MILAN, ITALY — A striking new addition to Milan’s boutique hotel landscape has arrived with the debut of Hotel Milu Milano, a design-forward property nestled in the elegant and energetic Porta Venezia district. Blending historic architecture with modern Milanese design innovation, the hotel introduces a vibrant hospitality concept that speaks to the city’s past and future.
Located in Piazza Guglielmo Oberdan, just steps from the historic Porta Venezia gate, the property occupies a 19th-century building that once housed Mercure Milano Centro. Now transformed under the artistic direction of Alex Meitlis, renowned Israeli architect and designer, Hotel Milu Milano brings a fresh perspective to one of Milan’s most beloved cultural neighborhoods.
Meitlis, best known for his artistic collaborations with chef Yotam Ottolenghi and his architectural sensitivity to heritage spaces, approached the redesign with a deep respect for the building’s Milanese roots. In doing so, he carefully peeled back the layers of time to reveal its classic bones—reviving elements like the central staircase and textured brick walls—while introducing bold contemporary touches that elevate the space into a work of hospitality art.
Design that Honors History While Looking Forward
From the moment guests arrive, Hotel Milu Milano offers a sensory immersion into its design language. Earthy textures, clean lines, and a palette of bold colors converge in a space where architectural legacy meets modern minimalism. In public areas and guestrooms alike, Meitlis’ signature fusion of raw and refined materials creates visual and emotional contrast. Glass, terrazzo, and steel are juxtaposed with wood, fabric, and traditional shutters—highlighting Milan’s evolving design narrative.
The hotel features 32 individually styled rooms, spread across seven categories: Single, Comfort Double, Superior Double, Deluxe Double, Deluxe Twin, Comfort Triple, and Prestige Quadruple. Ideal for both solo travelers and groups, the rooms embrace a minimalist philosophy where custom finishes and high-quality local materials speak louder than cluttered decor.
Signature terrazzo flooring, Italian wooden shutters, and playful mirrored accents create a warm yet stylish aesthetic. Bathrooms add a surprising splash of color with vibrant glass features in pink, green, and red—a nod to Milan’s fearless approach to fashion and art.
A Curated Artistic Experience
Art is more than decoration at Hotel Milu Milano—it is integral to the guest experience. Works by Israeli artist Carmel Ilan are thoughtfully curated throughout the hotel. In public spaces, large-scale pieces explore nature and identity, while guestrooms feature selections from her intimate ‘Here and Now’ series, created during the COVID-19 pandemic. These deeply personal works invite reflection and echo the emotional duality of isolation and human connection.
The integration of art with design enhances the narrative ambiance Meitlis seeks to cultivate. Polished surfaces meet organic forms, sharp lines are softened by rounded furnishings, and the textures provoke a tactile curiosity throughout the space.
Social and Cultural Connection in the Lounge
Beyond private quarters, guests can unwind in the hotel’s all-day lounge, which serves as both a communal gathering place and a peaceful retreat. With complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and Italian wines available throughout the day, the lounge encourages slow travel moments—whether for solo contemplation or lively conversation.
This hospitality offering reflects the hotel’s larger mission: to serve not just as accommodation, but as a portal into Milanese culture and daily life.
Anchored in Porta Venezia’s Cultural Energy
Hotel Milu Milano’s location in Porta Venezia places it at the crossroads of Milan’s most vibrant scenes. The neighborhood is famed for its Liberty-style architecture, world-class fashion boutiques, LGBTQ+ nightlife, and proximity to lush Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. Major attractions, including Corso Buenos Aires, Museo di Storia Naturale, and the Milan Metro’s Red Line, are within walking distance, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.
The area has recently gained international attention for its growing creative class and inclusive spirit—qualities that Milu Milano effortlessly embodies in its design ethos and cultural programming.
A Bold Benchmark for Milan’s Boutique Hotels
What sets Hotel Milu Milano apart is its seamless integration of design, storytelling, and local immersion. It doesn’t merely offer a stylish room; it delivers an atmosphere of emotional resonance, architectural integrity, and aesthetic curiosity. For travelers seeking to go beyond the predictable, Milu Milano redefines what it means to stay in Milan.
The property is the second under the Milu brand, following the success of its original outpost in Florence. With its Milan location, Milu continues to grow its footprint as a forward-thinking boutique label, one that curates not just comfort, but cultural connectivity.
Whether you’re a design aficionado, art lover, or first-time visitor looking to experience Milan beyond the surface, Hotel Milu Milano invites you to discover the city through a lens of thoughtful elegance and creative spirit.
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