PALAZZO PARIGI: A YOUNG HOTEL THAT IS ALREADY A GRAND DAME

Palazzo Parigi Grand Hotel & Spa is a five star deluxe hotel in Milan’s city centre. A relatively new arrival to Milan’s luxury landscape, Palazzo Parigi was founded in 2013 in breathtaking accommodations befitting this incarnation of the grand hotels of old.

The Palazzo Parigi hotel occupies an entire block in Milan, the financial and fashion capital of Italy, a building that once was a palatial home, known as the Palazzo Kramer. The Palazo Kramer (occasionally Cramer) was initially built in in the 18^th Century for a wealthy Milanese family. The site was devastated in an Allied air campaign in 1943 in the midst of World War II. Whilst some restoration works were carried out, the decision was made to demolish the remains of the grand home in the 1970s. A modernist glass tower was erected on the site which would be used as banking offices until this building was no longer fit for purpose. The wrecking ball would again be applied to the site, making way for a new project, something exciting, something reflective of Milan’s great culture and history.

The Giambelli family acquired the site and sought approval to develop a a new hotel in the city centre. Paola Giambelli, a director of the Giambelli company and a renowned architect, presented the concept: a grand hotel, embracing modern comforts and luxuries whilst referencing the great hotels of the city’s past and disrupting the established hegemony of the city’s long-established hotel scene.

The Giambelli family, under former professional footballer and club owner, Valentino Giambelli, were well-known developers in Northern Italy and manage and operate a number of other high-end hotels. Valentino Giambelli, a Surveyor by trade, was a keen amateur footballer who, whilst employed as a young labourer, played many games with his company team where he was talent-spotted by a scout. He would sign with a semi-professional team before eventually moving to professional outfit, AC Monza, where he would play for many years and eventually would become the club’s President. He retired from the sport at 27 and founded a construction and development company using his past expertise. The company would grow to be a major player in Italian property. His daughter, Paola, would grow up in the family business.

Building from the ground up would offer the Giambelli’s a unique opportunity to design the facilities precisely as they pleased and with scope to ensure that the very best modern amenities and luxuries would be accommodated. They had completed hotel developments before and knew that such a project would require precise and careful thought, embellished with impeccable interiors and furnishings. Thus, they commissioned Pierre-Yves Rochon, the designer of choice for the world’s finest hotels and restaurants and whose credentials included the Hotel George V in Paris, The Savoy Hotel in London, the Amstel Hotel in Amsterdam, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills in Los Angeles and the Disneyland Hotel in Paris. Legendary grand dame hotels that form the cultural and social epicentre of the world’s great cities is Rochon’s specialty. This would be the brief too for the Palazzo Parigi.

Palazzo Parigi would be the realisation of that grand vision, a purpose-built, luxurious, five star, grand hotel which opened to the public in 2013 following an extensive transformation. At a cost in excess of USD$200 million, the team would spare no expense in the delivery of this vision. Treading the line between the old and new, reflecting Milan’s reputation as a fashion-forward city with an ancient history, the team restored antique frescoes from the original Palazzo Kramer and the finest Italian marbles but coupled with sleek, contemporary materials and furniture. The glamorous, yet understated refinement of the central atrium would be defined by a bespoke chandelier from the revered Venetian house, Barovier & Toso Murano who have been making the finest in glassware and lighting since their foundation in 1295.

The hotel is beautifully appointed with luxurious and elegant details and finishes: walls adorned with the fines Italian pink marbles and beautiful hand tufted rugs dressing the sweeping floors. Many of the hotel’s discreet features have been custom made exclusively for the property. The glamorous hotel decor is befitting of the guests who stay in one of nearly a hundred rooms (including more than forty suites). The hotel is, rightfully, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, an association which recognises only the very best luxury hotels.

Visitors may also avail of the Moroccan themed spa that is located on site or take a dip in the beautiful heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools (one of which is located on the roof within the hotel’s gardens). A full fitness suite allows guests to maintain their fitness during their stay.

Guests and non-guests alike may dine in the bar or one of the hotel’s dining rooms, all of which offer Milanese and modern European fayre made by the hotel’s in-house kitchen brigade, many of whom have trained under some of the world’s most celebrated chefs.

The Palazzo Parigi regularly hosts grand events, from weddings to corporate functions making the venue a landmark on the social landscape of Milan. It’s city centre location is ideal for business guests or for tourists seeking to explore the historic downtown area or to easily access the luxury shopping experience that Milan offers.

The hotel seeks to ensure that guests are left not wanting for anything during their stay, and many of their guests become regular return visitors as a consequence. The front of house staff and concierge are able to cater to any request from customers and are often able to ensure that your visit to Milan is a trip of a lifetime.

Famous visitors to this grand dame have included the international pop star Lady Gaga, Hollywood icon Kyle MachLachlan, and Italian footballer Fabio Paratici.

If you have been fortunate enough to stay at this wonderful hotel, we would be very grateful if you would like to share your experience with us and our readers in the comments.

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