Principe di Savoia

Hotel Principe di Savoia, also known as "The Principe", is a five-star luxury hotel in Milan, Italy. The hotel has long been one of Milan's landmarks. Given the name "Principe e Savoia" in 1927, a time when Milan had already established its position as the financial center of the country, it soon became a home for businessmen.

Hotel Principe di Savoia
General information
TypeLuxury hotel
Architectural styleNeoclassical
LocationMilan, Italy
Named forHouse of Savoy
OpenedApril 6, 1927
OwnerBrunei Investment Agency
ManagementDorchester Collection
Technical details
Floor count10
Other information
Number of rooms301
Website
Official site

In 2003, the hotel became part of the Dorchester Collection, a group of luxury hotels owned by the Brunei Investment Agency.[1] Located on Piazza della Repubblica, The Principe houses 301 rooms with 44 suites, on ten floors.

History

The hotel originally opened in April 1927 as the Principe e Savoia, developed by S.A. Acquisto ed Esercizio Alberghi Savoia.[2] Its neoclassical architectural design was developed by Milanese architect Cesare Tenca.[3] Following the Great Depression in the 1930s, the hotel was acquired by CIGA Hotels Group in 1938, which also managed hotels including the Danieli and Gritti Palace in Venice.[4]

During World War II, Principe became a headquarters for the Germans, and later it was used as an American headquarters. The hotel, which was not badly damaged during the war, underwent renovations in the 1950s, adding two wings: Principe Rosso and Metallico.[5]

In the 1980s, CIGA renamed the hotel "Principe di Savoia", the proper way to refer to the Italian royal family, the House of Savoy, for which the hotel is named.[6] Starwood Hotels and Resorts bought the controlling interest in CIGA Hotels in 1994.

In 2003, the hotel was purchased from Starwood by the Dorchester Collection, joining a group of five-star hotels that also includes hotels such as The Dorchester, Plaza Athénée and Hôtel Meurice.[7][8]

Overview

Principe di Savoia is located close to Garibaldi, Centrale and Cadorna stations, as well as the La Scala theatre.[9] The hotel features classic Italian and art deco furniture, statues and decor throughout the building. The entrance showcases a stained-glass domed ceiling while mosaics and chandeliers decorate common areas and guest rooms.[10] The famed Presidential Suite, located on the tenth floor, features luxurious amenities including a Pompeii style private spa with fresco walls, Turkish bath, antique furniture and fireplace, three bedrooms, full dining room, library and terrace. Guests that have stayed in the suite included Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Woody Allen, President George H. W. Bush, Bill Gates, President Vladimir Putin and more.[11][12]

The Principe has two restaurants and the Principe Bar renovated in 2009 by architect Thierry Despont.[13][14] Il Salotto is a casual lobby lounge, while Acanto is the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant headed by executive chef Fabrizio Cadei.[9][15] Club 10 is a 1,000 square meter fitness and beauty centre located on the top floor of the hotel. It includes a full salon, indoor heated pool, sauna and other amenities.[16]

Notable guests

Since its opening, Principe di Savoia has been known to host notable guests and celebrities such as Edward VIII, Erich Maria Remarque, Aristotle Onassis, Evita Peron, Maria Callas,[17][18] Charlie Chaplin, Josephine Baker, The Aga Khan, David Rockefeller, Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Ford and the Prince of Monaco.[10]

Other notable guests of the hotel have included Madonna, George Clooney and David and Victoria Beckham.

References
  1. Serena Curatolo (November 27, 2014). "Il Principe: history, modernity, luxury suite". Guilty Magazine. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  2. I locali storici di Milano. Touring Editore. 2004.
  3. "Buongiorno Milano". Pinup Magazine. April 7, 2015. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  4. "Of Tourists & Titans". Time: 110. May 17, 1968.
  5. "Hotel Principe Di Savoia The Prince of Milan's Hotels". App Cluster. November 12, 2004. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  6. "Hotel Principe di Savoia - Iconic hotel in Milan". Dorchester Collection. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  7. "Dorchester Group takes on Milan's Principe di Savoia". Caterer & Hotelkeeper. 192 (4282). July 10, 2003.
  8. Joe Sharkey (July 8, 2003). "A Five-Star Chain Hotel? Really". New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  9. "Hotel check: Hotel Principe di Savoia". Business Traveller. December 31, 2014. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  10. European Style Hotel. Panagiotis Fotiadis. September 1, 2011.
  11. Paul Johnson (June 18, 2007). "Suite of the week: Presidential Suite at Hotel Principe di Savoia, Milan". Luxury Travel. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  12. "The Hotel Principe di Savoia is Milan's hotel to the stars". News.com.au. January 18, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  13. Jackie Cooperman (October 29, 2009). "Now Booking: Principe di Savoi". New York Times. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  14. "Bars with Great Design and Atmosphere". Architectural Digest. October 31, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  15. "24Hour Room Service Hotel Principe Di Savoia Milan". Independent Magazine. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  16. "Dorchester Group Buys Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan". Breaking Travel News. July 3, 2003. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  17. "Hotel Principe di Savoia Milano". ETB Travel News. July 11, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2015.
  18. Dana Facaros, Michael Pauls (2004). Italy. New Holland Publishers.
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