Sina De La Ville

The Hotel De La Ville's wood-and-glass entrance, with its name in plain steel letters, evokes elegance. The reception desk is in gleaming wood, and the lobby is spacious, with intimate seating: a rolled-arm leather sofa here, a pair of lime-green tub chairs there. It's equally good for private chats as it is for taking in the scene.

The lobby leads to the Visconteo Bar, whose honey-colored paneling and framed sporting prints create a clubby atmosphere. Adjacent is the Champagnerie for a flute of something sparkling. L'Opera restaurant, named in homage to the nearby La Scala, is at once relaxed and chic with caned chairs, white tablecloths, and citrusy-orange paper panels framed in warm wood. The street level restaurant, in an area of elegant shops, promises good people-watching in a city of high fashion where dressing well is almost a patriotic gesture. 

The breakfast room is subterranean, but its enormous, lighted domed ceiling brightens the room. The fitness center is also well-lit but windowless. The spa area might appear dated to some, but its vintage look, with aqua tiles and statuary, might strike others as poignantly retro. The stand-out is the top-floor pool, which is surrounded by a wood deck, teak loungers, and greenery that shimmers under a transparent cupola. And the roof is retractable, which means the pool is open year-round.

The hotel sits on the Via Ulrico Hoepli in the middle of historic Milan amid cafes, bookstores, clothing shops, and museums. The Piazza Duomo of Milan's famed 135-spire cathedral is a three-minute walk from the hotel. La Scala Opera and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's first shopping arcades, are four minutes away on foot, and the Royal Palace of Milan is a six-minute walk. A visit to either the Sforza Castle or the Pirelli Tower is 13 minutes by car or train. The painting of "The Last Supper," or "L'Ultima Cena," in a refectory adjoining the Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie, is a 17 minute drive or 22-minute walk from the hotel. The nearest metro stop is Duomo, which is less than a five-minute walk away. Milano Malpensa Airport is a 45-minute drive, depending on traffic, or a 55-minute train ride. 

The 108 rooms include four Junior Suites and one Suite, with decor varying from sleek to classic. Some rooms have flocked pale-blue-and-gold wallpaper with coordinating fabric headboards and gilt sconces, while others have white leather headboards, white linens, steel bed lights, and severe navy drapes. Some rooms have old-fashioned prints on the walls and tasseled drapery, with the color scheme a bold orange. Furnishings follow suit, with some rooms having tub chairs in nubby fabrics, while bigger rooms have sofas (sometimes in turquoise fabric) that seat three. Guests with a strong preference should confirm the decor of their room when booking. Some rooms also have small terraces with pierced-iron tables and chairs. Most have city views, which take in interesting-looking apartment or commercial buildings. Rooms are air-conditioned, and come with flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, desks, minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi. A daily newspaper is outside the door every morning, and there's nightly turndown service. Bathrooms display the Italian penchant for sleek, rich design -- with high ceilings, marble, and sleek chrome fittings; glass partitions separate the tubs or showers (about half the rooms have walk-in showers, and half have tubs). Bathrooms have rainfall showerheads or power fixtures. There are terrycloth robes, toiletries, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers. 

Breakfast is free at the Hotel De La Ville and served from silver chafing dishes. The restaurant specializes in the cuisine of Lombardy, and there's a club-style bar and an elegant Champagne bar, along with a spa and fitness center. Room service is available, but the hours are limited. Several international newspapers are available in the hotel's lounge. The three meeting rooms can accommodate from 30 to 90 guests, and include use of microphones and various projectors. There's also valet parking for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.