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Story By Yvonne Yorke
Photography courtesy of Yvonne Yorke and Park Hyatt Milano
Park Hyatt Milano
There are a handful of five-star hotels in the heart of Milan that are an easy walk from the city’s best known landmarks: the Piazza del Duomo, the Teatro la Scala, and the breathtaking glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, which has been called “Milan’s Drawing Room”, and where Verdi and other composers once strolled through after a night at the opera house. However, perhaps none are as fashionably situated as the Park Hyatt Milano, the first Hyatt built in Italy, and inaugurated in 2003. Housed in a late 19th century palazzo within the Galleria itself, the hotel’s architecture and interiors are designed by Ed Tuttle, most notable for his work with the prestigious Amanresorts group.
For all intents and purposes, Tuttle has done a phenomenal job. As he observes, “The Park Hyatt Milan remains true to the historical style of the original building, but it also has something more contemporary and refined about it now”.
The small reception area leads to the spacious La Cupola Lobby Lounge, dominated by a 30-ft-high glass dome which lets in natural light throughout the day. As guests enter, eyes are drawn to the “Medusa’s Head” sculpture, a masterpiece by Italian sculptor Lucio Fontana, fitted with glass mosaic pieces that reflect light on its face and sunburst strands of hair. The striking La Cupola has quickly established itself as a popular meeting place by Milan’s business elite and the fashion gliterati. When I was staying at the hotel during Milan Fashion Week, I noticed that the lounge was filled with businessmen in Italian bespoke suits, and fashionistas in the latest designer outfits. I ran into a fashion public relations woman I know from Hong Kong who revealed that she always comes here because it has the best Sunday brunch in town. An added bonus at the hotel are the Chinese-and Japanese-speaking guest services officers, as well as a multi-lingual staff who attend to the needs of the international clientele.
 Even though I had arrived at 7 am after my overnight transatlantic flight, the reception staff was friendly and welcoming, and my room was ready. Rooms 105 and 205 face directly onto the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele so guests can practically window shop at Prada, while lying in bed. There’s something sexy about the Park Hyatt Milano’s 117 guest rooms and suites - all decorated in a contemporary classical style with beige and black marble walls, gunmetal gray custom-fitted window banquettes, and sumptuous silk fabrics. The sense of space is emphasized by the high ceilings, elongated tall windows, and the largest bathrooms in Milan. Fifty percent of the room space is occupied by a cavernous bathroom, which comes equipped with a walk-in closet, a fully stocked bar, a separate toilet area, double sinks with bronze taps, a deep bathtub, and an octagonal-shaped marble shower stall. You can practically live in the bathroom.
Further enhancing the luxurious bathing experience, the Park Hyatt Milano has commissioned Laura Tonatto, the famous Italian perfume maker who has also created a whole collection of perfumes for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to design a line of fragrances and bath products for the hotel. The unisex scents are characterized by warm notes of musk, amber, orange blossoms and vanilla  extracts, and the entire range is available in all guest rooms as well as for purchase.
The Park Hyatt Milano’s 26 suites of various sizes and categories are configured with either one or two bedrooms, and a living room which leads to a large private terrace with sweeping views of Milanese rooftops and the Duomo. All suites are outfitted with handcrafted furniture upholstered with Jim Thompson silks (created exclusively for the hotel), valuable art works, and plush carpets by Tai-Ping. In addition to the Presidential Suite, Diplomatic Suite, and the Terrace Suites, the hotel has recently added an Imperial Suite, four Prestige Suites and three Spa Suites with a massage table in the bathrooms. Guests who book either the Presidential or the Diplomatic Suite will receive the use of a Porsche – the Cayenne, the Boxster or the Carrera, throughout their stay. Contact the hotel for additional details.
 Just so our four-legged friends are not overlooked, the Park Hyatt Milano has a V.I.D program for Very Important Dogs. Included in this service is a comfortable bed, designer bowls filled with gourmet treats and fresh mineral water, and in keeping with the city’s fashionable standards, a dog collar by designer Paul Smith.
Harried owners can unwind in the hotel’s spa, which offers a 24-hour gym featuring all the latest equipment, and private change rooms with Turkish baths. A new spa treatment I experienced was the bamboo massage where warm bamboo canes are rolled over the body with different levels of pressure depending on the area being treated.
Recharged from the massage, I checked out the Park Bar with its floor-to-ceiling windows which looks out directly onto the Galleria. Guests can recline on black leather chairs around small circular tables while people watching on one of the few pedestrian streets in the city. The adjacent Park Restaurant serves contemporary regional Italian cuisine under the helm of chef Filippo Gozzoli who arrived at the Park Hyatt Milano after many years at Harry’s Bar in London and Osteria in Los Angeles. The original menu changes seasonally, offering dishes that combine innovation with tradition. Standout signature dishes I tried include the Licorice Pigeon with Red Onion Focaccia, the Milanese Veal Cutlet with Savoy Cabbage and Green Apple Salad, and one of the best desserts I’ve ever tasted – the Chestnut Puree spring roll wrapped in flaky filo pastry. The restaurant’s eclectic wine list features prestigious labels from notable vineyards, as well as locally recognized, small wine producers.
Before retiring for the night, all Park Hyatt Milano guests are treated with something extra by their bedside. Chocolates filled with cinnamon, chili pepper, or absinthe from Venchi, a well-known Italian chocolatier since 1878. A perfect end to a perfect meal and evening in Milan.
For additional details, rates and special offers, contact:
Park Hyatt Milano, Via Tommaso Grossi, 1, Milan Italy, tel: 39 02 88 21 1234,
www.milan.park.hyatt.com
© May 2009 LuxuryWeb Magazine. All rights reserved.
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