Milan has no shortage of beautiful historic hotels. But if you want to feel like you actually live here, check into NH Collection Milano CityLife, set in the city’s newest and most fashionable neighborhood. Built on the former site of Milan’s historic Fiera Campionaria trade fairgrounds, CityLife is one of Europe’s most ambitious urban redevelopment projects. The old pavilions were demolished, and an international architecture competition was held to reimagine the space. What emerged is a walkable, design-forward neighborhood anchored by three iconic skyscrapers, an upscale shopping and dining corridor, and ArtLine Milan, a free open-air exhibition of 20 large-scale artworks commissioned specifically for the space.
The NH Collection Milano CityLife sits at the heart of it all, housed inside the historic Chiesa Cristo Re, a converted late-Mannerist church that looks like a cathedral to fashion. The architects preserved the building’s original construction methods and character while transforming the interior into a luxury hotel, where the church’s original organ anchors the wall behind the check-in desk. On the 13th floor, a rooftop pool and bar offer 360-degree views of the Milan skyline.
Location
The hotel is a three-minute walk from Portello metro station, putting the rest of Milan within easy reach. It’s also well-positioned near the ring road, so if you’re driving further afield, you can get out of the city without fighting through the traffic jams in the center. Business travelers will appreciate the proximity to both the MiCo Convention Center and the FieraMilano City Portello pavilion, which are essentially next door.
Rooms
The hotel’s 185 guest rooms and suites feel polished and new, with city views from every floor. All rooms come with espresso machines, kettles, air conditioning, and NH Collection’s signature Sleep Better mattresses. I stayed in a Superior Room on a higher floor, with sweeping views of the city and the Alps on the horizon. The room was compact, but had enough space for a king bed and a proper work desk. Some rooms have private terraces, and for a full splurge, the Suite Duplex adds a terrace and a plunge pool.
Dining
For sunset drinks, nothing in the neighborhood comes close to the rooftop bar. The hotel’s restaurant, Tailors, serves Mediterranean cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including a fresh pasta that you’ll be tempted to come back for. The menu rotates four times a year to follow the seasons, keeping things ingredient-driven and local throughout.
Amenities
- Rooftop pool and solarium
- Roof terrace
- Fitness center
- Garden
- On-site parking
- Free WiFi
