Straf, Milan, A Member Of Design Hotels

DislikedRude young guy on front desk when we arrived

Likedits at the center

Dislikedit was too loud room did not get warm enough enough bathroom sink was not user friendly

LikedWe stayed in one of the Junior Suites on the sixth floor, so we had a king bed and a little balcony. This was very nice, as we had a view of the Duomo. The location is great. You’re on one of the outside walls of the Galleria so you’re in the thick of everything. Rinascente is directly across the street, and there’s plenty to do in a very short walk. The staff was very pleasant, too, and helpful when it came to getting a cab or getting a coffee in the morning.

DislikedThe designers of the hotel went for form over function. The king bed looks sleek and sexy but is about as uncomfortable as a bed gets. The entire bathroom is done in brass and mirrors, so it smells like a penny and I hope you like looking at yourself naked because it’s literally all you see when taking a shower. The bathroom counter only comes up to your shins, which is just the oddest height for keeping your toiletries out. The lighting is bizarre: there is easily 12-15 light switches in the room and bathroom and they do not light up where and what you need when you need it. The bathroom shower is glass, and is visible to the bedroom so the one light you can find in the middle of the night lights up the whole room like a Christmas tree, disrupting your partner. There is another, less intense light, but it’s hidden beneath the hair dryer which is behind a little brass door so it’s not easy to find when it’s dark. Lastly, the "coffee" available in the room is little more than a kettle and one small packet of Nescafe. For the amount of money it costs to stay here, a Nespresso or Lavazza machine is expected.

LikedTerrific bar on the street

DislikedNeeds renovation.

LikedThe hotel is in an excellent location both for leisure and business activities. Everything is in easy walking distance the proximity to the Duomo means you can navigate your way to and from the hotel with ease. Rooms are a very good size with comfortable beds. The hotel amenities, including pool and sauna, are an excellent added bonus.

DislikedMy room was facing on to the street above the bar which meant Thursday night in particular (when the bar has a live DJ) was particularly noisey - had I been travelling to Milan for leisure this would not have been an issue but as I was there for long business days with a need to be rested this was a little problematic. Be sure to specify to the hotel should you require a quieter room.