I just returned from a few days in Milano. At the time when I booked the trip, I had no idea that the 2026 Winter Olympics was taking place in Milan hence lodging logistics was not as straight forward as it normally was but more on that later! My impression of Milan is that while it's not a stunning city, it's one that is rich in culture and traditions. The Milanese stick to their espressos and cappuccinos void of any pressure to offer easily assessable matcha options. It has stunning historic architecture if you have the curiosity to look up and seek it from the modern.
I arrived on a light rainy mid-morning and while it would have been so easy to hop into a taxi for 30 euros, it was nearly just as easy to follow the signs pointing to the M4 metro into the city center for 2.50 euros. M4, a quick transfer to the M1 and I was minutes away from hotel 1, the Hotel Gran Duca di York. It was a traditional Italian boutique hotel despite the British name with staff that couldn't be more welcoming and warm. It was immaculately clean... not a sign of any dust. Location was on point, just around the corner and 2-3 blocks from the Duomo. I would gladly stay here again. They served breakfast every morning and a decent selection and a sighting of Team USA the day before the opening ceremonies. Otherwise, the Milanese were pretty low key about the Olympics being in town. It wasn't until the day before the opening ceremonies that Olympic structures and banners took over the Duomo plaza.
I spent my days wandering the streets of Milan. I went to my first shopping stop: Flower Mountain. It's a Japanese sneaker company but made in Italy and this is their only physical boutique location. Bonus that it was February and end of season sales were abundant. I continued onto exploring neighborhoods like Brera, strolled through some flea markets, walked through Sforszesco Castle towards Chinatown and the surrounding areas. I explored the Navigli area one early morning which I highly recommend and traced my steps back towards the Duomo. My score of the trip was a last minute ticket to see the Last Supper. Every Wednesday, last minute tickets for the following week are available at 12pm local time which for me was 3am. Because I am normally awake due to what I call mom brain, I was able to snag a ticket.
After a few nights at Hotel Gran Duca, I packed my carryon and walked a couple of blocks to hotel 2.. my spa hotel.. my staycation within a vacation which was well planned in hindsight given that it turned out to be a very rainy day.. the Park Hyatt Milano. It's a 5 star hotel with 5 star service. As I rounded the corner on this rainy day, the staff approached and whisked away my carryon while another staff member opened up a plastic umbrella bag for my dropping umbrella. I was granted early in (and late check out) and was escorted to my room by Letizia who was a sweetheart. She was delighted to point out the rare view from my view into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele. I stepped out to explore the mall a bit and came back to a gold dusted round piece of chocolate and a welcome card from the staff. While I was out for a quick bite at the Starbucks Reserve, the housekeeping staff provided turn down service with also consisted of a few pieces of quality chocolate. This place deserves 5 stars all around! Team China was not slumming it.
As everyone was heading towards the city, I was heading away to hotel 3, the Crowne Plaza Linate. I suspected that the roads would be restricted and getting out of the city to fly home on the day of the opening ceremonies might be tough and so I booked an airport hotel to alleviate any risk. Team Qatar's security was onsite at the hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed my few days of consuming homemade pasta, walking the streets, taking it all in, and getting a Milan grade facial at the Claudalie boutique. Until next time!
