HOTEL OVERVIEW

In a magnificent 19th-century palazzo next to the Galleria, the 117-room Park Hyatt Milan is one of the city's best-positioned hotels. The palazzo, which was once a bank, was transformed into a hotel by Ed Tuttle, the former Amanresort designer, and opened in October last year.

The hotel's mix of classical and contemporary styles reflects the conservative yet progressive character of the city. The main public space, for example, is covered by a vast glass dome, modern in form yet clearly inspired by the cupola of the Galleria. At ground level, ancient Etruscan vases are matched with yellow-and-aubergine silk banquettes and daring modern art.

The bedrooms - all of which have large marble bathrooms and high-speed Internet access, are pure 21st-century: a soothing palette of cream, brown and soft grey illuminated by wall-mounted 'tube' lights. You won't find much of an after-hours scene (it's too grown-up for that) but Park Hyatt Milan is an excellent venue for a cocktail and a meal in The Park restaurant, which specialises in classic Lombardian dishes with a modern twist, such as saffron risotto with a cinnamon-and-veal jus.

The real reason people stay here is the service: multilingual staff, problem-solving concierges, expert barmen and a 24-hour mini-spa with a well-equipped gym and two marble steam rooms for jet-lagged late arrivals.