Four Seasons Hotel Milano

“Superlative service”

A few days away to a very rainy Milan to see our favourite band (also staying at the Four Seasons). We’ve stayed in FS before so are familiar with the product but even so, the room pricing causes something of a sharp intake of breath. At the best part of £2k per night for a reasonable sized room... more

A few days away to a very rainy Milan to see our favourite band (also staying at the Four Seasons). We’ve stayed in FS before so are familiar with the product but even so, the room pricing causes something of a sharp intake of breath. At the best part of £2k per night for a reasonable sized room, one might expect an issue free stay and readers can anticipate a more critical eye over the accommodation. The negatives:- Before our arrival, the excellent FS concierge service organised a car at our request and we asked for an early check in to be accommodated, if possible. On arrival, we were advised of a small upgrade but told that the offered room might not be ready for four hours- an alternative was proposed at a higher room rate. We took the more costly alternative only to discover that we were to be charged more than the advertised per diem for the stay. I understand that every business wants to increase profits but at this level, it felt rather penny pinching to expect us to pay for the offered upgrade - particularly when after an extremely early start, we had made it clear that we would welcome being afforded the early check in (the hotel was far from full at this stage). Our junior suite was very comfortable and immaculately clean and well maintained but the decor is tired, tables were scratched and soft furnishings underwhelming and dated. I understand that they are renovating but they should price accordingly. First world problems continued in the bar/lounge area. Because it seemed to be common knowledge that the band were staying in the hotel, the lounge was full of fans, making a coffee or glass of water last four hours in the hope of espying a band member. This meant that for residents the bar was full leaving little space to sit. I do understand that there are competing forces at play but it rather spoiled the ambiance and experience for us as guests. The positives:- The service is spectacularly good. From the doormen, to bar and restaurant staff, reception, concierge and guest experience team, we were greeted always by name, warmly and courteously without any obsequiousnesses. Spot on service, across the hotel The food was very good in the restaurant and bar. I look forward to going back in the summer when I can use the courtyard, not feasible over the rainy Easter weekend. A small gesture but one warmly appreciated was the chocolate (band related) gift placed in our room before we headed off to the gig. That was a nice touch. Finally, I have to extend my thanks to the concierge for her restaurant recommendation. I wanted Milan’s best pizza and I got it! To summarise, a very good product made superlative by the service. Shame about the unwelcome upselling which rather tainted an otherwise excellent experience (I overheard the same proposal being offered to another guest who was not checking in early so it’s clearly an established routine) We will go back but FS have to weigh up risk of customers looking elsewhere in this price bracket. Milan has a number of super five star options.

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