On a side street near the Duomo, the STRAF has a hip, minimalist vibe with dark, moody rooms, and attracts a youngish crowd. Italian designer Vincenzo De Cotiis incorporated non-standard and recycled materials into his hotel design; rough-edged guest rooms have been constructed of slate, brass, concrete and marble, all warmed up with bright art on the walls. Locals and in-the-know visitors congregate for aperitivi at STRAFbar, made of concrete and iron and filled with ‘70s furnishings and modern art, which often features live music and DJs. Unlike most Milan hotels, a full breakfast is included with every stay.
Neighbourhood
The area around the Duomo is the busiest in Milan, with tons of restaurants, bars and shopping. There are also easy transportation connections to go pretty much anywhere in town.
Nearby
1. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: For shopping inside a beautiful 19th-century dome
2. Ristorante Cracco: For Michelin-starred Milanese cuisine from a celebrity chef
3. Museo del Novecento: For 20th-century Italian art in a unique space
Time Out tip
Gelato lovers shouldn’t miss Cioccolati Italiani, which has to-die-for dark chocolate and nocciola (hazelnut) gelato—among other delicious choices—and is only about a minute’s walk from the hotel.