STRAFhotel | a Member of Design Hotels™

Situated in a historic building near the Duomo, Hotel Straf is a small, modern hotel with stylish, industrial-chic interiors that attract young couples. The small lobby has a burnished iron desk and intimately lit seating area filled with fluorescent lights, a small skylight, and colorful low couches and benches. Overall, the hotel lacks art or decorative items in most areas, making for a cold, minimalist style. Some dislike the stark, unfinished look of some of the common spaces, like the hallways with cement walls. The hotel’s restaurant features chic decor with textured cement walls and floors, streamlined black and white tables, and some abstract art. However, the backless stools might make for an uncomfortable meal. By contrast, the bar has a more relaxed vibe with a large comfy leather sofa, low-lighting, multiple bar areas, and a flat-screen TV. It's popular among both guests and locals, making for noisy evenings for those needing an early night’s sleep. 

The hotel’s location is one of its biggest draws -- it’s in central Milan and right by the iconic Duomo di Milano, or the Milan Cathedral. It’s surrounded by shopping, with lots of boutiques, shops, and department stores nearby, as well as restaurants and cafes. There’s a metro station a three-minute walk from the hotel, as well as several tram stops within a five-minute walk. Many top sights are within walking distance of the hotel, such as Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (two-minute walk), the Teatro alla Scala (four-minute walk), Sforzesco Castle (15-minute walk), and Santa Maria delle Grazie (20-minute walk). Milan's Linate Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel, while Malpensa Airport can be reached in around 45 minutes. Orio al Serio Airport in Bergamo is also about 45 minutes to an hour away.

Rooms vary in size and furnishings, though all feature industrial-chic decor in neutral, minimal hues. But there’s something off-putting to many guests about the stark nature of the spaces -- many rooms have unfinished cement walls with plaster or wooden two-by-fours affixed to them. Others have a more polished vibe with smooth walls and textured art pieces. Some of the rooms are quite small, but there are also three spacious suites with living areas and beautiful views of the Milan Cathedral from private terraces. Relax Rooms include massage chairs, while Well-Being Rooms have aromatherapy and chromotherapy. All rooms have modern flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, air-conditioning, and work desks with short backless modern stools, but they lack dressers and coffee- and tea-making facilities. There’s free Wi-Fi, but there have been reports of a spotty connection. Noise from the bar is reportedly heard from many rooms. Bathrooms are generally small, and are all black (even the toilets and bidets) or decorated entirely in brandished iron. They are outfitted with shower/tub combos, large trendy vessel sinks, toiletries, and hairdryers. 

As a relatively small boutique hotel, Hotel Straf has no space for a swimming pool, nor does it have a steam room or sauna. It does, however, offer many top-notch facilities, including a small 24-hour fitness center with cardio, weight machines, and free weights. There’s an on-site restaurant where a breakfast buffet (included in room rates) is served in the mornings and a lunch is offered during the day. The restaurant’s bar is especially popular in the evenings, attracting a young, hip, and loud crowd of locals and guests alike. Room service is offered 24/7, but a light menu is offered late at night. There is a fully equipped meeting room available, as well as a computer for guests' use and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Valet parking is offered for a fee.