The Westin Palace, Milan

The Westin Palace has its feet in a few different worlds, and the result isn't always a seamless blend. From the outside, the hotel looks like any other modern high-rise office tower, but upon entering the decades are dialed back dramatically. The lobby is awash in marble floors, gilded wall
pilasters, oak paneling, and twinkling chandeliers -- it's almost elegant, but has a slightly tired appearance and feels too close to the faux-historic look of so many lower-category hotels throughout Milan. However, the handsome lobby bar is a gorgeous place to unwind, with its wood-paneled walls, marble inlays, and parquet floors. Horse sculptures and vases of flower add depth to the space, as does the enormous crystal chandelier hanging overhead. Casanova Restaurant was renovated in 2015 and looks a bit more modern than the rest of the
hotel, as it has sleek black tables and an abstract map-inspired mural on the wall.
During the warm months, a pretty outdoor terrace where guests can dine under
jasmine arches is also available. Most of the guests here are couples or business travelers, but well-heeled families stay here too. 

The hotel is located in Central Milan, just across from the
grassy lawns and trees of Piazza della Repubblica and a 10- to 20-minute walk to the Centro Storico. There are plenty of
restaurants and bars within walking distance of the hotel, and Corso Buenos Aires, one of the main shopping streets in the city, is also just 10 minutes away on foot. The hotel is well located for public transport, as the Repubblica Metro station is just a two-minute walk from the hotel. It’s a 12-minute walk to Central Station, or just five minutes by metro. The Duomo di Milano, the city's famous cathedral, is only eight minutes away by metro, while it's about 20 to 25 minutes by metro to the trendy Navigli neighborhood. Linate Airport is under a 20-minute drive or 30-minute trip on public
transportation. 

The
Westin Palace, Milan offers 12 different room types that range from Classic Rooms
to a Presidential Suite. There is a fairly significant disparity between in room decor, and the style in Classic Rooms can look tired and include bland carpeting, old-fashioned mid-tone wood furniture, patterned drapes, and traditional wall art. Contemporary Rooms have stylish decor that includes posh tufted benches, chandeliers, and chic silver-framed photos and fashion sketches that are a nod to Milan's history in the fashion industry. Gold and glass circular tables are placed in front of gold upholstered armchairs, and the headboards over the Westin brand's Heavenly Beds are sharp gray leather pieces with handsome white borders. Modern technology includes large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Rooms also come with minibars, bathrobes, and slippers. Turndown service is provided. The bathrooms have shower/tub combos and feature an abundance of tan and red marble that looks a bit dated. Toiletries and a hairdryer are provided. Some
rooms offer in-room workout facilities like a stationery bike or treadmill,
stability ball, weights, stretching tubes, and medicine balls. A variety of
suites are also available with additional amenities like Nespresso machines and
steam baths. The impressive split-level Presidential Suite provides a private
terrace surrounded by colorful flowers and a hot tub and couches placed under
umbrellas. Rooms overlook the city of Milan. 

Features at The Westin Palace, Milan cater towards well-heeled travelers. Casanova restaurant offers seasonal Italian fare and a breakfast buffet (to mixed reviews) that isn't included in the room rate. The restaurant offers a Sunday brunch, and outdoor
dining is available on a lovely terrace. Room service is also available. There’s also a sophisticated lobby bar on-site with
a smoking room. A roof terrace is available for guests to enjoy during during warmer months at Ivory Restaurant. The hotel has a spa with a steam bath and sauna, as well as a fitness center that includes modern Technogym cardio equipment and weights. The hotel also has running maps available through its RunWESTIN program. Like many big-name chain hotels, though, expect fees for almost everything. Athletic clothing is available to borrow for a fee, and the hotel offers fee-based laundry and pressing services. Thirteen
meeting rooms are available for private events, and valet parking is offered for
a fee. Small pets are also allowed for a fee, though Wi-Fi is free.