Check Into Milan’s Coolest New Boutique Luxury Hotel

The Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan is also home to the Italian city’s best new rooftop bar.

In 1960, the Radisson brand opened the world’s first design hotel, the Radisson Collection Royal Hotel, in Copenhagen, setting off a trend for high-end, design-driven luxury hospitality that continues unabated. These days the Radisson Collection portfolio boasts some of the world’s most beautiful boutique luxury hotels, from a palazzo in Venice to a five-star resort in Riyadh. No two are alike, and each features a distinctive aesthetic and design philosophy.

Their newest addition, Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan is already one of the jewels in the crown. A completely reimagined 1960s Italian landmark in the center of Milan, it is home to ISSEI, the city’s coolest new rooftop bar and restaurant, specializing in Nikkei cuisine, a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian dishes, along with incredible cocktails and a breathtaking view.

The brand’s fifth luxury-lifestyle hotel in Italy, the five-star stunner is designed to “exude personality and joie de vivre combining landmark architecture, eclectic interiors, exceptional gastronomic experiences, personalized service, and luxurious amenities.”

Over the course of four years, “architects Studio Marco Piva transformed the original headquarters of Allianz Italia from the 1960s into a spectacular five-star luxury hotel, adapted to business and hospitality needs with high standards of aesthetics, functionality and efficient use of resources,” the brand notes—and the results are spectacular. Further enhanced by the stunning botanical installations by Studio Mary Lennox.

Interior public spaces created by Milanese designers AtelierP and Alessandro Cesario are fully in keeping with the “elegant maximalism” aesthetic, with bold geometric patterns on the floors inspired by classic Milanese mansions. In the hotel lobby and reception area, throughout the adjacent co-working spaces, and to the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Sofia Kitchen & Bar, “visual stimulation welcomes guests to experience an eclectic mix of contrasting elements from different eras of Milanese history.”

The hotel’s 159 rooms and suites were designed by Studio Marco Piva as “urban lofts” featuring oversized windows as well as interior glass walls for an abundance of natural light. “Custom-built furniture, the juxtaposition of warm, natural materials such as wood and leather with glass and metals, as well as the rich brown, black, and dark navy blue color palette, create an atmosphere reflecting the character style of Milan,” the designers note.

Sofia Kitchen & Bar cleverly occupies a space in what was formerly courtyard of the building, now covered by a glass roof, where “damask and oriental motifs, as well as Art Nouveau and modern objects create a new living room” for the people of Milan, taking inspiration from “the green of Milanese fountains, streetcars, and 1960s taxis.”

Sofia Kitchen & Bar eclectic menu features a selection of Mediterranean dishes, as well as international and European favorites, “each made from fresh, flavorful ingredients.” It’s also where guests eat their breakfast. And the beautifully-designed bar has an interesting and comprehensive list of wine and cocktails.

Walking into the hotel’s seventh floor is like discovering a hidden gem. Here the the architects created ISSEI Rooftop, a bar and restaurant with some of the most captivating views in the city. It has already become Milan’s coolest new rooftop scene. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it also has one of the city’s best cocktail programs, perfectly paired with the innovative Nikkei cuisine.

Sunset cocktails here can’t be beat, but later at night when a DJ takes over the music it’s infused with a new and equally compelling energy. Here AtelierP’s gave full reign to their “more is more” design philosophy via a “visually complex, dreamlike environment connecting the bar, restaurant, lounge, and rooftop as eccentric spaces” in which to enjoy an aperitivo, dinner, drinks, or all of the above.

Another surprise awaits on the hotel’s fourth floor, where a new terrace was constructed complete with an outdoor swimming pool—a true rarity in Milan—and an Instagram-worthy lounge/bar area. The space was designed to “offer an urban resort feel, perfect for a refreshing morning or afternoon at leisure”; or for those more activity-minded, there’s also a 24-hour fitness center and a sauna.

“We are excited to welcome our guests to this new hotel and give them a truly exceptional Milanese experience,” says Marco Scola, the hotel’s dashing General Manager.  “From the style and comfort of our rooms to the exciting food and drink offerings at our restaurants and bars, Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan is the ideal base for doing business, shopping or just enjoying the city.”

Chema Basterrechea, Global President and Chief Operating Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, adds that, “Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan is the perfect fifth Italian iteration of our Radisson Collection brand, and our second in Milan, as we continue expanding our portfolio of luxury hotels.” She notes that the company has more openings planned for Italy in the next few years, so stay tuned….