Rarely is something that calls itself a ‘secret’ actually a secret. But in the case of Palazzo Segreti, an 18-room boutique hotel right in the centre of Milan’s fashion district, we really have found a hidden gem.
Located between the Sforza Castle and the Duomo – less than ten minutes walk from both – Palazzo Segreti is hidden in plain sight down a quiet side street off the Via Dante. An enormous stone archway and wooden doors make for a grand entrance to the building – a traditional Milanese townhouse from the 18th century, which has been home to many well-heeled Italian families over the years.
Milan is a city synonymous with sumptuosity and over-the-top luxury. Its renown as the world’s fashion capital has often translated into a style that shuns minimalism in favour of the garish and gilded, and comes with an overly inflated price tag to suit. Even today, when the design world tends to gravitate towards simplicity, it’s difficult to find a hotel in Milan that doesn’t come with chintzy fabrics and extravagant chandeliers.
Palazzo Segreti bucks this trend completely, embracing a more tasteful approach. The entrance would be spectacular by normal standards – a traditional city centre palazzo with elaborate crown mouldings, curvaceous designs in wrought iron, up-lit arched ceilings and (what look to be) original dark wood floors – but the lobby is kept simple, all in white with a few statement sculptures in bright colours.
The hotel’s 18 rooms are divided into four categories: Design, Deluxe, Suite, and Junior Suite, and all carry their own unique design flourishes. No matter the category or price point, all rooms are huge and boast the same high ceilings, wooden floors, and minimalist style.
The Design rooms combine contrasting colours and striking artwork. Junior Suites mix moody corners with bright whites; Some rooms contain four-poster beds with clean lines, other beds have high cushioned bases in bright colours to match the vivid pops of furniture.
We’re staying in Suite number eight; a bright sanctuary in hues of pink and white, and flooded with light from Via San Tomaso. The suite is open-plan with a partition wall separating the sleeping and sitting areas. As with the other rooms, it’s clean, fresh and simple with bold design accents in the form of vibrant armchairs, a statement coffee table, and the real star of the show: a huge taupe jacuzzi bath in the corner.
Given the size and sparse decoration, it would be easy for this suite to feel a little sterile; however, carefully curated soft furnishings, rich colours and soft downlights create a sense of inviting warmth.
Despite Palazzo Segreti being just steps from the busy pedestrian street of Via Dante, which is full of life in the evenings with tables set outside and groups flocking for drinks with a view of the castle, the French windows close to create a haven of peace and quiet. It’s unique in Milan to feel so close to the action yet still able to tune out when needed.
A luxurious bathroom in the same shades of taupe and white contains double sinks, products by Malin+Goetz, and a walk-in shower that can be converted into a steam room. Branded robes and slippers add to the relaxation experience.
Far from being a place to rest your head and quickly vacate, Palazzo Segreti invites guests to stay a while and fully indulge in the amenities. The mini bar is well stocked with local wines, softs, and nibbles to keep you going, and a light snack menu is available for room service 24h a day, seven days a week.
The offering has been designed to fit around Milan’s vibrant nightlife; the reception is also available 24/7, offering a service as professional and understated as the décor. There is a hair salon conveniently located inside the property, ensuring that you’re ready to face any paparazzi should you visit during Fashion Week. And Palazzo Segreti isn’t just pet-friendly: your dog will enjoy the same level of luxury with a dog bed, water bowls and custom mats.
Downstairs, Cafè Segreti doubles as a lounge bar and breakfast room. The bar stocks premium wines and spirits, and serves the original Bellini cocktail recipe invented by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1940s Venice. From 6-8.30pm, guests can join in the age-old Italian tradition of L’Aperitivo, surrounded by black and white portraits of cultural greats, from Monica Bellucci to The Beatles. Why not order the Milanese speciality of Negroni Sbagliato before heading out to dinner, or end the night with a local digestivo?
Breakfast is a typically Italian affair, with a select buffet of regional charcuterie and cheeses, yoghurts, cereals, and breads. Pastries are served warm and flaky from the hotel’s own kitchen, and it goes without saying that there’s good, strong Italian coffee available in any style.
Low-key is hard to come by in Milan, a city of excess. With this in mind, it’s quite unbelievable that somewhere like Palazzo Segreti exists so under-the-radar, nestled in the very heart of the city and with a standard of luxury that far outweighs the price point. It is an excellent choice if you intend to spend most of your day exploring but want somewhere chic and comfortable to relax before dinner.
Far from the haughty experience of the city’s more pretentious addresses, Palazzo Segreti is a design hotel with a difference, underpinned by warm and attentive service. You’ll find yourself charmed by the beautiful architecture, perfect location and stylish interiors. Hurry – the secret’s out!
We stayed
in Suite N8, priced from €300 in low season, including breakfast. Design and Deluxe rooms are available from €250.
For best rates, book directly through the website.
This was a press stay – all opinions are our own.
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