With the opening of Palazzo Cordusio, Gran Meliá heralds a new era. An icon of Italian architecture, the Palazzo was designed by Luca Betrami in the 19th century and, with its sophistication, embodies the ideal of excellence in luxury hospitality. After extensive renovation work carried out by ASAH Architects in collaboration with Studio Marco Piva, the building now represents the epitome of timeless architectural elegance. It harmoniously combines historical splendor with contemporary design expertise.
As the second hotel under the Gran Meliá brand and fourth luxury hotel from Meliá Hotels International (MHI) in Italy, the opening of Palazzo Cordusio strengthens the group’s presence in the destination as a key player in the luxury hotel segment.
Palazzo Cordusio offers the ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture of Milan. In collaboration with the Sunset Hospitality Group, a renowned provider of unique dining experiences with sophisticated, globally inspired concepts, the centrally located Palazzo aims to become the city’s new culinary hotspot.
Meliá Hotels International (MHI) opens the first Gran Meliá hotel in Milan: Palazzo Cordusio, Gran Meliá has recently started welcoming guests in the heart of the Italian fashion city.
The hotel is located in the historic Palazzo Venezia: this is the renovation of the historic Palazzo Generali, which was the headquarters of the insurance company in Milan for more than a century. It marks the arrival of the Gran Meliá brand in Milan and joins its sister property in Rome, Villa Agrippina. The Palazzo Venezia was built between 1897 and 1901 by the Generali to a design by the architect Luca Beltrami in an eclectic style and represented the most extensive renovation plan of the district between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The redesign of the entire Piazza Cordusio is carried out pushed forward the reopening under the auspices of MHI. This will give locals and tourists back one of the oldest and most important city junctions, which symbolically connects the cathedral with the Sforza Castle.
The reorganization of the interior spaces enables the realization of 84 rooms and suites; the structural elements were retained, so the original work areas have now been converted.
Most of the rooms have impressive windows and in some cases private balconies that offer plenty of natural light and unique views of Piazza Cordusio and the Sforzesco Castle, Via Orefici, Via dei Mercanti and the Duomo.
Alvaro and Adriana Sans‘ Studio ASAH was commissioned with the architectural design and interior design. As long-time preferred partners of MHI, the interior designers have chosen a sophisticated contemporary style that promises an unforgettable stay in the heart of Milan. ASAH has developed a design approach that cleverly opens up the ground floor for commercial space while maintaining the understated elegance of the hotel. To optimize the guest experience, the upper floors are equipped with living spaces that offer a balanced combination of functionality and privacy. The reception area, for example, is located under the building’s majestic dome. This is decorated with an enlarged reproduction of „Divine Providence“, which can also be seen on the facade and gives the arriving guests a timeless welcome.
The rooms and suites as well as selected hallway walls are finished with high-quality fabrics and patterns from Rubelli – a traditional brand whose textile creations are reminiscent of Generali’s Venetian roots. The sophisticated interiors are furnished with iconic furniture from renowned Italian brands such as Molteni, Cassina, Fornasetti, Flos, Oluce and Foscarini, enhancing the hotel’s charm with a touch of elegance and cultural resonance.
Generali Real Estate and MHI carried out the renovation project with the support of Studio Marco Piva. From the interiors to the courtyard and the terraces, the studio was responsible for the entire interior and facade design.
An important restoration project concerned the monumental staircase, whose wall and floor marbles are now preserved in their original splendor. The same applies to the original portal with the header „Assicurazioni Generali“ and the mosaic lunette. These are valuable evidence of the building’s former function. The repetition of elements both in the historic staircase and on all new portals creates a stylistic uniformity throughout the entire hotel. This creates an architectural thread that runs through all floors. The renovated building remains part of Generali’s European real estate portfolio.
Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) is a leading lifestyle and hospitality company currently operating in 16 countries. The group is responsible for the hotel’s culinary offerings, whose exquisite creations bring guests together. With the debut of Pasticceria Gioia, Giardino Cordusio, Isola and SACHI, the group introduces four exceptional and original concepts to the city’s restaurant scene;
Pasticceria Gioia: The Pasticceria is located on the ground floor and overlooks Piazza Cordusio. In collaboration with master baker Fabio Bertoni, it offers the experience of a real Italian pastry shop.
Giardino Cordusio: the Italian cocktail bar in the hotel’s courtyard is a joint project with Giancarlo Mancino, the award-winning bartender and official partner of The World’s 50 Best Bars. The concept offers exceptional cocktails in an environment characterized by highlights created by Giancarlo – a designer martini altar on which a wide range of martini cocktails are prepared and the Negroni Alfresco, which is aged for at least 30 days in an amphora is stored
Isola: Led by Chef Francesco Bagnato, Isola in Milan offers a culinary experience with Italian specialties inspired by the southern islands of Italy and a wide selection of high-quality wines. The restaurant has a large terrace overlooking the Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti. The brand recently received Michelin Guide recognition and is present in major destinations worldwide including Dubai, Bodrum, Marbella and Morocco.
SACHI: Under the leadership of renowned chef Moon Kyung Soo, who can look back on an impressive career with award-winning concepts such as SUSHISAMBA Dubai and Attiko, SACHI, already established in London, is set to become the center of the Milan restaurant scene. The Japanese restaurant will feature an omakase counter, a spacious dining room and an incredible garden terrace with views of the cathedral. SACHI promises to take guests on an immersive journey through the diverse and exquisite flavors of Japan, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients year-round. On the lower floor, guests have access to an intimate wellness area with a swimming pool, sauna, Turkish bath, sensory showers, ice cascade and a relaxation room. On the third floor there is the fitness room equipped with Technogym, from which there is a wide view of the Palazzo della Ragione and Piazza Mercanti.
