Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
This new four-star boutique hotel — the second in the Calimala brand born in Florence — combines design-forward style, a convenient location in Porta Venezia, good food and great service. Plus, it’s one of the few hotels in central Milan with a rooftop pool, which scores extra points in our book.
What to expect
This hotel is great for solo travelers and couples, though I also saw a family with school age kids. Coming in off the street, you find yourself in a bright lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows, graphic black and white floors, and sleek mid-century inspired furnishings with pops of red, orange and yellow. On one side, the friendly staff at the reception desk are there to greet you, while on the other, a cafe serves espresso, fruit juice and wine or beer. The rooftop pool bar is a great place to relax after a long day of sightseeing or meetings. A full-service restaurant is coming soon.
Background
Opened in July 2025, Calimala Milano is part of the World of One hotel group, which is behind Hotel Calimala in Florence and Hotel Milu in Florence and Milan. Like the original Florence hotel, it was designed by Israeli architect and designer Alex Meitlis, who crafted bespoke furnishings, fixtures, lighting and art for the hotel inspired by the city.
Location, location, location
Calimala Milano is located in Porta Venezia, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known as an LGBTQ+ bastion. Via Melzo, the hotel’s street, has a high concentration of great restaurants. It’s a 25-minute walk or 10-minute metro ride away from the Duomo. The area feels removed from the crowds, but within easy reach of key attractions in Milan.
Where you’ll sleep
The 88 rooms and suites feature modern furnishings, some made with shiny lacquered wood. My room had a comfortable bed, a Netflix-enabled Smart TV, a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks and snacks and a small balcony overlooking an internal courtyard. The bathroom was equipped with full-sized bottles of custom bath products. While on the small side, my room was fine for a brief stay. For more space, upgrade to a prestige room, junior suite, or suite, all of which have a sofa bed.
Dining & drinks
The breakfast buffet, served at the fifth-floor restaurant FIVE, has a good selection of hot and cold continental items, as well as bagels, rugelah and other Israeli specialties. It wasn’t fully up and running yet during my stay, but starting in spring 2026 will serve dinner with a Mediterranean sharing plates concept. I enjoyed a refreshing basil smash at the rooftop bar, which serves classic cocktails, wine, beer and comfort food like schnitzel bites and cheeseburgers, which can also be ordered to your room.
Service notes
All the staff members I encountered were friendly and helpful. No complaints here.
Family perks
There are no kid-specific amenities, but there are Luxury Quadruple Rooms that can sleep up to four.
Accessibility
- ADA friendly rooms/bathrooms
- The hotel has an elevator
Features & amenities
- City setting
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Free WiFi
- Pool
- Fitness room
- Rooftop terrace
- Family friendly
Contacts
Calimala Milano
Via Melzo 7, Milano
Tel. +39 0240042052
Website
