Friday, January 13, 2012

Park Hyatt Milan, Italy

Here is the long awaited travel report of the Park Hyatt Milan. A separate review of the Savini is following.

We had accumulated points with Hyatt over the years, so we decided to use some of them. After checking out different properties we decided to book the Park Hyatt Milan.
Our first contact was by requesting limousine transfer from the airport to the hotel. The concierge dealt with it friendly and efficient. They have a Mercedes E-Class or S-Class on offer. The price difference was quite large (120 Euro, ca 154 USD versus 240 Euro, ca. 306 USD), so we decided to go for the E-Class. We arrived at Milan Linate Airport with Aer Lingus. Our driver was already waiting and escorted us to the car. The journey took twenty minutes. We were greeted at the hotel by the bell captain and door man and again escorted to the check in desk. Check in was a breeze. The gentleman confirmed we were staying on points and took a swipe of my credit card for any extras. He then showed us where the restaurants, bar and spa are located and accompanied us to our room. It was located on the second floor. The room was large and uncluttered. The ceilings were very high, I guess around three or four meter. The receptionist explained the features of the room and left us alone afterwards.
There was a huge marble writing desk, a king sized bed and a sofa, a small round wooden table, a flat screen TV and a glass table. The walls were ochre. I liked the idea that the glass cabinet was in the room, while the mini bar, safe and wardrobe were located in the bath room. The amenities came from Laura Tonnato, a perfumer from Turin . The quality was very high and we enjoyed using the products. We had one sink with ample space for our beauty and cleaning products. Walking further the bath tub was to the left and a huge shower cubicle with a hand held and rain shower. Because the shower was so large and comfy, the bath tub was a little bit awkward angled. We had to climb in from the front, not from the side, which would be usual. At first I panicked I wouldn't get in or out, but it proved to be easier than thought. Both of us enjoyed using the shower and the bath tub. In a separate room was the toilet and bidet.
The bed allowed for a good rest by the way and there was an orchid and alarm clock on the night stand. The TV channels were okay. Unfortunately the English movie channel showed very old films and when it broadcasted newer ones, they were only in Italian. There was also CNN and a business channel available. Of course we didn't come to Milan to watch TV.
We were unlucky with the weather and besides a few hours on one evening of our two night stay, it did rain constantly. The Park Hyatt provided umbrellas, which came in handy.
On our first afternoon we had a late lunch at La Cupola Lobby Lounge. It is a beautiful, understated environment. The focus of the space is the Medusa's Head (sculpture) by Lucio Fontana and of course as the name suggests the glass dome. To get to the restaurant VUN and Park bar, one has to go through La Cupola.
The waiters were friendly, efficient and unobtrusive. We ordered a large bottle of water, smoothies, grilled fish with vegetables and Milanese veal cutlets with potatoes. The food and beverages are really expensive, but the highest quality, so we soon forgot about the price. The smoothies range from 15 Euro to 19 Euro (ca. 20 USD to ca. 25 USD); they are created by a nutritionist and especially healthy. The smoothies are served like they are coming from a laboratory, but all the ingredients are natural. Entrees start at 24 Euro up to 31 Euro (ca. 30 USD to ca. 40 USD). Desserts cost all 14 Euro (ca. 18 USD). It is quite normal to spend around 120 Euro (ca. 154 USD) for each meal, depending what you choose for breakfast it costs around 80 Euro (ca. 103 USD).
The rest of the time we had in room dining, including pasta with clams in a spicy sauce, pasta with vegetable and cheese sauce, French Toast, yogurt, Tiramisu, more smoothies and coffee. The cappuccino is really good here. We loved eating at the hotel. Everything was a delight.
I had a look at the spa treatments. The average cost was also 120 Euro (ca. 154 USD).
The location of the hotel is outstanding. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuel II. is just a few steps away. The Duomo and La Scala are in walking distance.
The Galleria contains every designer brand imaginable from Louis Vuitton to Prada. There are also a few restaurants - we went to Savini -, bars (especially memorable is the Gucci Bar) and a McDonalds.
Another favorite of mine was a souvenir shop. It sold also paintings. One was a bit naughty. It depicts a couple of priests praying and walking on a street. The last priest isn't concentrating on the bible, but looks up and sees to his amazement a bare breasted lady and is distracted...
Another of our favorite haunts was the department store La Rinascente. It offers more designer brands, cosmetics and a huge food hall with more restaurants.
The day before our departure I contacted the concierge to organize transportation to the airport. It was very easy going and went smoothly.
When we arrived in the lobby the next morning the concierge greeted us by name and directed us to one of the receptionists, who took care of our check out. She was friendly, warm and efficient. Afterwards everyone came with us outside to say good bye. The limousine was already waiting.
We were exceptionally satisfied with our stay. It was flawless. We loved the room, the friendly staff and the food. We would return in a heartbeat.










©2012

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