Milan: address book

Identity card

Currency the euro. Area code +39 (Italy); 02 (Milan).

GETTING THERE

Air France operates six daily flights from Paris CDG and two from Paris Orly to Milan Linate airport, the closest to the centre of the capital of Lombardy. For its part, Hop!, the Franco-French airline of the Air France-KLM group, connects the Milan Malpensa hub with Nantes, with one flight a day on weekdays, and with Lyon, with three daily services. 

Tel: +33 (0) 9 69 39 02 15 - Internet: www.airfrance.fr or www.hop.com

 

Thello

For the duration of the Expo, the young railway company, which runs daily between Paris and Venice, will be making an exceptional stop in Milan, from 1 May to 31 October 2015... For rail travel fans.

Tel.: 01 83 82 00 00 Internet: www.thello.com

Hotels

Crowne Plaza Milan City

 

Opened in 2008 in a residential area close to the central station, where a large part of Milan's hotel industry is concentrated, the Crowne Plaza has all the hallmarks of a major business hotel. Yet its small size, with just 109 rooms, also gives it an intimate feel. With a strong business focus, the hotel has four meeting rooms bathed in light, and each of its nine floors has a 40 m2 junior suite. Its functional, contemporary style has a comic-book feel: each headboard is topped with a black-and-white drawing of a woman's face. Other little extras include a bar, a fitness room with views over the city, and a chauffeur and concierge service.

Via Melchiorre Gioia 73. Tel: 39 02 66 71 77 15. Email: info@crowneplazamilan.com Internet: www.crowneplaza.com

Westin Palace Milan

For those who love the grandiose, the Westin Palace is 'the' place to be. Luxurious, gilded, draped and very theatrical, it is a place of beautiful classicism, which could almost be considered historic if it were not housed in a tall modern tower in the Piazza della Republicca. Some of the 227 rooms have been refurbished in a more refined style, with fresh spring tones of mauve and white. Ideally located, just a few minutes' walk from the new Porta Nuova business centre and opposite a metro station that takes you to the Duomo - Milan's nerve centre - in just three minutes, this is an impeccable business hotel. Of course, as in all the Westins around the world, the bedding is of unparalleled comfort. But the hotel has other great assets, including a roof terrace where you can dine al fresco in summer, and several meeting rooms. Last but not least, the service is extremely attentive.

Piazza della Repubblica 20. Tel: +39 02 63361 Email: palacemilan@westin.com Internet: www.westinpalacemilan.com

Four Seasons Milano

An almost monastic atmosphere that contrasts with the effervescence that reigns outside: in the heart of the "golden quadrilateral", the Four Seasons has the luxury to respect the walls of this former 15th-century convent, which was refurbished in 2012 with the addition of an adjacent "palazzo". The cloister's interior garden and the vaulted ceilings of some of the 118 rooms and suites recall the original function of the site. But this heritage does not exclude a very modern touch. The Designer suites, designed by designers from the house of Brioni, offer a very contemporary interpretation of timeless glamour. A gourmet restaurant, La Veranda, and a spa designed by architect Patricia Urquiola.

Via Gesù 6/8 - Phone: + 39 02 77 088 Internet: www.fourseasons.com

Magna Pars Suites

In the design district of Zona Tortona, this hotel with 28 suites named after trees and flowers is sumptuously pure. Only the rough wooden floors break with the whiteness of the complex designed in 2013 by architect Luciano Maria Colombo. The 'industrial wasteland' spirit also reigns, softened by a beautiful garden. A feast for lovers of design and botany.

Via Forcella 6 - Phone: +39 02 833 83 71 Email: reservations@magnapars.it Internet: www.magnapars-suitesmilano.it

 

Hotel Straf Milan

For a city renowned for its creativity, it's rather surprising, but the Straf is the only hotel in Milan to have been awarded the 'Design Hotels' label. No matter, because this beautiful nineteenth-century building houses 64 rooms designed by fashion designer Vincenzo de Cotiis. It's luxurious, yet minimalist, intimate and über high-tech.

Via San Raffaele 3 - Tel: +39 02 80 50 81 - Email: info@straf.it - Internet: www.straf.it or www.designhotels.com

Hotel Principe Di Savoia

One of Milan's must-sees. This 1920s hotel, located in front of the Piazza della Repubblica, combines the beauties of a bygone world with today's best creations, from design to technology. The 257 rooms and 44 suites offer luxury that is both classic and beautifully simple. The hotel's real jewel: a marvellous glass-enclosed swimming pool on the roof terrace, where you can take a dip while looking out over the city.

Piazza della Repubblica 17. Tel: +39 02 62 301 - Email: info.hps@dorchestercollection.com Internet: www.dorchestercollection.com

Other major business hotels

Palazzo Parigi

 

Corso di Porta Nuova 1 - Tel: +39 02 625625 or 0800 2888 8882 (toll-free number in French) - Email: reservations@ palazzoparigi.com - Internet: www.palazzoparigi.com or lhw.com

Carlton Baglioni

 

Via Senato 5 - Tel: +39 02 77077 or 0800 2888 8882 (toll-free in French) - Email: carlton.milano@ baglionihotels.com - Internet: www.baglionihotels.com or lhw.com

Palazzo Segreti

Via San Tomaso 8 Tel: +39 02 49 52 92 50 Email: info@palazzosegreti.com Internet: www.palazzosegreti.com

Boscolo Milano

Corso Matteotti 4-6 (Montenapoleone). Tel: +39 02 7767 9611 Email: reception@milano.boscolo.com Internet: www.milano.boscolohotels.com

Meliin Milano

Via Masaccio 19 - Phone: +39 02 44 40 61 - Email: melia.milano@melia.com Internet: www.melia.com

NH Collection Milano President

Largo Augusto 10 - Tel: +39 02 77461 Email: nhcollectionpresident@nh-hotels. com - Internet: www.nh-collection.com

Budget hotels

Ibis Milano Centro

In an area just a stone's throw from the Piazza della Repubblica metro station, it's an address that dates back to the 80s, but looks like a brand new building. And with good reason: all 439 rooms, fresh and dapper, have been renovated since last year. For comfort lovers, 35 beautiful rooms and suites were completely redone last March! There's colour, wood, technology, a welcoming bar, a vast glass lobby and very, very low prices.

Via Finocchiaro Aprile 2 - Phone: +39 02 63 151 - Email: h0933-bo@accor.com Internet: www.ibis.com

Foresteria Monforte

This charming, upmarket bed and breakfast is just a few steps from Piazza San Babila. For a stay that's a little off the beaten track, but seductive and affordable.

Piazza tricolore 2 Tel: +39 34 02 37 02 72 Email: info@foresteriamonforte.it Internet: www.foresteriamonforte.it

Four Points by Sheraton Milan Center

There's no need to introduce this line of hotels aimed at business travellers who are demanding both in terms of quality of service and price. Located opposite the central station, it is just three metro stops from the heart of Milan.

Via Gerolamo Cardano 1 Tel: +39 02 66 74 61 Email: info@fourpointsmilano.it Internet: www.starwoodhotels.com

Restaurants

Al Pon de Ferr

The people who award Michelin stars to this restaurant must really think it's splendid and succulent, for them to award it one... despite the absence of tablecloths! Appearances can be deceiving...

The concept: exceptional products and inventiveness beyond belief. So much so that a dish priced at 18 euros, prepared with leftovers from a previous service, is offered every day. A truly incredible place, expertly run by Maida, a real character.

Ripa di Porta Ticinese 55 - Phone: +39 02 89 40 62 77 - Email: pontdeferr@gmail.com Internet: www.pontdeferr.it

Ristorante Cracco in Milano

Carlo Cracco's restaurant is a household name in Milan. In Italy, this chef, an official partner of Expo 2015, is a real star, having made his name on the TV show Master Chef Italia. Despite his fame and two Michelin stars, the place remains very discreet, located in a tiny street in the heart of Milan. Here you can enjoy Milanese cuisine that is both traditional and innovative, with a molecular inspiration.

Via Victor Hugo 4 - Phone: +39 02 87 67 74 - Email : info@ristorantecracco.it - Internet : www.ristorantecracco.it

Mio Bar

Since December 2014, it's the new 'casual chic' address in the centre of Milan. Mio Bar is a place where you dine on cocktails... You choose the drink first, and the rest - mini burgers, finger foods, Italian charcuterie - are just accompaniments, as the mixologist's creations are to die for. Of particular note is the Fellini, made with mandarin orange juice, Aperol and much more. Cocktail enthusiasts can find out all about it in the cocktail lessons available on request.

Via Tommaso Grossi 1 Tel: +39 02 88 21 12 34 Email: milan.park@hyatt.com Internet: www.milan.park.hyatt.com

Il Salumaio Di Monte Napoleone

In 1957, this address was still just a delicatessen. Today, it's a classic, housed in a marvellous 19th-century palazzo where you can enjoy the mild summer evenings. On the menu: fresh pasta with poetic names, pantagruelian charcuterie and, of course, risotto alla milanese.

Palazzo Bagatti Valsecchi. Via S. Spirito 10 - Tel: +39 02 76 00 11 23 - Email: info@ ilsalumaiodimontenapoleone.it - Internet: www.ilsalumaiodimontenapoleone.it

Dopolavoro Bicocca

The former headquarters of Pirelli tyres, in operation until the 1980s, was one of Milan's most important urban regeneration projects. Today, among the student and artist residences are bookshops, a contemporary art museum and Dopolavoro, a superb restaurant with an industrial feel. Chef Paolo Casanova's post-modern Italian cuisine will win you over. A good address, in tune with the times.

Via Chiese 2 - Tel: +39 02 66 11 15 73 Email: info@hangarbicocca.org Internet: www.hangarbicocca.org

Conference centres

Mico - Milano Congressi

Piazzale Carlo Magno, 1 Tel: +39 02 49 97 75 08 - Email: fabrizio.conte@feramilanocongressi.it Internet: www.micomilano.it

Feria Milano

Strada Statale del Sempione 28. Tel: +39 02 49 97 1 Email: feramilano@feramilano.it Internet: www.feramilano.it

Business areas

Regus Milano Duomo

Via Torino 2 - Phone: +39 02 72546 1 Internet: www.regus.fr

Impact Hub Milano

Via Paolo Sarpi 8. Tel: +39 02 40709253 Email: milan.info@impacthub.net Internet: milan.impacthub.net

Information

Italian National Tourist Office

23, rue de la Paix. 75002 Paris. Tel: 01 42 66 03 96 Email: infoitalie.paris@enit.it Internet: www.enit.it/fr/

Business France Italia

Palazzo delle Stelline. Corso Magenta 63 Tel: +39 02 48 54 71 Email: milan@ubifrance.fr Internet: www.businessfrance.fr

French Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Via Papa Leone XIII 10 - Phone: +39 02 72 53 71 - Email: info@chambre.it Internet: www.chambre.it

Camera di Comercio Milano

Via Meravigli 9/b. Tel: +39 02 85 15 42 32 Email: relazioni.media@mi.camcom.it Internet: www.mi.camcom.it

Invest in Lombardy

Via Meravigli 7 - Phone: +39 02 85 15 52 20 Email: info@investinlombardy.com Internet: www.investinlombardy.com

Practical guides

MilanWallpaper, Phaïdon City Guide (2014) ; Geoguide, Northern ItalyGalli mard (2015); Milan and the lakesLonely Panet (2013).

Bleisure

If you have an hour or an evening

La Scala Theatre

The Expo 2015 festivities kicked off with Turandot, conducted by Riccardo Chailly, La Scala's new musical director. As official partner of the event, La Scala will not be taking up summer residence this year, but will be offering an exceptional programme in June, July, August and September. On the programme are the great bel canto classics: La Bohème, L'Elisir d'amore, Tosca, Lucia di Lammermoor... A dream opportunity to discover the legendary red and gold hall.

Via Filodrammatici 2 - Tel: +39 02 88 79 1
Email: biglietteria@teatroallascala.org - Internet: www.teatroallascala.org

The Poldi Pezzoli Museum

A delightful little museum showcasing the astonishing collection of a wealthy private individual who spent his entire life collecting rare objects, from clocks to silverware, but above all masterpieces by Boticelli, Cranach and Piero della Francesca... Sublime and astonishing!

Via Manzoni 12 - Phone: +39 02 79 48 89/63 34 Email: ferraris@museopoldipezzoli.it - Internet: www.museopoldipezzoli.it