of the hotels’ excellent facilities and paramount service, which provides perfect scenery for film and fashion shooting.
With 257 rooms and 44 suites, each that have been designed with meticulous care and attention to detail, the hotel marries cutting-edge technology and flawless service with Belle Epoque beauty. Also an ideal venue for both corporate events and social gatherings, guests and delegates can look forward to the comfort, convenience and exceptional service for which the hotel is renowned. All of the hotels rooms and suites feature the most avant-garde technology such as Wi-Fi and interactive television, while achieving a level of comfort and luxury that guests have come to expect. Exclusive Signature suites offer hand painted frescoes, traditional Italian furniture creating a warm ambience, like the 230-sq-mt Imperial Suite by Celeste dell’ Anna which has a large sitting room, featuring a handcrafted mini bar console and crocodile skin writing desk, and a Turkish bath, while The Royal suite has two bedrooms and bathrooms, a spacious hall with a marble floor, and a sitting room with walnut wall paneling and inlaid wooden floors.
For those looking for service and facilities of the highest order and style, the Principe’s world famous Presidential suite located on the 10th floor is popular with international stars and monarchs alike. From Royals to stars of the movie and music industry: Queen Elizabeth II of England, George Clooney, Lenny Kravitz, Woody Allen, Madonna and Lady Gaga to name a few have all stayed here. Redesigned in 1992, by architect Michael Stelea, measuring 4,413 square feet, it offers its guests three sumptuous bedrooms, living room, muralled walls, polychrome marble tiles, a Pompeian style private swimming-pool that gives guests a taste of the atmosphere of the Ancient Roman thermal baths and exquisite decor throughout. It also offers stunning views of the picturesque terrace and the Milanese skyline.
Located on the top floor of the hotel is Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center. With a roof terrace that overlooks the city and providing great views, it is the most exclusive health club in Milan offering a range of personalized and exclusive beauty treatments, make-up and hairdressing sessions with the most celebrated image consultants. Guests can feel relaxed and rejuvenated in this 5000 sq. ft. sanctuary of psychological and physical well-being.
When it comes to food and drinks, the hotel is undoubtedly known for its culinary highlights. If you’re looking to spoil yourself with an impeccable first-class culinary experience, you don’t even have to leave the hotel. The Savoia’s iconic and innovative Bar is steeped in history and has hosted a wealth of glamorous celebrity guests such as Madonna, Robert De Niro, Quentin Tarantino, Elton John and Beyonce. Over here guests can enjoy an aperitif or the best cocktail and music from 6.00pm till late while being surrounded by sumptuous Italian furniture, and classical paintings by famous artists such as Luca Giordano.
The Hotel Principe di Savoia also houses the award winning five star Acanto Restaurant known for its Sunday Brunch which offers a fresh and very Milanese alternative to diners. The menu is made up of classic Italian cuisine derived from the regional culinary tradition of Lombardy, whose flavors have been enhanced by merging flavors from the Mediterranean and beyond to create delicate dishes infused with a world of flavor. The restaurant veranda boasts an 18th century fountain and overlooks a tranquil Italian garden with that is a visual delight for the eyes complimenting the culinary pleasures on the palate.
With a combination of charm, coziness and Milanese flair, The Hotel Savoia is the pearl of Italian hotellerie. Striking a delicate balance of tradition and expertise, classical and innovative styles, it is the perfect destination for visitors hoping to discover Milan’s myriad delights. With high standards of style appropriate to a city that is the financial, fashion, media and design capital of Italy, the Hotel Savoia reflects the true spirit of Italy with an exceptional experience of hospitality and ease. After an exhausting day spent with sightseeing or shopping it is good to sit back and relax, have a delicious dinner or a fine coffee in this Shangri-La that evokes the ambiance of ‘La Belle Epoque’ and offers its guests an unparalleled standard of outstanding luxury and great comfort.
This article first appeared in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of LOVEFMD magazine.
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