BACKGROUND The full-service Doubletree by Hilton brand is one of the Hilton Family’s newest identities, with a large number of hotels in North and South America and a fast-growing portfolio in Europe. The Milan property opened in October last year, the first in Italy.
WHAT'S IT LIKE? The four-star hotel has a fresh and relaxed feel, with plenty of natural light, marble floors and warm wooden furniture in the lobby. The timber and glass exterior seems modern and contemporary next to the traditional bricks-and-mortar façades on the wide city street.
WHERE IS IT? The hotel is 30 minutes from the airport, in the Viale Certosa business district. It is near the Fiera Milano trade fair complex and the Rho fairgrounds, two of the venues for Expo 2015. There are good transport links to the city centre on trams 11, 12 and 14, with the journey taking about 20 minutes.
ROOM FACILITIES There are 240 rooms, including six suites. The rooms come with Hilton Sweet Dreams beds and stylish furnishings – a dark carpet, cream leather armchair and wide desk. Wired and wifi internet access costs from €3 for half an hour to €15 for 24 hours. Features include flatscreen TVs and a clock-radio with MP3 connectivity, while the bathrooms have a combined bath and shower and toiletries by Neutrogena.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS The Glass bar, leading off from the lobby, has deep leather sofas and low tables, while the elegant Glass restaurant has dark furniture with burnt orange, yellow and cream leather upholstery. Breakfast is served from 7am-11am and consists of a selection of pastries, cereals, cured meats and cheeses, plus fresh juices and made-to-order coffees. Lunch is available between 12.30pm and 3pm. I visited the restaurant for dinner (6.30pm-11pm) and had macheroncetti with scampi and melted leek (€15), which was delicious, followed by a generous portion of tiramisu with strawberries, blueberries, redcurrants and a limoncello-based jus (€8).
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES There are eight flexible meeting rooms (six are 38 sqm, two are 76 sqm) on the ground floor that can be made into one or more larger spaces, with direct access to the courtyard. Three more rooms are behind reception – one has a maximum capacity of 30; the others, 50. A business centre is open 24 hours.
LEISURE FACILITIES A small gym in the basement has cardio machines and weights. It’s a cheerful space but get ready in your room beforehand as there are no changing rooms.
VERDICT A bright, functional and relaxed hotel for the business traveller, with well thought-out amenities, a good bar and restaurant, substantial meeting space and friendly staff.
Fact file
ROOM HIGHLIGHTS The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with light, and the large desks are a bonus.
PRICE Online rates for a midweek stay in June started from €89.
CONTACT Doubletree by Hilton Milan, Via Ludovico di Breme 77; tel +39 0292 8831; dtmilan.com, doubletree.hilton.co.uk
Sara Turner
