48 Hours at Nemi Hotel, Milan
Milan is such an incredibly diverse city. It can be as elegant and posh as it can be quirky and alternative. There is space and room for everyone here, but one thing unites it all: the close proximity to the sea and the mountains, a rare privilege for any major global city. You can reach the dazzling beach clubs of Portofino in under two hours, sip an Aperitivo at Villa d’Este on Lake Como in under an hour, or hit the slopes of uber-glitzy Cortina d’Ampezzo in just three. There is always something to discover in this Italian metropolis—and each visit reveals a new facet. Fortunately, this time I had an entire weekend to explore Milan, instead of just passing through as on my last trip en route to the French Riviera. Two nights is the absolute minimum for a first-time visitor to get a taste of the Lombardy capital. If you're already familiar with the main sights and districts, I recommend spending an afternoon strolling through Brera or going bar-hopping across town.
Before we even made it to our first Aperitivo Milanese, we checked into the Nemi Hotel. Opened just a few months ago, this is Milan’s latest five-star addition and a refreshing new face in the city’s luxury hotel scene. Located between Porta Venezia and Porta Romana, Nemi Milan sits in a lively neighborhood full of stylish restaurants and nightlife venues. Among them are the renowned Ristorante da Giacomo—a classic Milanese institution—and El Porteño Prohibido, a glamorous Argentinian spot that brings me back to beloved Buenos Aires. Arriving by car in Milan can be a logistical challenge due to its limited traffic zones, but Nemi is conveniently located just outside the ZTL, so there’s no stress about surprise fines. As we pulled up to the hotel’s discreet entrance, the bellmen were immediately at our service, taking care of our luggage and parking the car. We were welcomed inside through sleek glass sliding doors by Daniel, a friendly front desk attendant who swiftly handled our check-in. His colleague escorted us to our room and introduced us to the hotel’s key amenities.
The centerpiece of Nemi Milan is undoubtedly its serene courtyard garden, around which most of the rooms are arranged. Straight ahead from the entrance lies Forte Garden Milano—the hotel’s signature restaurant. With sister outlets in London, Miami, and Forte dei Marmi, Forte Garden has already become a popular destination for refined seafood dinners. Although we had dinner plans elsewhere, this spot is high on our list for our next visit. While the building previously operated as a hotel, everything has been overhauled: interiors, furnishings, and even the bathrooms have been fully redone. It feels more like a freshly opened property than a renovation. Walking through the hallways, I was struck by their generous proportions and brightness—a rare luxury in Milanese hotels. Our Executive Room faced Via Benvenuto Cellini and a building across the street that houses a fashion showroom and modeling agency. It offered an intriguing glimpse into Milan’s fashion scene, though the courtyard-facing rooms must also be quite beautiful. Despite the central location, noise was never an issue; the soundproof windows did their job flawlessly, and the street outside remained quiet.
The room itself was flooded with natural light, thanks to its oversized windows. I found the colorful, playful design perfectly suited to Milan’s modern, slightly eccentric spirit. The focal point was a vast king-size bed, complemented by a corner setup with two armchairs and a coffee table. Above this nook, the television was neatly mounted. The wardrobe was not only stylish but also spacious enough for a weekend wardrobe—perhaps the chicest piece in the room. Immediately upon entering, a writing desk on the left featured a minibar and an Alexa SuitePad. This was actually my first experience with a voice-activated in-room tablet, and I was genuinely impressed. The SuitePad provided a wealth of information, including many of the restaurants and bars we had already planned to visit—and some that had only recently opened. It’s a clear sign that the team here is well connected and knows the city intimately.
Normally I wouldn’t single out the minibar, but here it was worth mentioning: beautifully curated with pre-mixed Negronis, an elegant assortment of nuts in a bespoke box, and a brand-new Nespresso machine stocked with Illy capsules. The bathroom, located just off the writing desk, was well appointed and stylish. There was a large walk-in shower, toilet and bidet, and a single vanity with plenty of counter space and a towel heater—an especially welcome touch. I appreciated the unique guest amenities designed specifically for the hotel, although I wasn’t entirely won over by the scent of the toiletries. Still, the towels were fluffy and freshly laundered, and the housekeeping team did an impeccable job. We didn’t see them once—a testament to their discretion—but turndown service was delivered professionally.
After our stay, I learned that some rooms come with balconies—ideal for guests spending more time indoors. We were out and about most of the time, so our room without a balcony suited us perfectly. For fitness-conscious travelers, Nemi Milan features a well-equipped gym with Technogym machines and natural light—a major bonus. Parking is valet-operated at a nearby garage for EUR 60 per night, which I found to be a fair rate given that self-parking nearby costs around EUR 50.
All in all, I had a thoroughly enjoyable stay at the brand-new Nemi Hotel Milan. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a stylish, well-connected base in one of Europe’s most exciting cities. The location is safe, the surrounding area is full of culinary gems, and access by car or from Milan Linate Airport is straightforward. Whether you’re in town for fashion, business, or simply pleasure, Nemi Milan strikes the right balance between design, comfort, and Milanese flair.
