Baglioni Hotel Carlton

From the outside, the Baglioni Hotel Carlton is partially hidden by lush, trimmed hedges which add an air of exclusivity to this luxury property. The lobby has an elegant feel. It's set with rich leather couches and oil paintings in gilded frames. Photos of vintage Hollywood starlets, like Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn, add an unexpected pop of Hollywood glamour. Public spaces throughout the hotel have a similarly glam and sophisticated atmosphere. The cozy restaurant is styled after an English club house, complete with a wooden bar and brown leather and wooden chairs -- men should plan on wearing a jacket to dine. The decor has an even more posh vibe at the hotel's cafe, where guests can dine in a terrace room on velvet lavender chairs placed under sparkly modern chandelier lighting. Fresh flower centerpieces add color and are another fresh and elegant splash at the Baglioni. Guests are a mix of wealthy business and leisure travelers, and the fine-dining restaurant, Baretto al Baglioni, attracts an affluent local clientele. 

The hotel is located in a desirable area on the Via della Spiga, one of Milan’s main shopping streets. There are plenty of restaurants, including Nobu, and shops like Armani within a short walk. Via Monte Napoleone is also just around the corner, with more shops at a five-minute walk. Teatro alla Scala is an 10-minute walk from the hotel, as is Milan's iconic Duomo and the gorgeous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II -- a historic, glass-enclosed high-end mall that matches luxury outfitters with gorgeous architecture. It's a five-minute walk to two metro stations -- San Babila and Palestro -- and Linate Airport is within a 20-minute drive, or a 30-minute trip on public transportation. Milan Centrale train station is a 10-minute drive. For those with a Lamborghini (or any regular car), there's a charge for garage parking at the hotel. 

Rooms at Baglioni Hotel Carlton are decorated with an eye toward luxury and elegant details. The most affordable rooms might seem compact, though at 20 square meters (215 square feet) they are larger than many entry-level rooms in Milan. Most of the rooms are classically decorated in tones of green and gold, complete with heavy drapery, hardwood flooring, and wall moldings. Overhead chandeliers are a sophisticated touch, and details like shimmery wallpaper set into wainscoting add a dash of the contemporary. Beds are made up with runners and decorative pillows. Extras include a minibar, flat-screen TV with over 60 channels, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Suites can include Nespresso machines and private terraces overlooking Via della Spiga. Bathrooms include either a rainfall shower, shower/tub combo, or separate soaking tubs and showers. The bathroom in the Deluxe Double Room has sleek black surfaces. Make-up mirrors, premium Italian toiletries, and bathrobes are provided. Some room rates include packing and unpacking services, and twice daily housekeeping is provided. 

Features at the Baglioni Hotel Carlton are nice, but apart from the restaurant and spa, they're limited by the hotel's city-center location. The being said, what is on offer is top of the line. Spiga 8 SPA is open to the public and provides a bevy of luxury treatments like a diamond facial and a micro facelift. The ambience is relaxed and modern, with fresh treatment rooms and a posh relaxation lounge. A small, but modern, fitness center provides a Technogym treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical machine, and hand weights. 

For dining, Baretto al Baglioni provides Milanese and Mediterranean fare in an exclusive fine dining venue. Prices are steep, and breakfast isn't included in the room rate, but the restaurant draws visitors from across Milan. Caffe Baglioni provides cocktails, wine, coffees, and light appetizers either indoors or outdoors on a private terrace.

The hotel also has a boutique that sells designer clothing and accessories. Small pets are allowed for a fee. Luxury extras include free overnight shoe shines and afternoon snacks. The hotel also has a dedicated concierge. Wi-Fi is free.