Old-world Italian Charm Meets Modern Luxury in This Milan Hotel — and It Has 2 Incredible Rooftop Restaurants

In the shadow of one of Milan’s biggest tourist attractions, the Duomo di Milano, sits Palazzo Cordusio, a new luxury hotel situated on a bustling square in central Milan — and while the Palazzo may look 19th-century on the outside, it is as sleek and modern as it comes on the inside.

The circa-1897 building that houses the hotel, freshly opened at the end of 2023, was commissioned by and originally home to one of Italy’s biggest insurance companies, Assicurazioni Generali, until 2018. After a thoughtful interior redesign, the Palazzo was transformed into an 84-room hotel, maintaining all historically protected parts while updating the building with new technology and modern touches. The restoration focused on preserving the original grandeur of the building, with the grand marble staircase as the central feature. The original Generali Assicurazioni emblems were incorporated into the design, honoring the building's history and historical aesthetics.

Entering the hotel through the massive doors, I first noticed the greenery-filled cocktail bar, Giardino Cordusio, in the back of the hotel in what was once the building’s interior courtyard. I almost felt the need to immediately kick back with one of the house cocktails — the botanical Negroni al Fresco — to relax after a long flight and car ride to the property, but there would be plenty of time for that later.

On the elevator ride up, surrounded by the staircase's gleaming marble walls and steps, I could see why they made the staircase such a focal point of the design. The reception area is located within the impressive dome on the building’s fifth floor, which adds a bit of flair to the usual hotel check-in procedure. While you wait, a balcony offers a sneak peek of the stunning views expected from the two rooftop restaurants.

After a quick yet impressive check-in experience, I arrived in my room to find my bags waiting in the ample closet space provided. Two separate curtained-off clothing racks in the corner of the room created a makeshift walk-in closet, providing plenty of space to get ready, complete with a full-length mirror and a steamer to keep my Milanese duds neat. The natural light-filled bathroom was even more spacious than the closet, with a soaking tub, separate shower, and high-end toiletries from Carner Barcelona.

Popping back upstairs for dinner, I was awestruck by the up-close and personal view of the Duomo during my meal at Sachi, one of the two rooftop restaurants. The other, Isola, includes a beautifully designed bar with marble tabletops, mid-century wood furnishings, and leather sofas, adding another well-designed space to enjoy a drink after a day in Milan. Now, all I need is that Negroni al Fresco.

Continue reading for a full review of Palazzo Cordusio, a hotel rich in history and high on design details.

The Rooms

Rooms feature large windows and private balconies with stunning views of the Piazza Cordusio and the Duomo di Milano. Rubelli's botanical-themed fabric covers the walls, adding color to the space's muted earth tones and wood paneling. Although the hotel is situated on a busy square, the rooms themselves remain whisper quiet, providing a relaxing sleep through the night.

The sleek, modern bathrooms highlight the rooms, including a freestanding soaking tub and a shower behind glass — although you may want to use the curtains for more privacy. The bathrooms feature in-room amenities by Barcelona-based Carner, which add to the luxurious feel.

Most rooms have ample closet space, and each also includes a steamer to help keep clothes looking fresh.

Food and Drink

Four restaurants and bars are located within the property, and the beauty of these spaces is showcased from the moment you step foot in the hotel with Giardino Cordusio, a lush, garden-like bar set in the hotel’s inner courtyard. Guests can sip on the signature Negroni al Fresco while people watching or unwinding after a day in the city.

On the rooftop, two separate dining experiences are available: Isola, a restaurant that celebrates the culinary heritage of southern Italy, and Sachi, a Japanese restaurant by Chef Moon Kyung Soo; both feature indoor and outdoor seating. Back on the ground floor, Gioia Pasticceria is a quintessentially Milanese café and patisserie pulling perfect shots of espresso for refueling, along with plenty of sweet and savory pastries.

Activities and Experiences

The hotel offers exclusive experiences, such as a visit to the La Mimosa Polo Club to explore the elegance and history of polo or a private tour of the La Scala Opera House, which offers behind-the-scenes access ordinarily off-limits to the public. If you’re looking for an authentic movie star experience, the hotel can even arrange a seaplane excursion to Lake Como.

Guests can also access the spa, which features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and relaxation lounge with water and light snacks. On the third floor, the gym features TechnoGym equipment and, as is standard at this point, amazing views of the Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti.

Family-friendly Offerings

A location of famed toy store FAO Schwarz, located across the street, offers personalized soft toys for children at check-in. The hotel provides babysitting services, and complimentary cots are available for all rooms. Isola, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, also provides a children's menu.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The hotel has six rooms available that are designed for those with disabilities.

Earlier this year, Meliá Hotels was named the “most sustainable” hotel chain by S&P Global. The construction of Palazzo Cordusio was designed to have minimal environmental impact, and locally sourced materials were used during the construction.

Meliá properties employ several environmentally friendly programs, such as a management system that monitors water usage, eliminates single-use plastics, and reduces food waste at the hotel’s restaurants. Restaurants also use ingredients that are sourced locally and seasonally.

Location

The hotel is in the heart of Milan on Piazza Cordusio, an elegant and bustling square surrounded by neoclassical and art nouveau buildings. The Duomo is just a five-minute walk to the east, and the pedestrianized Via Dante leads northwest to the medieval Castello Sforzesco. The hotel is also steps away from world-class shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, across from the Duomo. The property is also a short walk to cultural highlights like the La Scala Opera House and the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.

The hotel is about six miles from Milan Linate Airport and 31 miles from Milan Malpensa Airport.

How to Get the Most Value Out of Your Stay

Signing up for MeliáRewards, Meliá’s loyalty program, is a great way to earn special benefits and offers and points for your stay, which you can use to book a room in the future.