Few Milan hotels carry as much history as the Principe di Savoia. It opened in 1927 as the Principe e Savoia, on Piazza della Repubblica near the monumental Centrale station, and in the 1930s it drew royalty, celebrities and the artists who performed at La Scala. Its name was shortened in the 1980s, and guests and locals alike still call it simply the Principe. Today it belongs to the Dorchester Collection, and it remains one of the capital's great luxury addresses, though the character is of a city hotel rather than a resort. Three more floors were added in the 1990s, including the tenth floor in 1996, where the spa, called Club 10, and the Presidential Suite sit with views across the rooftops. The location is smart for a certain kind of trip. You are at the heart of Milan's transport network, with the main station a short walk away for trains to Lake Como, Bergamo, Turin and beyond, and the metro at the door, while the Porta Nuova district with its towers and gardens lies just behind the hotel. The Duomo, La Scala and Leonardo's Last Supper are all within easy reach by metro or a pleasant longer walk. Inside, expect classic, formal luxury, polished service and a quiet, established atmosphere, a contrast to the newer design hotels in Brera and Tortona.
The setting matters. Piazza della Repubblica is a broad, busy square with a grand scale, and the streets around Centrale can feel less polished than Brera or the Quadrilatero della Moda. The hotel is a calm, cocooned world on the edge of that bustle, which suits travellers who value access to trains and airport buses above a postcard-pretty street. For a first visit with a short list of sights, the central transport links make logistics easy, and the Porta Nuova area offers a modern evening walk along the Corso Como and Isola districts.
Living in it
The rooms are traditional in style and generally well-appointed for the category, with classic fabrics and generous bathrooms, though layouts vary, so ask for what you need, such as a quiet room away from the square. The hotel's restaurants and bars, its spa and its concierge are part of the draw; if you want specific facilities on your dates, check what is open when you book, because luxury hotels adjust hours and seasonal offerings. If you plan to use the spa, confirm access arrangements in advance.
Who it suits
Couples marking an occasion, business travellers who also want some indulgence, and families who value rail access. It is among the most expensive stays in the city and prices climb sharply during fashion weeks and Design Week. For a stay closer to the Duomo or to Brera's cobbled lanes, other hotels in this selection are better placed, while for sheer heritage and rail convenience, the Principe is hard to beat.
Why stay here
- ✓Dorchester Collection hotel
- ✓Club 10 spa on the tenth floor
- ✓Presidential Suite with city views
- ✓Piazza della Repubblica address
- ✓Short walk to Centrale station
- ✓Porta Nuova just behind
- ✓Open since 1927
- ✓Concierge service
Good questions
When did the Principe di Savoia open?+
In 1927, under the name Principe e Savoia. It was renamed in the 1980s and is now part of the Dorchester Collection.
Is it close to Centrale station?+
Yes. It stands on Piazza della Repubblica, a short walk from the main station, which makes it convenient for day trips by train.
Does it have a spa?+
Yes, the Club 10 spa is on the tenth floor. Check access arrangements and opening hours when you book.
