Hotel Principe Di Savoia - Dorchester Collection

Hotel description

The Principe is the grandaddy of Milan hotels—ostentatious and slightly fraying, with a staff of elderly men who seem to have worked there since the beginning of time. It’s easy to imagine that it’s stayed the same for the last hundred years—crystal chandeliers in the lobby, ornate antique chests of drawers in the bedrooms, and bathrooms with many bidets. Room service is wheeled in by a waiter who is the essence of courtesy—with white linen tablecloths, silver trays, a single flower in a bud vase, cutlery that is unwieldy and ancient. Nick the olive oil, by the way (easier to do in your room than in the restaurant), which is pressed especially for the Principe and simply sublime. The only incongruous element is the gym and spa on floor ten. Still, with its up-to-date equipment, massive indoor pool, and best beauticians in the city, no one’s complaining.

You will sleep well at the Principe—these glamorously old-fashioned four-poster beds boast some of the softest linens in Europe. Should you have trouble falling asleep without Fifi by your side, rest assured, they let you bring your pets. Hungry? The restaurant downstairs, Acanto, stays open until the wee hours of the morning.

There’s another thing—the people. Though it’s a cab ride away from the sights and the shopping, the Principe is nonetheless considered to be one of the most central places in the city to rendezvous. Stunning locals rub shoulders with young families having supper with their priests.

And then there are the celebrities—Sophia Loren, Courtney Love, Ben Affleck, Gisele Bundchen and everyone in between. Hang out by the concierge desk—especially during fashion week—and catch the gossip, and keep an eye out for which ridiculously enormous bouquets of flowers are arriving for whom. It also makes working out here a treat, since you can check out Gwyneth Paltrow’s time on the treadmill. If you pay enough attention, you may even scoop the latest breakup or business deal. Old and venerable as the Principe may be, the people who come to visit are a living Page Six.

Travelling with Kids

Guests over the age of 18 are considered adults. Some rooms accommodate 3 or more. The "suites" room sleeps up to 3 guests. For crib/cot, must book "Classic" room or larger. For 2 adults + rollaway bed, must book "Classic" or larger. For 2 adults + 2 kids beyond crib age, must book "suites" room or larger. Connecting rooms available. Can be confirmed upon reservation.

Cribs are available and may be subject to an additional fee. Roll-away beds available and may be subject to an additional fee. No additional charges for kids beyond crib/roll-away.

Pool available that allows kids. Babysitting services provided by screened outside help at €. per hour. The restaurant is kid-friendly with high chairs. Room service offers a kids menu.