Hotel Milano Scala

Hotel Milano Scala opened in 2010 smack in the center of one of Milan's most fashionable neighborhoods. The clientele here mostly consists of international tourists and business travelers, many of whom linger in the beautiful public spaces to see and be seen. The rooftop (with panoramic views of Milan) has a gorgeous terrace and full garden. Day beds topped with colorful pillows and wicker furniture look new. Inside, the library themed lobby lounge is a nice spot to sip an apertif and peruse one of the many art or opera books. A partial glass ceiling gives vertical garden views. Even the corridor walls get dressed up with chains, wallpaper art, or white crisscrossed molding. Thick gold braided rope with tassel ends replace traditional railings on the stairwells. The historic building was originally built in 1800, but has a modern feel throughout.

If you're visiting Milan to shop high-end boutiques, visit the Duomo cathedral, or eat at the best restaurants in the city, you can't pick a much better location than the Brera district, and this hotel is only a quarter mile from the theater that it's named after. Hotel Milano Scala is within a 10-minute walk to Via Montenapoleone, the Duomo, and Piazza della Scala. The immediate neighborhood includes quick access to the red, yellow, and green metro lines and a bus stop. Several shops, including a health restaurant selling quick smoothies and salads, is just outside the hotel's front doors. As with most hotels in this part of Milan, there's a charge for parking and reservations are required.

There are 62 stylish and eco-friendly rooms and suites inside the Hotel Milano Scala and each is uniquely designed with an opera or music theme. The classic room is a bit small but high ceilings, large windows, and a nice size closet make it feel more expansive. Espresso machines, minibars, and flat-screen TVs are standard. The marble bathroom has a single bowl sink and a bathtub/shower combination. For more space, upgrade to the two-level junior suite. A pullout sofa bed takes up a lot of space when it's open but there's extra living space when it folds back into a plush couch. Red theater-style drapes and a painted treble clef on the wall add interest. Some suites include large balconies with white metal furniture and romantic views of the city. However, the space is divided by potted topiaries making them less than private. Noise and cleanliness aren't issues.

Milan is a city known for its foodie culture and the Primadonna restaurant doesn't disappoint. The restaurant makes every effort to use ingredients grown within a 65-mile radius; many of the fruits and veggies come straight from the rooftop garden. The breakfast buffet at La Traviata is included with the room price -- live music is a fun touch. The rooftop garden is a beautiful spot; guests can sit near the lemon tree and take in the garden or panoramic views of the city. Back inside, the library lounge offers full service cocktails and wine. The fitness center has a handful of cardio machines, yoga balls, and some weights, but it's tiny. There's an adjacent treatment room for massages. Business travelers appreciate the three attractive meeting rooms with theater or boardroom style seating. If you must have full spa facilities, compare rates at the much larger Hotel Bulgari.