The Westin Palace, Milan

The handsome red-marble facade of The Westin Palace, Milan only hints at the palatial luxury inside. Rising 12 stories above Milan’s central Piazza della Repubblica, the mid-century exterior belies interiors styled with all the romance of Italy’s neoclassical period. At the same time, the hotel features a sophisticated international ambience, impeccable service, outstanding Milanese cuisine, and everything from Westin’s Heavenly Beds and Showers to a Westin Workout facility, men’s and women’s Turkish baths, and pampering spa treatments.

The lobby’s business center and three floors for events cater to working travelers and groups of all kinds. The 13 rooms accommodate everything from board meetings to seminars and sales presentations, exhibits, fashion shows, and banquets for up to 400 guests. The meeting rooms’ sumptuous period details echo elements of the Lounge Bar and lobby, Casanova Restaurant, and 228 guest rooms and suites. The Presidential Suite epitomizes the style with its Murano lamps and chandeliers, damask fabrics, antique furniture, baby grand piano, and sweeping terrace overlooking Milan’s rooftops and cathedral.

Meanwhile, the neighboring Repubblica Metro Station makes it easy to reach practically anything in Milan, the largest metropolitan area in Italy. Guests sticking close to home find a vast number of worthy destinations within walking distance, including the Duomo, Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie—home of Leonardo’s Last Supper—and the showrooms of Milan’s most famous fashion designers.