This Milan hotel in the fashion district has a serene secret garden

An outstanding stay for luxury lovers who want to be close to the action in Italy’s fashion capital, says Laura Coffey

Feb 26, 2026 - 05:20

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This Milan hotel in the fashion district has a serene secret garden

This serene luxury stay with a secret garden and stand-out spa is housed in a former covent at the heart of Milan’s vibrant fashion district

Location

Four Seasons Milan is located in the quadrilatero della moda, formed of four of the best shopping streets in the city, but is hidden in plain sight. The grandeur of this former convent and the beauty of the cloistered garden cannot be glimpsed from the street entrance, giving it an exclusive feel, mirroring the city itself – which hides its most beautiful treasures inside courtyards.

The closest airport is Milan Linate which is about 25 minutes’ drive away.

The vibe

The hotel’s cloistered garden serves drinks under twinkling lights

The hotel’s cloistered garden serves drinks under twinkling lights (Four Seasons Milan)

As you walk into the hotel, it feels like you’ve stepped away from the hubbub of the city and into a serene escape. The check-in desk is tucked around a corner, so you walk straight into the lounge bar, designed to feel like a relaxed Milanese Salotto (living room).

The decor is inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, when Milan shook off its industrial past and evolved into a global fashion powerhouse. It combines pops of colour with mirrored glass and pink tones.

But the trump card here is the stunning cloistered garden at the centre of the hotel. Historically serving as an orchard, medicinal garden and a space for quiet contemplation, it’s now the perfect place to enjoy an aperitivo under twinkling fairy lights.

Service

As you’d expect from a Four Seasons property, the service is polished. The expert concierge fulfilled every challenge I threw at her, including crafting a private walking tour that perfectly matched my interests.

Bed and bath

There’s a deep sense of serenity to this hotel, thanks to its past as a convent. All the rooms were refurbished in 2025, and there’s an emphasis on elegant pastel colours and natural light, which streams in from the large windows. There are 118 rooms in three interconnecting buildings.

There are 188 rooms at Four Seasons Milan

There are 188 rooms at Four Seasons Milan (Four Seasons)

Glorious luxe bathrooms are outfitted in floor-to-ceiling marble, complete with walk-in showers, deep tubs, fluffy towels and underfloor heating.

The best rooms overlook the garden and all come with a steamer: no excuses for wrinkled clothing in this stylish city.

There are also five speciality suites, including one with beautiful frescos, if you really want to splurge.

Food and drink

For breakfast there’s a small but beautifully curated selection of homemade pastries, tarts and bread, plus an extensive a la carte menu.

The hotel’s restaurant, Zelo, attracts a well-heeled crowd of Milenese locals on the weekend. The risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto with oxtail) was excellent, though vegan and vegetarian options hold their own: there’s a knockout vegan gnocchetti with turnip greens. Desserts are a particular highlight, especially the panettone gelato.

Homemade pastries are served at breakfast

Homemade pastries are served at breakfast (Four Seasons)

The dining room is relaxed and buzzy – children and dogs are welcome.

Stilla, the lounge bar, makes an outstanding bellini, and a selection of good non-alcoholic drinks including a zingy “Electric Lemonade”.

Facilities

The spa here has an elegant underground swimming pool. Set in the ancient cellars of the convent and extending for 20 metres, it allows you to swim under a stunning vaulted ceiling.

The spa swimming pool can be found in the historic convent cellars

The spa swimming pool can be found in the historic convent cellars (Four Seasons)

There’s also a sauna, steam rooms, seven treatment rooms and blissfully comfortable poolside loungers. Treatments range from an Italian aromatherapy massages through to more technical facials.

The gym is well-equipped with machines from Technogym and yoga mats are also provided for in-room workouts.

The garden is perfect for al fresco eating if the weather is fine and there’s a year-round heated terrace that runs alongside the restaurant.

Accessibility

There are three accessible rooms. Bathrooms feature sliding doors, raised loos and low sinks. Across the hotel there are ramps on each floor, at the restaurant, bar and in the garden.

Pet policy

All pets are allowed at no extra charge. Two flamingos were once accommodated in the Presidential Suite.

Check in/check out?

Check is at 3pm; check out is at 12pm.

Family-friendly?

Yes, and there is no additional fee for children 18 and under to occupy the same guest room as their parents (space permitting). Most rooms have sofa beds that can be used, and certain room types, such as the “Cloister Suites”, can have extra beds added to accommodate younger guests.