Hotel Review: Principe di Savoia, Milan

You're in leafy Piazza della Repubblica, a busy square a ten-minute walk south of Milano Centrale railway station, not quite in the centre of town but still convenient if you're travelling by train. The Porta Garibaldi financial district is within walking distance, while the city centre is a 15-minute walk.

By plane: fly to Milan Malpensa from London (1 hour 50 mins) and Manchester (2 hours 5 mins). The hotel is around an hour's drive from the airport. You can also fly from London to Milan Linate (1 hour 50 mins) and drive 25 minutes from the airport. Free private parking. Book flights to Milan.

The interiors of this historic hotel exude stately elegance, with exquisite 19th-century frescoes, objets d'art and bespoke Italian furnishings. Opened in 1927, the hotel may be grand but it's not stuffy; amid plush carpets and glittering chandeliers you'll find a welcoming ambience.

Despite the sumptuous surroundings, the staff are everything but arrogant; expect friendly and welcoming service by professional individuals. There are eight sumptuous halls and versatile meeting rooms to host events, and there's a fantastic tenth-floor spa.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Gym
• Treatments
• Spa
• Sauna
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The rooms and suites exude sophisticated Milanese elegance, with bespoke Italian furnishings in deep, sophisticated shades of purple and walls adorned with scenes depicting 19th-century Milanese life and operatic performances. Heavy drapes, silky fabrics and low lighting create a warm ambience. King size beds with silky-soft linen provide the ultimate in luxurious comfort.

Room types: Classic, Deluxe, Mosaic, Deluxe Terrace, Premium, Junior Suite, Suites

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with Acqua di Parma toiletries, TV, free Wi-Fi

At the sculpted crystal Principe Bar, celebrities and locals sip expertly-crafted cocktails until the early hours to the sound of lively tracks spun by a resident DJ. At Acanto Restaurant, Chef Alessandro Buffolino serves Italian dishes with a creative twist. The award-winning wine list has over 650 wines sourced mainly from small, organic Italian producers. Il Salotto provides a more informal setting for all-day dining.

Acanto: Italian cuisine, à la carte and set menu options. Open daily. Mains from €44.

Il Salotto: pasta, pizza, grill, salads, all-day dining. Mains from €23.