Straf, Milan, a Member Of Design Hotels

The hotel offers a truly unique and artistic experience, distinguished by its modern, minimalist design and an unbeatable central location just steps from the Duomo. This makes it an ideal choice for sightseers and shoppers eager to explore Milan's iconic landmarks and luxury boutiques on foot. Its distinctive aesthetic, characterized by concrete, metal, and glass, appeals to couples seeking a memorable and unconventional stay, and is also suitable for business travelers who appreciate a contemporary environment. While many guests appreciate the hotel's unique style and the attentive staff, some find the design prioritizes form over function, impacting room comfort. To enhance your visit, consider requesting a room on a higher floor to mitigate street noise, and be prepared for a design that is more avant-garde than traditional.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel provides a range of facilities, though guest experiences vary. Many guests appreciate the intimate spa area, which includes a sauna, steam room, and a small pool with a counter-current system, offering a relaxing escape after a day of exploring. However, some found the spa to be quite small, suitable for only one or two people, and occasionally noted issues such as the pool not being heated or the steam room not being turned on. The fitness center is available, though some reviews mention it being small or, at times, out of service. Free Wi-Fi is generally available, ensuring guests can stay connected. While the design is a key feature, some practical amenities like sufficient towel hanging devices or a more functional bathroom counter are sometimes lacking.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guests generally find the rooms to be clean and well-maintained, though opinions on room comfort and practicality are mixed due to the hotel's distinctive design. Many praise the comfortable beds and high-quality linens, ensuring a restful night's sleep. However, some rooms are described as small or claustrophobic, and the minimalist design often means a lack of traditional amenities like dressers or ample storage. Noise levels can be a significant issue, with many guests reporting disturbances from the street (especially late-night deliveries or the vibrant Duomo square) and hallways, sometimes due to thin walls or lack of soundproofing. The bathrooms, often featuring metal floors, are noted for being dark, potentially slippery when wet, and lacking handheld showers or sufficient vanity space. Some rooms also lack blackout curtains, leading to light intrusion and privacy concerns.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining options, particularly breakfast and the bar, receive considerable attention. Many guests describe the breakfast as excellent and surprisingly good, often featuring a delightful buffet. However, some found the breakfast area to be small, and a few noted a limited selection or a lack of vegan options. The hotel's bar is highly popular, known for its tasty cocktails and vibrant Aperitivo experience, with tables often extending into the pedestrianized courtyard, creating an excellent spot for people-watching. While the bar is generally praised for its atmosphere and drinks, some guests found it could be noisy or had become overly touristic compared to previous visits. Overall, the food quality is often highlighted as good, making it a convenient and enjoyable option for guests.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests directly in the heart of Milan. It is literally steps away from the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and major shopping districts like Rinascente, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city's main attractions on foot. The proximity to a metro stop also provides easy access to other parts of Milan and its suburbs. While the location is ideal for sightseers and shoppers, some guests note that the vibrant Duomo area can be quite noisy, especially at night, and crowded with tourists. For those arriving by train, it's important to note that the Duomo metro station may lack elevators or escalators, requiring guests to carry luggage up to the street level. Valet parking is available, often at Rinascente, though some guests found navigating to the hotel with a vehicle challenging.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise, with many guests describing them as friendly, helpful, and attentive. Reviewers frequently highlight their willingness to go above and beyond to assist with requests, from providing quick check-in and accommodating early arrivals to offering restaurant recommendations and arranging transportation. Specific mentions of staff members underscore their professionalism and warmth, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. However, a recurring point of contention for some guests, particularly those with loyalty status, is the perceived lack of recognition or benefits for Marriott loyalty members, such as complimentary breakfast or room upgrades, which some found disappointing. Despite these specific issues, the overall sentiment regarding the service quality is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the staff's dedication to guest satisfaction.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, with several guests noting their dogs were treated exceptionally well, making it a welcoming option for travelers with companions. While the hotel is celebrated for its unique "art project" design, some guests found certain design elements, such as the metal floors in bathrooms, to be slippery when wet, posing a safety concern. There are also mentions of occasional issues with hot water availability and the gym being out of service for periods, which impacted some guests' wellness routines. Guests should be aware that while the hotel offers luggage storage, it is sometimes in the lobby rather than a locked room, which some found less secure. Some reviews also touch upon the hotel's bar becoming more touristic over time, potentially altering its previous local charm and atmosphere.