Hotel Principe di Savoia, Dorchester Collection

Hotel Principe di Savoia: A Glimpse into Milanese Grandeur

Hotel Principe di Savoia, a distinguished Dorchester Collection property in Milan, consistently earns praise for its blend of neoclassical elegance, modern luxury, and exceptional service. Guests frequently describe it as a classic, opulent, and welcoming retreat in the bustling city.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Hotel Principe di Savoia is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently expressing their desire to return. Review scores for staff, cleanliness, and comfort are particularly high, often reaching above 9 out of 10. Many find it a "luxurious escape" that combines historical charm with contemporary amenities, attracting a glamorous and global clientele.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

• Service: The "impeccable hospitality" and "exceptional service" are recurring themes, with the concierge team often highlighted for their attentiveness and ability to fulfill guests' wishes.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel's "beautiful atmosphere" and "neoclassical grandeur" are highly appreciated, featuring opulent late-19th-century elegance with lavish damasks, rich colors, antiques, and stunning art deco paneling. The Principe Bar, with its sculpted crystal bar and backlit mirrored wall, is a particular favorite for both guests and locals.
• Amenities: The rooftop Club 10 spa, with its heated swimming pool and panoramic city views, is a significant draw, alongside a well-equipped gym. The complimentary shuttle service to the city center is also a valued amenity.
• Comfort: Rooms are consistently described as comfortable and quiet, offering a tranquil retreat despite the hotel's central location.

3. Room Quality

The rooms and suites at Hotel Principe di Savoia are a harmonious blend of historical elegance and modern comfort. They are described as spacious and sumptuously decorated, featuring rich fabrics, elegant furniture, and classically paneled walls. Guests enjoy amenities like oversized beds with decadently soft sheets, contemporary technology including Netflix-equipped flat-screen TVs, and luxurious marble and mosaic bathrooms. Bathrooms are often equipped with double sink vanities, gleaming fixtures, and high-end toiletries like Acqua di Parma or exclusive Wildsmith Skin products. Soundproof windows ensure exceptionally quiet rooms, even at a busy junction. Housekeeping is noted as first-class.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a highly regarded dining experience:

• Acanto Restaurant: This acclaimed restaurant provides an "incredible array of sweet and savory delights" for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with an outdoor terrace option. The chef focuses on seasonal, traditional dishes with a contemporary touch, personally selecting produce from local farms. Signature dishes, such as the spaghettone with octopus, are highly recommended and even described as "addictive."
• Breakfast: Breakfast at Acanto is described as an "event," featuring a vast and excellent buffet with Italian and international options, including fresh cured meats, cheeses, salads, cereals, yogurts, and cooked dishes. The coffee is excellent, and guests appreciate delicacies like large chunks of Parmesan cheese.
• Bars & Lounges: The Principe Bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, offering fabulous cocktails and a glamorous atmosphere. Il Salotto Lobby Lounge provides a relaxed setting for cocktails, light bites, and afternoon tea. In-room dining also features signature dishes from across the Dorchester Collection.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Hotel Principe di Savoia is consistently rated as exceptional. The staff are frequently described as friendly, professional, attentive, and passionate about Milan. The concierge team, in particular, receives high praise for their helpfulness in booking restaurants and outings, embodying a "your wish is our command" ethos. Many guests highlight the personalized and intimate service, with some feeling as though they are staying in a private home rather than a hotel.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Principe di Savoia boasts an enviable location in Milan, situated on the edge of the old city center, close to the main train station (Stazione Centrale) and about a 20-minute walk or a short complimentary shuttle ride from downtown. It is also conveniently located near major designer stores and the high-end theaters of the "Golden Triangle" district. The hotel's position near the Porta Nuova district also makes it a popular choice for those attending Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile, offering easy access to fashion districts, design studios, and event venues. Valet parking is available for an extra fee.

7. Value & Pricing

While the Hotel Principe di Savoia is recognized as a top luxury property, some guests have expressed concerns about value for price, particularly regarding unexpected charges and the cost of breakfast. For instance, the Presidential Suite, which is the largest and most exclusive in Europe at nearly 5,400 square feet, starts from 17,000 euros a night and includes personalized services like a private butler. Despite some pricing criticisms, many guests feel the experience of "absolute Italian opulence and luxury" justifies the cost.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some minor criticisms have been noted:

• Cleanliness: A few guests have expressed dissatisfaction with cleanliness.
• Value for Price: Beyond the high cost of luxury, some reviews specifically mention unexpected charges and the price of breakfast as areas of concern regarding value.
• Location (minor): Although generally considered good, a few reviews subtly suggest that other global luxury chains might be in a more central area of the city.

Sources

1. kayak.com
2. renaesworld.com.au
3. booking.com
4. lux-mag.com
5. booking.com
6. thesybarite.co
7. oyster.com
8. townandcountrymag.com
9. theweek.com
10. youtube.com
11. elle.com