Each of us has a unique fingerprint; we each have particular travel needs which explains my outrageous travel schedule, it’s why I stay in three or four hotels in a city when I travel. I order room service, indulge at the spa, chat up all the employees and request help from the concierge service – I give a hotel a complete check–up!

My clients generally rely on my suggestion for a hotel, for over twelve years, they have trusted me to understand their desires; their, as I would describe, their particular preferences, rather than their fussiness!

My fashionista couture ladies love nightlife, swoon over hotels offering a vivacious scene, as they indeed stay out past the moon setting, and they look glamorous until the clock strikes three am! Instagram is proof of their hi-jinks!

In Milano, it’s desirable to stay within a small grid of tree canopied streets, fashionable streets for window shopping, local neighborhoods which add quiet to a stay, and within range of walking to some of the major sites. Unlike their U.S. counterparts, hotel dining is not looked down on elsewhere, thus if the hotel possesses a five star restaurant, even better.

My first stay at Palazzo Parigi Hotel was a perfect landing point after my international flight. The neighborhood is predominately residential, thus on a Sunday afternoon, it was relatively quiet for a major metropolitan city. Always a plus if in need of a nap, yet it is just a few steps away from the cultured fashion district, the trendy Brera district and Teatro alla Scala.

Newly opened, it is small, only 65 luxurious rooms and 33 suites in a sumptuous Palazzo, thus it feels like an intimate private Villa. The rooms are very spacious and bright and I had a private balcony overlooking the neighborhood garden terraces. As most Italian properties employ rolling metal shutters, you can button up your sanctuary to the heat and the night. I was particularly impressed with the stunning built in closets and drawers, sleek Italian style and the original art work in my room. Massive bathrooms, sunken tubs and separate shower and bidet. Owner-architect Paola Giambelli oversaw and designed her vision of an elegant modern environment.

A stunning bar, Cafe Parigi, which serves a dual purpose if you don’t want to dine outside in the lovely garden; they serve mid afternoon tea, breakfast and evening aperitivos in a lounge that feels like your own cozy living room, a refined elegant living room. Outfitted with comfy sofas and overstuffed chairs, a raft of newspapers, it is an inviting location to linger. And just large enough that you don’t feel like your dining neighbor is eavesdropping! Unfortunate, as I would have loved to overhear the conversation of the Russian royalty like family!

The gorgeous Gourmet Restaurant is a glass box serving traditional Italian cuisine. Although the stunning setting more resembles a contemporary theatre set… the restaurant is designed to create a real staging, with a “tunnel” glass door that obscures the arrival of the waiters and a sort of “stage” where the Chef presents guests the ultimate preparation of the dishes.

The entire hotel is tastefully adorned like a private Palazzo, with precious original works of art and antiques, a stunning marble staircase and rich woodwork, a century-old garden.

Oh, not to forget the spa and indoor pool, which opens up to an outdoor garden, adding sunlight to the indoor environment.   An authentic Turkish Hamman will open in September.

Bruno, our extremely patient and helpful concierge, also noted these hotel services:

– Dog & Cat sitting.

– Babysitting. Your children will be followed by qualified staff during your relax or shopping time.

– Personal Shopper will assist you during shopping in the best boutiques of the city.

– Yoga Lesson. In the calmness of your room, you will find the concentration for your exercises, with a trainer at your service.

– Personal Trainer. Your in & outdoor training guide.

– Tourist guide through the best Milan attractions.

I stayed again at the end of my long Journey and I have to say, it did feel like coming home – in the sense that all my needs were met, the staff welcomed me back, despite an all day conference that filled the lobby with professional types, the front desk staff made a point to seek me out amidst the group of suits! Bruno looked up to see if he could provide dinner reservations…a true sense of comfort and familiarity, yet very respectful.

Palazzo Parigi – elegant, refined comfort, intimate hotel, sun filled rooms, delicious dining, lovely garden…loved it and highly recommend. I’ll be back!