[:en]I’m gonna start this review by shocking a lot of you out there as I know many of you feel quite the contrary, but I have to admit I don’t like Milan. At all. The city that is. Milan for me is strictly business and I’m here for work. Many of you may be like “what?!?” out there, but that’s just my opinion. There’s a beautiful and quite stunning historical center with the Duomo and The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II which is one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, but that’s about it. And yes, to those offended, I’ve seen quite a lot of Milan, but the charm is just not there. However, I just mentioned the parts that are worth seeing and am grateful my hotel was located in close proximity to the Duomo, so why not make the best out of your stay? The Square Milano Duomo is located in a prestigious historical building designed in the forties. Renovated and upgraded in its entirety the hotel boasts with 4 stars (well-earned) and a rooftop bar and restaurant with great views.
The room itself is minimalistic in its design, but that’s what I like about hotels like these. They’re like a safe haven and a place to get back to and relax at when you’ve had a tough day of fashion shows and events. You really only need your bed and a TV, or at least that is applicable when it comes to me. This room offered more than that however with a Nespresso machine to wake people up and they even had decaf capsules for people like me who don’t drink caffeine. I’d say that’s not usual at all, especially not in the coffee drinking mecca Italy is claimed to be.
As always, I bought some things to make my stay a bit homier. I’m not implying the room would smell bad or anything, but I felt I needed the comfort of the Durance scented sticks which spread a wonderful aroma throughout the entire room and the Holy Basil candle from Rituals to make my nights cozier. All the glamour of fashion week and 4 and 5 star hotels aside, a hotel room can be quite a lonely place to spend the night and a candle does help. Trust me.
The bathroom was a gorgeous space covered in marble from floor to ceiling and of course it had a bidé in it. We’re in Italy after all. If someone who actually uses one of those could tell me why I’d want to flush my behind in one of those, please feel free to express your opinions in the comment field, but thus far I haven’t really understood what I’d need it for to be honest.
Anyway, still in Italy, I brought a different set of El Capitano toothpaste with me to Milan. The brand itself I wrote a bit about in my hotel review from Florence, but I forgot to mention it’s paraben free and I must say I liked this green retro packaging better than the red one due to the mint/herbal flavor.
In addition to that I had a whole range of Moroccan Oil products with me. I truly like their knew packaging, leaving the white/turquoise and experimenting with colors like pink for the shampoo and conditioner and blue for the dry shampoo. I’m quite a dry shampoo addict and the one from Moroccan Oil is perfect as it comes in different versions depending on what hair color you have and this “dark brown” was perfect for me as it didn’t make my hair grey as many other dry shampoos would. And trust me, I’ve tried them all.
I did mention the rooftop bar and restaurant in the beginning, but it’s quite remarkable really. On my first night I ordered a virgin Mojito and before I got my drink I got both nuts and other salty things which you’d expect with a drink, but also a whole plate of appetizers which I wasn’t expecting at all. Then again, when thinking about how much the drink cost, there was plenty of space for some appetizers in there as well. The service was genuinely friendly and I felt well taken care of up there enjoying the views.
I’m wearing the Le Coq Sportif sweater just because I want to feel at home when I stay at a hotel. So, there I was in my shorts and sweater with all guests to the restaurant who were dressed up to their teeth, but still got the best service possible. Why? I’ll just stick to what I always say: Dress codes are there for a reason. Once you’ve figured the reason out, you don’t have to give a flying duck about them. Until you’ve figured out the reason, please do follow the dress codes.
The Square Milano Duomo is a hotel I will return to on my next trip to Milan for sure as it was close to absolutely everything, including the subway, which I didn’t use however. This hotel is rated 4 stars which I’d make 4,5 stars though as it exceeded my expectations of being yet another boring hotel. And oh, kids, don’t try peeping out from the 6th floor window at home. This is just because my photographer Reuben dared me and uh let’s just pretend there were safety wires attached to my legs at the point and that I wasn’t scared. At all.
Photographer: Reuben Chapman[:sv]För att göra vissa av er upprörda tänker jag börja detta inlägg med att erkänna att jag inte tycker om Milano som stad. Alls. Den är tråkig, generisk och har ingen riktig “här vill jag bo och leva”-känsla. Många av er kanske är förvånade då Milano är modets mecka, men det är precis det det är och inte så mycket mer än så. För mig är det ett måste att besöka för jobb, men inget jag skulle rekommendera som semestermål. Dock finns undantag och detta undantag är det historiska centrat med världskända Duomo samt Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II som är ett av världens äldsta köpcentrum och väldigt vackert med alla tänkbara lyxbutiker som finns. Och så var det dessvärre inte så mycket mer än så. Det låter som om jag är lidande i Milano, men så är det verkligen inte, utan jag gjorde bästa av situationen. Som tur är låg mitt hotell i Milano precis invid Duomo och var på gångavstånd till absolut allt, inklusive tunnelbana om jag hade haft behov av den. The Square Milano Duomo huserar i ett historiskt hus byggt på 1940-talet och har nyligen genomgått en helhetsrenovering och hotellet stoltserar med 4 stjärnor samt en bar och restaurang på takterrassen med vida vyer över staden.
Rummet självt är minimalistiskt design- och inredningsmässigt och det är precis vad jag är ute efter när det kommer till hotell som dessa. De är en trygg tillflyktsort efter en lång dag av modevisnignar och events och det enda jag egentligen behöver är en säng och en TV, men självfallet spelar standarden på rummet roll. Det här rummet bjöd dock på mer än så, bland annat i form av en nespressomaskin, vilket i sig inte är märkvärdigt, men att den kom med koffeinfria kapslar var ett rent nöje för en kaffeälskare som dock inte tål koffein. Något fler hotell (och flygbolag) borde ta efter. Italien är ju ett självutnämnt kaffeland även om Finland och Sverige toppar listan över de som dricker mest kaffe per capita, så det var extra trevligt med denna lilla överraskning just här.
Som alltid tog jag med mig lite prylar för att göra rummet mer hemtrevligt. Jag försöker på intet vis säga att rummet skulle ha luktat illa, men jag kände att jag kände att doftpinnarna från Durance behövdes för att fylla hela rummet med en härlig arom. Holy Basil-ljuset från Rituals hade jag med mig för mysfaktorns skull. Med all glamour och flärd modeveckor och topphotell erbjuder, så är ett hotellrum rätt ensamt sådär på kvällskvisten och då hjälper det med ett stämningsskapande doftljus. Jag lovar.
Badrummet var makalöst med marmor från golv till tak och självfallet hade den en bidé I sig. Vi är trots allt i Italien. Om någon som läser detta på ett seriöst sätt kan förklara för mig vad man ska ha en sådan till så får man gärna kommentera nedan då jag verkligen inte funnit ”nöjet” i att spola min ända i en sådan och finner den högst ohygienisk.
För att inte vandra bort från ämnet alltför mycket håller vi oss till badrummet och Italien en stund till. Jag tog med mig en annan retrotub av tandkrämen El Capitano till Milano än den jag hade med mig till Florence. I den texten glömde jag nämna att tandkrämerna är parabenfria och jag tycker faktiskt mer om den här gröna retroförpackningen än den röda och det har nog med mintsmaken med örttoner att göra.
Utöver det hade jag med mig en hel linje av produkter från Moroccan Oil. När jag först lärde känna märket var jag inte så imponerad och det tog mig både en och fem vändor innan jag faktiskt lärt mig uppskatta det, till den grad att den ingår i min dagliga rutin. Jag gillar den nya designen på produkterna som går från det vit-turkosa temat och inkorporerar rosa i schampot och balsamen samt det blåa i torrschampot. Jag är något beroende av torrschampon och har gått igenom de flesta varianterna, men det här har flera olika nyanser beroende på vad du har för hårfärg, så torrschampot för mörkbrunt hår är perfekt för mig och gör inte håret grått eller mjälligt som många andra produkter gör.
Jag nämnde takterrassen med bar och restaurang I början, men glömde nämna att den heter xxx och är ganska makalöst bra. Under min första kväll beställde jag en Virgin Mojito och som sig bör kom den med salta nötter, chips och lite annat som sig bör, men vad jag inte hade räknat med att en hel tallrik med aptitretare ingick i priset. När jag väl tänker på det rymdes nog även den lilla mängden mat in i priset av vad Mojiton kostade förvisso. Servicenivån var hög och genuint trevlig och jag kände mig väl omhändertagen däruppe när jag njöt av vyerna över staden.
Tröjan från Le Coq Sportif har jag på mig för att jag vill känna mig hemma när jag är på hotell, så där satt jag i shorts och denna tröja medan resten av denna rätt snofsiga restaurang var uppklädda till tänderna, men ändå fick jag bästa möjliga service. Varför? Jo, klädkoder finns av en anledning. När man väl listat ut anledning är det verkligen strunt samma vad man klär sig i. Tills dess, följ klädkoderna!
The Square Milano Duomo är ett hotell jag gärna återvänder till under min nästa vistelse I Milano då det var nära precis allt jag behövde vara nära. De 4 stjärnor hotellet har skulle jag gärna höja till 4,5 stjärnor då det överträffade mina förväntningar. Och just det, testa inte att hänga ut från ett fönster på sjätte våningen om ni inte har all världens säkerhetsutrustning inkopplad. Vi kan ju åtminstone låtsas att jag hade det, men min fotograf utmanade mig och jag böjde mig för min höjdskräck, som dock var påtaglig.
![[:en]Milan + M.A.M.B | OSLO |[:sv]Milano + M.A.M.B | OSLO |[:]](http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Thomas_051-370x340.jpg)
Mariann yip
July 27, 2017 at 12:13 amI love how honest you are with your reviews. Sometimes I’m not crazy about a place either but it’s all about preference and I can respect your opinion. I was never the type to actually bring things like candles with me on a trip because I normally carry only essentials which include makeup and clothing but I do think it’s a brilliant idea! I have to look more into hotels because I want to plan an international trip so definitely share any tips with how to pitch to them!
Gracie
July 27, 2017 at 12:18 amMilan was on my bucket list. Now I guess I have to rethink, Thomas. Hotel looks really nice. Thanks for sharing.
Xxgracie
snappedbygracie.com
Coco
July 27, 2017 at 8:27 amLol I don’t like Milano either. Except for shopping! It’s crowded, gray and totally void of any warmth. The hotel you stayed in has all the features I look for: minimal and clean, with a bar to enjoy happy hour (which ends up being my dinner). You know I love when you share the goodies you take with you to make a hotel room homier. Candles work great for me as well. I haven’t tried the new dry shampoo by Moroccan Oil! You just gave me a precious information my friend. And I love Pasta del Capitano toothpaste. Dress codes are for people who haven’t a clue on what to wear and need a code to guide them. Sadly they mostly overdo it. You look just perfect in your easy chic outfit. Looking forward to your next post! Love, Valeria
Sheree
July 27, 2017 at 8:51 amHow incredibly beautiful is Square Milano Duomo! That white marble bathroom is so inviting and I’m obsessed. The minimal and beautiful decor is perfect for my taste and I like that they pay attention to the details such as Morocan Oil toiletry sets. Your clean, white outfit is perfect for the city. If I’m ever in Milan, I will keep this hotel in mind for sure.
xo Sheree
PoshClassyom
Theresa Schiffhauer
July 27, 2017 at 9:12 amOmg the hotel looks adorable! I was looking for a good hotel in Milan anyway so thank you! And beautiful pictures!! xx Theresa
Kamen Kamenov
July 27, 2017 at 12:41 pmHey my lovely and most fave blogger friend, how are you doing? I hope fine!
I also do not fancy Milan so much, so no shock here whatsoever. It is simply strictly business and not really warm in terms of people. The Dome is stunning tho. The Hotel as well. I have never stayed there, but boy oh boy, now i wanna…haha. Really amazing pictures, very professional and so on point. Keep the good work
Xoxo
Anthony @oh_anthonio
July 27, 2017 at 4:31 pmI know what you mean about Milan. For me there wasn’t much nightlife but since I was with a good group of people I still enjoyed my time there!
Aimara
July 27, 2017 at 8:50 pmLooks like a beautiful stay my friend! I like Milan, but only been to the areas you just mentioned hahaha so many that’s why 🙂
So cool that you got to stay right where you like it. This room is beautiful and The Square Milano Duomo Hotel looks exactly like my kind of place! Love the decor, the products, location and yes, the Nespresso machine hahaha
Thanks for sharing my friend!
XO
Aimara
http://www.waysofstyle.com
PS: Obsessed with your cute sweater and that last photo!! But be careful!!! LOL
Christine Kong
July 27, 2017 at 10:53 pmTo be honest, I kinda feel the same way about Milan. Aside from the Duomo and The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II like you mentioned, I didn’t feel like there was much else there if you’re a tourist. This hotel looks perfect for a quiet and cozy place to stay. I love the minimal decor and hello, this marble bathroom is total goals! I love that you bring your own scents with you when you travel. I totally get it about feeling a bit of home and think I will try that next time. That Holy Basil candle looks amazing! Your sweater is too fab. I love the simple red, white and blue colors and the white shorts. So sporty chic! Thanks for letting me know about this hotel. We are planning a trip to Paris, Spain and possibly Italy for fall and deciding which cities to visit. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Meg
July 28, 2017 at 12:03 amWow this hotel looks like the perfect place to stay. One of the big things I look for is a gorgeous bathroom and this DEFINITELY has that. I have to check this out!
Samjah Iman
July 28, 2017 at 12:53 amThat hotel was simple yet chic. That beautiful bathroom is what got me. Wow! So sleek and spacious! Now about this Milan thing. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Milan and you mean to tell me you don’t like it?? Wow! I’ll have to come see for myself! And a virgin mojito? I think I’ll try that!
Kirsten Wendlandt
July 28, 2017 at 2:56 amThomas, I really like how you are 100% honest in your reviews. So many people just pretend they like everything and it’s so untruthful and misleading to readers. You are always so honest, you mention you don’t like something but also try to find the good in it and that I really like about you! I have never been to Milan myself so I don’t know if I would like it, but your hotel seemed really nice! That bathroom is just gorgeous, I’ve always had a thing for all white bathrooms. They look so clean and open. Thank you for your honesty and I’ve truly enjoyed reading about your stay at Milan Fashion week!
Jenn Hanft
July 28, 2017 at 3:01 amAhhh you’re the first to say you don’t like Milan! I wouldn’t know since I’ve never been but I certainly will take your opinion open mindedly because you’re always so honest! I do love the minimal vibes of The Square Milano Duomo! It’s a refreshing feel from all the luxury/glam spots. It’s so nice that you were able to bring your own scents to add a homey feel! I would certainly do the same!!! I love my candles 🙂 glad you enjoyed your virgin drink at the bar and it was paired with an assortment of appetizers! Looked delish!!
With love, Jenn
https://www.jubilantdose.com/ambivert/
Jessie
July 28, 2017 at 6:37 amSuch a cute and cozy stay, and I love the view from your window!! Great location of The Square, and it’s so close to the duomo and close to all the shops and restaurants. That shower covered with marble looks so magnificent. I love a spacious shower and it is definitely very important for me when it comes to choose which hotel I will be staying! I love The Square at Duomo.
xx, Jessie
http://4evajessie.com/be-myself-be-mycalvins/
candi
July 28, 2017 at 7:51 amOh wow, I appreciate your honesty. I’m not a huge fan of Milan either, compared to the rest of Italy. To us Singaporeans, Milan is where you go on crazy shopping sprees for branded Italian goods, like Prada, etc., and I’ve never been a fan of such products, though 85% of Singaporeans are. So when I went there for a day or 2 from Paris, I didn’t like it as much as the rest of the parts of Italy, like Florence, Siena and Rome. The buildings are still beautiful though, it’s just a little different I guess! I have to say though, your hotel looks wonderful, especially all that marble. It’s opulence at its best!!
Open Kloset
July 28, 2017 at 4:58 pmHey Thomas,
Hows you?
Hmmm… Love that you are always honest and Milano is not my Favourite too:) Square Milano Doumo is Amazing, love the Marble Bathroom:) Love Minimalistic Design:)
Candles makes everything more cozy:)
And Moraccan Oil is my Favorite now too:)
Love Open Kloset By Karina
Happy Weekend
Gina Diaz
July 28, 2017 at 7:56 pmI have never been in Milan and I always have had the impression that I wouldn’t like it either. I have been to Italy so many times and it never crosses my mind to visit Milan. Probably one day I will at least for a day or two. I love discovering new hotels especially when they are clean and minimalistic! I will keep The Square Milano Duomo in mind for when I visit Milan. Thank you for this amazing review!
Martina caruso
July 28, 2017 at 9:21 pmDavvero bellissimi questi scatti ???? complimenti ❤ buona giornata e buona vacanza ti auguro tanto relax!
Bernice
July 29, 2017 at 1:24 amI love seeing historical buildings become hotels as they try keep the exterior and personality of the building the same. You can really see the historical influences in the way they’ve decorated xx
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/07/28/AMR-Beauty-18-in-1-Haircare-Review
Samantha Mariko
July 29, 2017 at 1:25 amI’m actually going to Milan briefly next month but I probably won’t be spending a night there which sucks because this looks like an amazing hotel! And also being close to one of the historical sites in Milan is a plus. That is surprising you’re not a huge fan of Milan but alas we all have our likes and dislikes 🙂 At least your stay was comfortable at the Square Milano!
Samantha
Charissa
July 29, 2017 at 9:49 amOmg, I feel totally the same about Milan. I was there, but like you say: the charm isn’t there. Not as in other parts of Italy.
Super funny that you bring your own things to make you feel more at home. I get it, if you travel so much.. it’s nice to have some things with you that make you feel at home. XO Charissa
Eva
July 29, 2017 at 1:49 pmI’m really glad to know you was here in Milan!
It ‘s 57km from me.However I go there for shopping my preferences are Galleria V. Emanuele and Duomo ( I came out from metro at Duomo). I agree with you for the shopping places hehe…
The Hotel Square is very pretty I’m happy you enjoyed and make so pleasant your stay with scent candles .yes Ik ow you love them…
Xx
Eva
http://www.themermaidfashion.com
Lana
July 29, 2017 at 5:34 pmI don’t like Milan too. It is not my favourite city at all. I don’t feel myself comfortable there. It is so different from other Italian cities, it is like a city without any vibe at all.
The hotel looks really nice and I like the location a lot, everything is so chic and minimalistic! You always choose great hotels.
http://lanaluu.com
Lisa-Jane
July 30, 2017 at 6:52 pmThanks so much for such a detailed review of this hotel. So interesting to hear you’re not a huge fan of Milan – visiting has never appealed to me either! Also good to know about the Moroccan Oil dry shampoo – a bottle is a gym bag staple for me but I’ve yet to find a brand that I really love so I’ll have to try this one! X
Jordan Chapman
July 30, 2017 at 10:20 pmOh trust me, you aren’t the only one who doesn’t love Milan. I prefer smaller towns and cities in Italy, the people are so much nicer than in Milan lol! Florence and Verona are a favourite for me in all honesty! Finding a Fashion Week space is a MUST-DO and this is a great spot to chill in Milan after a long day! I think I was sold by the time you mentioned the Moroccan Oil bits, they’re a necessity for my hair haha! I’m glad you found such a great space as they are hard to come by in Italy, but this hotel sounds perfect!
Jordan xx
http://thehatlogic.com/ikea-bts-preppy-chic/
Ria
July 31, 2017 at 12:29 amAdding you to my ever growing list of people who don’t like Milan. I’ve never been but I’m nervous because a lot of people I trust their opinion seem to be quite meh on the city. I really like the new Moroccan Oil product packaging as well, so much more chic.
Deddeh Howard
July 31, 2017 at 2:55 amlol after reading this post, I don’t know how I feel about Milano tho but the hotel looks amazing and so are you. Thanks for sharing Thomas.
Candace
July 31, 2017 at 3:54 amI’ve always wanted to visit Milan, but I’m wondering if it would be a waste of time? I am also very picky about things and though I’ve never been there, I can see where you’re coming from. I also need to start lighting a candle when I’m on solo travels. I have been traveling solo more lately, and can admit how lonely it gets as well. I have been also loving Moroccan Oil products for my dry hair as well 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Sharon Wu
July 31, 2017 at 3:53 pmHmmm I wanted to visit Milan but after reading your post I think I’ll hold off on it LOL! The hotel does look pretty cozy and comfortable and the food looks bomb! Those Moroccan Oil products look really luxurious too — perfect for taking with on any travels 🙂 xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/beauty/getting-ready-with-remington/
Jo
July 31, 2017 at 6:43 pmI also prefer a minimalist vibe when choosing a hotel. It certainly feels more relaxing to me. Looked like a very comfortable stay indeed. I’ve never been to Milan so I’ll have to reserve my opinion on the city until then. At least I know there’s a nice place to stay 😉
Luke Ross
August 1, 2017 at 9:13 amThomas, I’m not really sure what to say as I cannot get over the fact you don’t like Milan!!! I think you need someone to show you are around like I have had in the past so that you can see all the hidden gems, I’ll be your guide!
Jennifer Quattrucci
August 1, 2017 at 1:27 pmDear ( My) Tommy,
The Square Milano Duomo definitely looks like the absolute best place to stay in Milan! The surroundings are beautiful and that’s really cool that they had a Nespresso Machine even with decaf capsules! I’m glad you found the right place since you are not so crazy about Milan! I’m intrigued by the Durance scented sticks and that Holy Basil Candle!
Thanks for the beautiful post!
All my love,
( Your ) Jenny
marcy
August 2, 2017 at 11:12 amI have to say I do like Milan but my first impression when i first visited is that it wa sa very dirty city!
marcy
August 2, 2017 at 11:14 amI have to say I do like Milan but my first impression when I first visited this city was that was very dirty! But after a while I just got used to it hahaha. I definitely have to try this hotel since it looks amazing. Love marble baths an love hotels with rooftops bars so you can hangout during night!
xoxo
Marcy
kallie
August 6, 2017 at 11:50 amI haven’t been to Milan, an although I still will probably go one day, I do love your honesty about the city! This hotel looked amazing and I totally love your idea of bringing candles to make it feel homey, totally doing that our next trip!
Dom
August 7, 2017 at 4:54 amDear Tommy, Obviously your brother has not been to Milan… but now you have me not wanting to go there, lol. I would however go to The Square Milano Duomo and soak up these vibes they have. To top it off I want that Holy Basil Candle to rock me to sleep! I love your sweater and that hat… obviously. We need to wear ours together one day and take twinning pics k, I have the same hat, haha. Thanks for being honest with us as always. Milan is not on my go to list, lol.
Love you,
Dom
Jen
August 7, 2017 at 1:07 pmMilan was a bit crowded and touristy for me. The Duomo is beautiful, but I’m with you and I’m not sure if I really liked it. I’ll have to give in another try hahaha. I love how simple the room is and how spacious and grand the bathroom is!! Umm I want that bathroom. The Square Milano looks like it was amazing though!
Aleksandra Ladygin
August 8, 2017 at 9:51 amThomas i admire how you see the beautiful in details! It is talent! And yes, you always choose unnique hotels!!!