Gran Meliá conquers Milan with the opening of its new luxury hotel: Palazzo Cordusio

Gran Meliá marks a new era with the opening of Palazzo Cordusio, a flagship property located in an icon of 19th century Italian design and the ultimate expression of hospitality excellence defined by sophistication and beauty.

Offering an escape into Milan's rich culture and iconic landmarks, the hotel is set to become the city's new gastronomic and social epicenter thanks to a partnership with leading international company Sunset Hospitality Group, which boasts world-class dining concepts. haute cuisine and its incomparable central location.

As Gran Meliá's second hotel and fourth luxury establishment in Italy, the opening of Palazzo Cordusio further reinforces Meliá Hotels International's presence in the destination as a key player in the luxury hospitality segment.

This month, the most exclusive new hotel in Milan, Palazzo Cordusio, a Gran Meliá hotel, opened its doors in December 2023. Strategically located in Piazza Cordusio, one of the most emblematic squares of the city, this luxurious hotel is located within the historic Palazzo Venezia, jewel of Assicurazioni Generali's heritage and for more than a century the company's Milanese headquarters. This opening marks the Milanese debut of Gran Meliá, joining its sister property in Italy, Villa Agrippina in Rome.

Timeless Design

Originally built between 1897 and 1901 by Generali, Palazzo Venezia's eclectic design sought inspiration from architect Luca Beltrami and played a pivotal role in the area's restoration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The reopening under the auspices of Meliá Hotels International (MHI) will be the driving force behind the current development of Piazza Cordusio, promising to return one of the city's key cultural points to the
Milanese, symbolically connecting the Duomo with the Sforzesco Castle, to the at the same time that it invites international travelers to discover its historical past.

The recent renovation project was managed by Generali Real Estate and MHI with the support of Studio Marco Piva, responsible for the design and artistic direction of the external facades and all sections subject to monumental restrictions, the interior architecture and the courtyard. In an effort to consciously preserve the majority of the building, the grand staircase took center stage, preserving and restoring its marble walls and floors to their
original splendor, as did the original portal with Generali Assicurazioni's header and lunette by mosaic with the allegory of Providence. These are valuable vestiges of the building's former function, the aesthetics of which have been replicated throughout the historic scale portals and those created from scratch to maintain stylistic coherence throughout the hotel. The renovated building is now part of
Assicurazioni Generali's European real estate portfolio.

Following the transformation of the building's internal spaces, 84 rooms and suites have been created, each of which retains protected elements, while certain areas are elevated for new use. The luxurious rooms are characterized by imposing windows and, in some cases, private balconies that provide abundant natural light and unique views of Piazza Cordusio, via Orefici, via dei Mercanti and the Duomo.

The Asah studio, led by Alvaro and Adriana Sans, partners at MHI, was in charge of the interior design of the rooms and common areas, opting for a sophisticated and contemporary style to offer the perfect base for a truly memorable stay in the heart of Milan . All rooms and suites, as well as some hallways, are adorned with Rubelli fabrics as a tribute to Generali's Venetian roots, while the furniture includes iconic pieces from some of Italy's most iconic brands, such as Molteni, Cassina, Fornasetti, Flos , Oluce and Foscarini.

Haute Cuisine
Recognized for creating unique experiences around the world, Sunset Hospitality Group has become a benchmark in hospitality, currently operating in sixteen countries and will oversee the hotel's culinary offerings to impact guests through food.

The group will introduce four exceptional concepts of its own to the hotel's gastronomic scene with the premiere of Gioia Pasticceria, Giardino Cordusio, Isola Restaurant and SACHI:

• Gioia: Located on the ground floor overlooking the square, Gioia Pasticceria is created in collaboration with master baker Fabio Bertoni to offer the experience of an authentic pastry shop.

• Giardino Cordusio: The cocktail bar located in the hotel's inner courtyard is a joint project with Giancarlo Mancino, official partner of The World's 50 Best Bars. The concept will offer exceptional cocktail creations with two standout items created by Giancarlo: an “Altare” Martini where the signature martini will be prepared, as well as a 40-liter amphora where the Alfresco Negroni will be preserved.

• Isola: Led by chef Francesco Bagnato, Isola will offer a unique dining experience in Milan, offering Italian dishes inspired by the southern Italian islands and a wide selection of wines. The restaurant has a terrace with views of Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti. The Isola brand was recently recognized in the Michelin Guide and has a global presence in key destinations such as Dubai, Bodrum, Marbella
and Morocco.

• Sachi: Already established in London, Sachi is set to stand out in Milan's dining scene under the guidance of acclaimed chef Moon Kyung Soo, whose impressive career includes leading award-winning concepts such as SUSHISAMBA Dubai and Attiko. The Japanese restaurant will offer an Omakase counter, a spacious dining area and a spacious garden with views of the Duomo. Sachi promises to take diners on a captivating journey through
the diverse and exquisite flavors of Japan, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients year-round.

Guests will also have access to a wellness area with an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and relaxation room; along with a state-of-the-art gym equipped with Technogym equipment and a panoramic view of the Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti.

The arrival of the first Gran Meliá branded hotel in Milan, and the second in Italy after the success of Villa Agrippina in Rome, represents an important step for MHI. The opening further consolidates the country's importance in the group's luxury development line, which includes the addition of a fifth hotel in Milan by 2024, as part of The Meliá Collection.