Which boutique hotels in Tuscany and Milan for Expo 2015 Starting on 1 May 2015, more than 140 countries will showcase the best they have to offer at the World Expo, which is held in Milan. As someone interested in gastronomy, culture, and lifestyle, I thought that this exhibition was the perfect excuse to take a one-week trip to Italy, starting in Milan and heading down to the stunning Toscana. During this exciting week, I had the chance to stay at some gorgeous boutique hotels in Milan and in Florence. Here's an account of the trip.
I spent the first night at Hotel Straf, a stylish venue located a few steps away from the imposing Duomo, Milan's most famous attraction. From the elegant black slate bathrooms to the leather furnishings, everything in this hotel speaks of Italy's love affair with exclusive design. The next morning I was able to reach the Expo venue in under 30 minutes, as the hotel is conveniently located next to an underground station.
Nu Hotel Milan That night I stayed at Nu Hotel. This 4-star venue was exactly what I needed after an exhausting day out visiting dozens of Expo pavilions. Guest rooms are incredibly bright and each one has its own character. The cocktail bar and rooftop garden made my day! I spent my last night in Milan at Nhow, a dazzling hotel that showcases the best of Italian contemporary design. Rooms are decorated in minimalist style, and the Karim Rashid-designed lounge bar was perfect to meet other guests who were also visiting the Expo. Nhow is also close to the train station, so I was able to head to Florence first thing in the morning.
C Hotels Ambasciatori Florence I arrived in Florence full of anticipation, and C-Hotels Ambasciatori did not disappoint. This 4-star hotel is between the train station and Florence's historic old town. The luxurious interiors blew me away as soon as I stepped in, and I was lucky enough to get a room with views to Santa Maria Novella, one of the city's most iconic churches. If you stay here during a trip to Florence, make sure to spend some time at the hotel's piano bar, which is one of the classiest I have come across in my travels.
Continentale Florence Speaking of classy, the Continentale hotel deserves a special mention. Its location right by Ponte Vecchio is simply unbeatable, and you can imagine what the interior looks like if I tell you that the hotel is owned by Salvatore Ferragamo. I loved the draped beds and vintage-inspired décor just as much as the hotel's luxurious spa.
To end my week Italy in style, I booked a stay at Il Fontaco del Moro, a charming bed and breakfast located in the medieval village of in Civitella della Chiana, south of Florence. This is a superb accommodation venue that combines traditional architecture with stylish interiors. My room had a small balcony overlooking the pretty streets of Civitella and the buffet breakfast was excellent. The owners were kind enough to recommend some great countryside walks that were the highlight of my stay in Italy. Visit all boutique hotels in Tuscany Visit all boutique hotels in Milan for Expo 2015