Hotel Straf

Hotel Straf, Milan: A Deep Dive into a Michelin Key Selected Property

Hotel Straf in Milan, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive stay for travelers seeking a blend of ultra-modern design, exceptional location, and personalized service. While its industrial-chic aesthetic may not cater to all tastes, the hotel generally garners positive feedback for its unique character and prime position in the heart of Milan.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The overall sentiment for Hotel Straf is largely positive, with guests frequently commending its central location and unique design. Review platforms show ratings such as 9.1 out of 10 based on 7 reviews, 8.4 out of 10 based on 378 reviews, and 8.6 out of 10 from 933 reviews. The hotel is recommended by a high percentage of guests, with 100% recommending it on one platform. While highly rated, some guests note that its very specific "brutalist" or "industrial-chic" decor, characterized by concrete, black slate, and scratched mirrors, can be polarizing.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight the hotel's unbeatable location as its foremost asset, being mere steps away from Milan Cathedral (Duomo), Piazza del Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and La Scala opera house. The innovative and funky design by architect Vincenzo de Cotiis, who is also a fashion designer, is another significant draw, offering a neo and modern, eclectic atmosphere. The hotel's lively bar, which attracts both guests and locals, is also frequently mentioned as a vibrant spot. Furthermore, the presence of a small spa with a pool and sauna is appreciated as a rare amenity in central Milan.

3. Room Quality

Hotel Straf's 64 rooms feature modern, artistic, and design furnishings, often described as minimalist and industrial. While not always spacious, they are well-appointed with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, interactive LCD TVs, and minibars. Bathrooms are typically large, equipped with luxurious bathrobes and slippers, and can feature striking designs with burnished brass or all-black finishes. However, some guests have noted that rooms can be small, and some bathrooms may lack proper vanity space or a door for the shower cubicle, leading to water splashing out. Tea and coffee making facilities are sometimes mentioned as lacking in standard rooms.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a Continental and American buffet breakfast, which guests generally find pleasant, though some consider it a bit expensive if not included in the room rate (around 25 Euros). The on-site restaurant serves lunch, specializing in Mediterranean and International cuisine, including vegetarian options. The STRAF Bar is a popular spot for evening drinks, known for its cool ambiance and attracting a hip crowd. While dinner is served, there isn't a full-fledged restaurant for elaborate evening meals, which suggests the hotel is designed for guests who will venture out for dining. Room service is available 24/7, offering a limited menu at night.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback consistently praises the staff for being extraordinary, incredibly helpful, friendly, and obliging. There are mentions of excellent service, including upgrades to suites and welcome amenities like a bottle of wine. The reception staff's willingness to assist and friendliness are rated particularly well.

6. Location & Accessibility

Hotel Straf boasts an exceptional and unbeatable location in Milan's city center, directly across from the Duomo. It is situated in the major shopping district, also known as the Golden Quadrangle, with high-end boutiques like Dolce and Gabbana and Prada nearby. Major sights such as the Cathedral, Galleria, and La Scala are only a few steps away. Public transportation is highly accessible, with Duomo metro station just 50 meters or a 3-minute walk away, and other stations like Teatro alla Scala Tram Stop also very close. Linate Airport is about 7 km away, reachable within 20 minutes.

7. Value & Pricing

Pricing for Hotel Straf can vary depending on dates and policies, with examples like "from €494 / night" and "Deluxe Room" at "$454 nightly, total $523 with taxes and fees." The value for money has been rated around 7.6 out of 10. While the cost might be higher due to its prime location and design, guests generally find the experience to be worthwhile for the convenience and unique atmosphere. However, some guests have felt that they "paid so much for this location… such a waste" if they preferred to avoid the immediate tourist center.

8. Common Complaints

While highly regarded, some recurring criticisms of Hotel Straf include:

• Noise: The lively bar, popular with both guests and locals, can lead to noisy evenings, with reports of noise being heard from some rooms. Construction noise and loud water pipes have also been mentioned.
• Room Size & Practicality: Rooms can be perceived as small, and the minimalist design, while aesthetically pleasing, sometimes leads to a lack of practical features such as sufficient electrical outlets or proper vanity space in bathrooms.
• Design Preference: The "industrial-chic" or "brutalist" decor, with its concrete walls and dark tones, is not universally loved and may come across as stark or cold to some.
• Breakfast Cost: Breakfast, if not included, is considered somewhat expensive by some guests.
• Inconsistent Wi-Fi: There have been occasional reports of unreliable or spotty Wi-Fi connections.
• Parking: If traveling with a car, the contracted valet service can be inconvenient, and access to the car may not be timely.

Sources

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12. topmilanhotels.com