I just had an absolutely wonderful experience in Milan at boutique hotel The Yard, run by Alessandro and Stefanie. The Yard Suite & Dependance is nestled in a courtyard (duh) behind the Piazza XXIV Maggio, with a bio organic restaurant downstairs.
As many of you know, finding a great hotel in Milan is not the easiest task, despite it being the fashion capital of the world.
Yes, there is the four seasons, the grand hotel et di Milan, the Westin, or the Principe di Savoia (where I ran into Mary J Blige and David Beckham last year at breakfast), but they are huge, in need of renovations, and have some of the old five star anachronisms like charging per device for Internet that drive me nuts.
The whole place has a focus on architecture, family, and, this being Italy, race cars. As you enter the Yard, you see peculiar and unique architectural gems left and right in the sitting area – which, during the day is open air with heaters, and at night closed.
Let’s assume it’s nighttime already. Just relax in the reception area with a single malt and some Picasso adventures.
This being a family affair – they give you the keys to the gate, front doors and main entrance, because the family retires after midnight – there has to be a dog chilling on a pillow, which might or might not be your cup of tea. Find it on the right.
Vogue models, Louis Vuitton, yachts, cigars and contemporary design are the major impressions you will get in the common area. And common, it is. There is a communal table for breakfast, which forces you to have conversations with people. You still have the option to bury your nose in your blackberry (I heard they are not dead yet with the revamp) or iPhone, but the guests are eccentric and worth spending time with.
But, at the end of the day (literally), you are there to be in a comfortable room, and the Yard delivers. Espresso maker, free wifi, a designer shower that actually is functional and heavenly, along with great furniture and a comfy bed.
If you are looking for a home away from home, visual stimuli, and a family to cook breakfast for you, check it out.
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(c) Enskat Associates 2012
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