Mandarin Oriental Speciality Suites hotel review - Milan, Italy

The Mandarin Oriental recently added to its Milan outpost with a striking duet of Speciality Suites dedicated to two of the city’s design maestros: Giò Ponti and Piero Fornasetti. Italian studio Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel and Partners – the original firm behind the hotel – were once again called on to bring these legends to life in the pair of generously sized suites.

The Premier Suite is a sophisticated affair paying tribute to midcentury master Ponti and his peers. Here, warm swathes of black walnut panelling form the backdrop to a Sarfatti chandelier, Citterio’s ‘Simpliciter’ sofa, Mangiaretti’s marvelous marble ‘Eros’ table, as well as an original console table by Ponti himself. The navy blue palette is carried through to the bedroom, complementing the muted cream walls and lush textiles.

The Milano Suite, meanwhile, takes a more whimsical turn, as soaring ceilings give way to Piero Fornasetti’s surrealist wallpaper murals. The lounge area plays hosts to Fornasetti’s ‘Guscio’ sofa and ‘Boss’ armchair, anchored by his ‘Fly’ coffee table, while in the dining area an arrangement of ornate mirrors, a Venetian trumeau, and the designer’s memorable ‘Capitello’ chairs and ‘Ultime Notizie’ table completes the fanciful suite. As for which of these fine suites we’d rather check into? Perhaps it’s a decision better left to a toss of a coin.