Review: Bulgari Hotel Milano

Why book? Guests looking for a place that feels more like an intimate and private Italian residence than a high-end hotel have come to the right place. At The Bulgari Hotel Milano, international visitors mingle with in-the-know Milanese, all of whom appreciate the property’s central location and Zen gardens, the refined Italian design, and the spectacular spa, which feels like time-traveling back to an ancient Roman bath.

Set the scene Tucked away on a residential street between the old arts quarter of Brera and the golden shopping triangle, The Bulgari Hotel Milano sits amidst a private, 43,000-square-foot garden. The Botanical Garden of Brera is also located next door giving the property a quiet tranquility that feels entirely unexpected given its location in the city center. The clientele here is notably upscale, in-the-know, and coming from all fields of business, with an emphasis on creative professions and the luxury fashion world.

The backstory When the property debuted in 2004, it became the first Bulgari Hotel, and marked the start of what would become a now-booming hospitality portfolio for the brand. Originally a convent and an 18^th century palazzo, today the hotel is an iconic Italian landmark that’s reflective of Bulgari’s bold and contemporary style. Part of the original façade is still visible today, while in the gardens, the original Madonnina salvaged from the old chapel stands as an enduring reminder of the property’s rich history.

The rooms There are 61 rooms including 13 suites at The Bulgari Hotel in Milan. While the hallways leading to them are decidedly dark, they’re a striking contrast to the sunlit rooms that await, with their floor-to-ceiling glass windows that flood the interiors with natural light. My premium room, #203, was located on the corner overlooking the verdant garden. Walking inside, I immediately felt like I was in a treehouse thanks to the glass walls with views of the towering trees outside my windows. As a word of note, some of the garden-facing rooms are a bit noisier than others overlooking a private Milanese courtyard. The furnishings and décor are sleek and masculine, with materials like teak, oak, and leather, while in the bathrooms, black Zimbabwe marble and white Navona travertine strike a dramatic tone. Every evening, I enjoyed soaking in my bathtub, which was outfitted with incense and Himalayan salts. While most of the rooms here are small according to Bulgari’s standards, the glimmering bronze mesh screens connecting the bedrooms and bathrooms give the sensation of greater space. The newly renovated Bulgari Suite is a rarity in town, with its private rooftop garden overlooking views of Milan and the nearby Duomo. Everything here is over-the-top, including the bathtub, which was carved and craned in from a single piece of marble. The 2-bedroom space debuted in June 2021 and takes up an entire floor. The feel is very residential, like a grand apartment, with fireplaces and framed Bulgari sketches and archives, plus a dedicated, full-service butler on call both day and night.

Food and drink Throughout the day, The Bulgari Lounge buzzes with guests enjoying coffee, an afternoon aperitivo, or a post-dinner digestif. The space is adorned with black Zimbabwean granite, a burning fireplace, and antique silk carpets from Uzbekistan. Framed photographs of celebrities hang from the walls overlooking a central display case filled with sweets and handcrafted chocolates. On arrival, I quickly headed to the terrace of Il Ristorante, where three-star Michelin Chef Niko Romito serves up his contemporary Italian fare on fine Ginori porcelain. Dishes like silky linguini with clams and sweet cherry tomatoes served with fresh burrata still linger in memory. The full menu can also be enjoyed at The Bulgari Bar, an oval, black resin structure set against a spectacular wall of glass that opens to the garden. (While here, be sure to try the signature Bulgari Cocktail, a tangerine-colored libation with gin, Aperol, and a mix of fresh orange, pineapple and lime juice.) Sunday brunch at The Bulgari Hotel is a Milanese affair that draws local families in droves. For 120 euros, guests can partake in an all-you-can-eat gourmet meal with a welcome glass of Ruinart champagne. Admittedly, this was one of the best brunches I’ve ever had, with a decadent cheese station set up alongside a raw bar with prawns, fish, and oysters on the half shell, and delicious dishes such as fennel with blood oranges. Waiters walked around the room serving bowls of pasta with a medley of sauces. (The dedicated dessert room is not to be missed and worth pacing yourself for!) The hotel is also offering a new private dining experience in Il Gazebo, a charming 19-person al fresco venue that’s tucked into the garden behind a hedge of red beech trees.

The spa As with Bulgari’s other properties, The Spa here is one of the hotel’s main attractions. A long pool glimmers with golden tiles in a serene, candlelit space nearby the mosaic-lined hammam and Swedish sauna. The intimate rooms are outfitted for personalized treatments or “journeys,” all of which are designed around ancient healing and modern therapies. The Holistic Touch treatment uses Ayurvedic techniques to rebalance the body’s energy, including healing poultices and marma-point stimulation. The Spa also has a boutique WORKSHOP Gym conceived by Lee Mullins, where personal training, Pilates, yoga and water barre can be arranged by appointment.

The neighborhood/area The location is unbeatable, thanks to its proximity to designer shopping on Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, along with the famed La Scala Theatre. The Duomo is just five minutes on foot, and the Academy of Brera with its blooming Botanical Garden is even closer. Despite its central location, however, I got the feeling I was far away from city life, thanks to the haven of green spaces, the birdsong drifting from giant trees, and the calming interiors. It’s the perfect place for guests wanting to explore all Milan has to offer while coming home to a quiet, serene sanctuary.

The service The staff here is kind, relaxed, and has a wonderful way of making you feel at home.

I particularly enjoyed their attention to small details, like the rotation of hot tea and fresh-baked desserts left in the room at turn-down, along with the extra-large bath towels and the Bose sound system in my room. There was even a pillow bar by my bed and convenient switches which could be used to notify the staff to make up the room or to ‘do not disturb.’ The concierge can plan all sorts of unique experiences. I particularly enjoyed the visit to Villa Necchi Campiglio where the architect Roberto Mariani explained how the famous home was a source of inspiration for The Bulgari Hotel in Milan. Guests of the hotel have a special opportunity to visit the villa privately, away from the throngs of tourists that visit from near and far. Another highlight was partaking in the hotel’s newly-launched ‘Sciura’ Tour, which was developed exclusively for Bulgari Hotels by Maptique. The style-centric walking tour winds through the city, stopping at a selection of must-visit Milanese shops selling everything from gourmet foods to velvet slippers and handmade pajamas. The concierge can also organize hydroplane trips across Lake Como, a private dinner behind closed doors beneath Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, and a day of personal shopping in Italy’s fashion capital.

For families The Bulgari Hotel Milano is super familyfriendly, and like the brand’s other properties, they have a Little Gems Kids Club to welcome young guests. One highlight is the ‘Green’ Treasure Hunt designed around the garden’s wide-ranging plant life.

Eco effort The hotel is sensitive to sustainability and prides itself on being completely plastic-free. All of the bedding is made of certified, organically-grown, ethical cotton and linen. They also use biodegradable laundry packaging, 98% biodegradable detergents, low consumption lightbulbs, and candles made of recycled wax, to name a few. The adjacent Botanical Garden is a hallmark of the hotel, and leaves from their mother trees were photographed and used on many of the hotel’s printed materials. An in-room brochure made of recycled wood boasts a painted map inviting guests to explore the garden and the shops beyond in Brera. The Bulgari staff is notably passionate about this garden and volunteers there on a regular basis.

Accessibility All of the elevators and rooms including suites are ADA accessible.

Anything left to mention? More than just a pretty backdrop, the garden is a true extension of the hotel, and one I wish I had spent more time enjoying. At night, the Sycamore trees glow with lantern light, inviting guests to indulge in late night cocktails and conversation. During the day, picnics can be arranged on the sunlit lawn with a bottle of chilled Dom Perignon. As a garden guru, I appreciated the QR codes that were sprinkled throughout the landscape, which make for easy plant identification. There are also electric bikes by Matchless London that I look forward to riding next time. 

Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? The Bulgari Hotel is a hidden gem in downtown Milan, a luxe yet unpretentious hideaway with a who’s who clientele that’s drawn to the tranquil gardens, elegant cuisine, restorative wellness offerings, and understated Italian luxury.