Haute couture with a side of historical heritage; that’s the city of Milan in Italy for you. As the epicenter of global design and fashion, this creative city is also the country’s financial capital and its most cosmopolitan city. What’s more, it effusively blends historic charm with modern sensibilities, and that is evident in its stays as well. The epicenter of all action, Milan’s downtown, is anchored by the spectacular Duomo Cathedral, which is the highlight of Milan’s historical and cultural relevance. So, we decided to stay in one of the hotels in Milan, Italy, near Duomo, to best experience the spectacular attraction and its aura right up close. What’s more, these hotels ranged across budgets and vibes. So, we found everything from a Bulgari outpost and a chain hotel to affordable, family-run hotel and welcoming B&Bs.
What made staying near the Duomo all the better was that most of the were right around us. Since the Duomo is one of the in one of , stays around it fill up quickly, so book even quicker! Here’s a detailed guide to staying near the gorgeous Duomo in Downtown Milan.
Table of contents
- Matilde Boutique Hotel
- Victor Boutique Hotel
- Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá
- Locanda Pandenus
- Senato Hotel Milano
- Sina The Gray
- Ostello Bello Milano Duomo
- Rosa Grand Milano
- Room Mate Guilia
- STRAF Milan, A Member of Design Hotels
- Bulgari Hotel
- Our Verdict!
- Where to Stay in Milan near the Duomo?
- What zone is best to stay in Milan?
- Which month is best to visit Milan?
- What is the dress code for visiting the Duomo?
Matilde Boutique Hotel
11
We begin with a hotel with a wonderfully desirable location in a quiet street just off the main street leading to the Duomo Cathedral and Square. Welcome to Matilde Boutique Hotel, an outstandingly romantic stay in what we feel is a very romantic neighborhood. To each his own, we suppose, but we had no complaints from this boutique stay, which made our Milan vacation as memorable as it got. We especially loved the color palette of the all-white rooms and suites here, shot with deep/teal-green accents which lent them an upscale look. What’s more, they all boasted sleek bathrooms, flatscreen satellite TVs, and even room service, which we weren’t expecting in a boutique hotel.
That’s not all. Downstairs, the hotel featured a shared lounge, bar and restaurant, the Granary Coffee & Kitchen. This was again a surprise, especially since it served all three meals, and even aperitifs, brunches, and high teas! So, we literally didn’t have to go anywhere else for either food or drinks. Free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a buffet breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk rounded up the amenities here.
Check Rates on:
Victor Boutique Hotel
10
We couldn’t have found a better spot to stay near the Duomo than the Victor Boutique Hotel, which was tucked in the street right opposite the main entrance to the Duomo Square.
However, the hotel did a lot better than just the location, and that’s saying something. For one, it offered free Wi-Fi everywhere, including the rooms. So, we could plan the following days’ itineraries without any hassles. What’s more, all rooms were minimalist-designed and featured mod-cons like desks, fridges, flatscreen cable TVs, and even life-saving coffee machines and kettles. Moreover, the private bathrooms were quite spacious and even came with complimentary bath products.
Even though there was no restaurant on the property, we were surrounded by tons of options where we could grab everything from breakfast to midday snacks and dinner. Besides the 24-hour reception, the helpful staff made our stay very comfortable, answering our dozen queries with aplomb.
Check Rates on:
Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá
9
Meliá’s latest Milanese offering, Palazzo Cordusio Gran Meliá, sits in a historic structure that blends its 19th-century character with eclectic modern style. In fact, it’s the first Milanese property from the Spanish Meliá hospitality group.
True to its brand name, the amenities at this Melia outpost are top-notch. Four restaurants, including an omakase eatery overlooking the Duomo and a chic champagne bar in the lush courtyard, meant that we didn’t have to step out even for sampling world cuisine. We especially loved the serene spa, which boasted not only a Turkish bath and a sauna, but also an indoor swimming pool. The highlight, though, is the lovely fifth-floor terrace with stunning Duomo views, which is a delightful spot for an alfresco lunch or an aperitif while soaking in the views.
If you want to splurge, book the sprawling Duomo suite with unobstructed views of the plaza and the cathedral itself. However, the rest of the 84 rooms and suites are no less amazing, with furnishings from some of the most iconic Italian brands, oversized windows with amazing views, and spacious bathrooms.
Check Rates on:
Locanda Pandenus
8
You’d be forgiven for entirely missing the entrance to the bolt hole that is Locanda Pandenus, which is nestled above a bustling café/bistro. We squeezed our way past the busy bar and the aroma of coffee and head upstairs to this hideaway (locanda means “inn”).
We had the choice of just four rooms, which made our stay very intimate and exclusive. Think smart fabric wall coverings, retro geometric motifs, and thick velvets in bold turquoise and terracotta hues. Moreover, the elegant bathrooms with black-and-white marble exuded a timeless appeal.
Downstairs, there was an itsy-bitsy lounge where we could sit back and unwind. However, all the action was at the bistro, where we’d pop in for a delicious breakfast, a cup of joe, or an aperitif. Furthermore, the staff even helped arrange guided walking tours of the neighborhood.
Check Rates on:
Senato Hotel Milano
7
The sophisticated and chic bolthole that is the Senato Hotel Milano was just a 15-minute walk from the Duomo Cathedral on Via Fatebenefratelli. At the same time, it felt a whole world away from the frenzy of the cathedral and its surrounding plaza. When we’d walk in the opposite direction, the cobblestoned streets of the fashion district were right there.
This sleek space is run by the Ranza family, with this five-storied neoclassical structure actually having been their home. So, you’ll find strong Milanese stamps everywhere, right from the ingredients at the onsite cafe to the furnishings made by local craftsmen. At the entrance, the shallow courtyard pool was perfect for a calming and relaxing time. Every day, we’d begin with a fantastic buffet breakfast, which kept us fueled for more than half the day. When it came to the rooms, they all featured brass, white, and black heavily, with the all-white rooms decked out in modern Milanese furnishings. Private bathrooms with Carrara marble interiors, flatscreen TVs, and high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with Carrara marble interiors.
Check Rates on:
Sina The Gray
6
Best boutique hotel. We were looking for a boutique hotel close to the Duomo, which is when we found Sina The Gray. It’s right down the street behind the cathedral, right in the heart of the town. The oxidized iron features, dark wood and floors, and funky designs might sound kitschy, but the hotel manages to make it look elegant. Ditto for the fuchsia and red velvet swing in the lobby, which also had bright red Chinese vases displayed in wall niches.
Despite there being no spa and gym on the property, we could use one at the gym and small terrace pool at the sister Hotel de La Ville nearby. Moreover, there was even a second-floor terrace with tables and sofas where we’d kick back with a drink and a book. When it comes to food, the small ground-floor bar was perfect for aperitifs and nightcaps. Finally, the restaurant served excellent Italian fare with a slight North African touch, as well as breakfast.
We had the choice of a bunch of modern standard and deluxe rooms. The Standard ones featured lively splashes of color, African-style fabrics, and overlooked the quiet, pedestrianized street. Meanwhile, the larger Deluxe ones had all unique features, but all rooms boasted slick mod-cons. Do you want to splurge? The Junior suites have a peck deck in one, a whirlpool in another, and a Turkish bath in the third one.
Check Rates on:
Ostello Bello Milano Duomo
5
Best budget stay. Is it possible to find a hostel near the Duomo cathedral? It absolutely is, as we found out in the form of the Ostello Bello Milano Duomo. This lively and fun hostel lay a mere 10-minute walk from the cathedral and boasted buckets of character. At the same time, the quiet street ensured that we got tons of rest, while the fact that we were right down the street from amazing stores, restaurants, and cafes was an added cherry on top.
The hostel opened onto its buzzy, happening bar, which is the hub of all activity. Think a great vibe, lively events and affordable drinks, which makes it very popular with the local crowd and tourists. We attended tons of events, like pub crawls, quizzes, karaoke nights, DJ sets, and even book launches! What’s more, there are even board games, table football, and Nintendo Switch to mingle with other travelers, as well as three guitars and a piano to show off your talent! Downstairs doubles as a co-working space during the day, and the hostel even offers free city walking tours. The icing on the cake is the young staff, who are friendly, delightful, and very, very helpful. Did we mention that there’s a kitchen for cooking light meals, a terrace with a beanbag and hammocks, and free chargers and portable Wi-Fi routers available? Yep.
We had the choice of dorms and private rooms, all of which have private bathrooms, quirky designs and decor, and well-designed bunks with large underbed drawers, USB ports, reading lamps, and plug sockets.
Check Rates on:
Rosa Grand Milano
4
Rosa Grand Milano sits in the heart of the historical district, immediately east of the Duomo Cathedral. We loved staying at this stylish four-star hotel, which sits on a quiet street behind the Duomo, and which still placed us thick in the middle of all the action. It’s sprawled across three structures, one of which is a 1906-built convent, and has more than 300 rooms, making it one of the largest hotels near the Duomo.
Despite being a historical hotel, we loved the profusion of amenities, including the steam room, gym, and terrace with deckchairs that stays open during the warmer months. What’s more, there are even six meeting rooms with state-of-the-art equipment for business travelers who want to stay near the beating cultural heart of Milan. We especially appreciated the buffet breakfast spread and sipped on drinks at the stylish Grand Lounge and Bar. Finally, the other two restaurants serve Italian and international cuisine.
All rooms and suites are decorated across three different styles. While some have dark fittings and neutral hues, others have fresh, contemporary looks with white Italian marble bathrooms. Yet, there are others with desks with pop-up vanity mirrors, and the executive rooms are all the more spacious.
Check Rates on:
Room Mate Guilia
3
Best vintage. Sitting right next to Piazza del Duomo is the quirkily designed Room Mate Guilia. Featuring bright pops of color, it sits smack in the center of Milan’s Zone 1, and we couldn’t get closer to the Duomo than this. Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola drew inspiration from Milan’s 1960s residences, with local artwork and photography and, our favorite, color-coded rooms. Think shades of terracotta, light blue, and green, with bright color palette furnishings and juxtaposing geometric designs. We especially loved the vintage touches, like stools and armchairs, octagonal, full-length mirrors, and even mod-cons with Nespresso machines and USB ports. Of course, the mosaic-tiled, pops-of-color bathrooms are the cherry on top.
“Staying at Room Mate was such a fun experience! It was like staying in a quirky design hotel without its high price tag.”
WOW Travel
One of the best things we loved about this hotel was that breakfast was served until midday. So, on the days we weren’t exploring the city, we’d lie in and enjoy a lazy breakfast in the vibrant breakfast room. A small basement gym, a treatment room, sauna, and steam room round up the amenities here.
Check Rates on:
STRAF Milan, A Member of Design Hotels
2
Closest to the Duomo. Sitting right next to the Duomo, STRAF Milan, A Member of Design Hotels, is one of the closest stays we could find near the cathedral. We loved the impeccably stylish ambiance with artwork, bold furnishings, and elegant simplicity, which was evident in not just the amenities but also the digs. While the rooms were on the cozier side, we loved the custom Vincenzo De Cotiis furnishings, comfy, cloud-like beds, and oversized windows with superb views, some even of the cathedral. If you want to indulge in something different, the “Relax” and “Well-being” rooms have chromotherapy and aromatherapy treatments, as well as armchairs with in-built massage functions.
Straf is also one of those rare boutique hotels that has a whole lot of full-service amenities. At the top of that list is the spa, which featured a lounge area, a sauna, a hammam, and a resistance pool. However, its most noteworthy amenity is the fact that the hotel was very pet-friendly. Not only do pets stay for free but also, they’re provided with doggy treats and bowls, as well as paw and body wipes. A restaurant and a bar right out front complete the amenities.
Check Rates on:
Bulgari Hotel
1
It’s not exactly right next to the Duomo Cathedral, but we couldn’t help but mention the iconic Bulgari Hotel Milano when it comes to Milan’s best stays. Located a 10-minute walk north, this hotel was the finalist for Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards 2022.” The first outpost of this fashion brand’s hospitality foray, it sits in a former 18th-century Milanese palazzo, complete with a 43,000-sq-ft-huge garden.
Serenity is the highlight of staying here, as are premium amenities and sleek design. Think high-end finishes, Italian stone, Zimbabwean marble, and nature-inspired palettes. The Bvlgari Spa is a highlight, anchored by a jaw-dropping indoor pool and featuring a long list of treatments. The jet set also love the onsite Il Ristorante and its classic Italian fare overseen by acclaimed chef Niko Romito.
The rooms and suites are no less luxurious, with light flooding in through soaring windows. Mod-cons aside, the digs boast sleek designs, rich textures, and handsome bathrooms with bathtubs and, of course, divine Bulgari bath products.
Check Rates on:
Our Verdict!
While we loved the plethora of choices when it came to staying around the Duomo, here are our top favorites:
- Best boutique hotel: Sina The Gray
- Best budget stay: Ostello Bello Milano Duomo
- Best vintage: Room Mate Guilia
- Closest to the Duomo: STRAF Milan, A Member of Design Hotels
Where to Stay in Milan near the Duomo?
The Duomo Cathedral sits at the heart of Centrico Storico, that is the Central Zone 1 of Milan. The Duomo Square is bordered by P.za del Duomo 3, 4, 23, and 24. On these streets are the hotels closest to the Duomo, sitting practically across the street from the cathedral.
The next best neighborhood to stay close to the Duomo is Quadrilatero Della Moda, a.k.a. the Fashion Quadrilateral northeast of the cathedral. Borgogna, which sits just south of the neighborhood and east of the Duomo, also has a great collection of stays.
Finally, we also found more hotels near other landmarks and sights, like the Teatro alla Scala, Sforzesco Castle, and Palazzo Reale di Milano, which sits just south of the Duomo Cathedral.
What zone is best to stay in Milan?
Without a doubt, the best area to stay in Milan is around the Duomo, as we not only had a great choice of hotels but also restaurants and bars. What’s more, it’s largely pedestrianized, and there are multiple public transport options within too.
Which month is best to visit Milan?
Spring between March and May is a fantastic time to visit Milan as the attractions are all open, but the crowds haven’t increased yet.
What is the dress code for visiting the Duomo?
Duomo is best explored on a guided tour. Also, everyone should follow the dress code, which includes caveats like shoulders and knees being covered at all times.