ME Milan Il Duca hotel - Milan, Italy

The location of ME by Meliá’s new luxury lifestyle hotel in Milan, is by no means a fluke. Conveniently positioned on Brera’s Piazza della Repubblica at the edge of the city’s fashion and design district, the property is steadily drawing in the fashion crowd it set out to court. Originally designed by late architect Aldo Rossi the building – the former l’Hotel Duca di Milano - was characterised by its large Carrara marble columns, green Mergano stone and an expansive windows. Now, it’s just as noteworthy for its reworked interiors by local outfit Mortini’s Studio, who have provided a balanced mix of traditional and contemporary Italian design. This is best exemplified in the 132 guests rooms; each a serene medley of muted tones — soft greys, golden beiges and creamy taupes — unified by luxe textures. Room and public spaces are bound together with furniture designed by an Italian dream team of Gio Ponti and Luca Meda in collaboration with Rossi, which sit side by side with lamps by industrial designer Achille Castiglioni and bespoke art by local artisans and fashion photographer Alberto Van Stokkum. Driving the property’s popularity with both visiting and local fashion crowds is Italy’s first outpost of STK steak restaurant, and the piece de resistance: the Radio Rooftop Bar, offering tapas and cocktails against awe-inspiring panoramas of the city, and premium views of new architecture in the nearby Garibaldi district.