A former seminary turned icon of Milanese hospitality

Even if you weren’t told in advance that this hotel in Milan’s fashion district belongs to the Ferragamo family, you would guess it within moments of stepping into the Portrait Milano. From the photographs and patents of Salvatore Ferragamo displayed along the walls, to the intrinsic attention to materials, art and rich tones—not to mention the Ferragamo-signed amenities in the bathroom—it’s safe to say that the maison’s legacy of elegance and craftsmanship is seamlessly woven into every corner. 

Offering more than a night in a hotel, the Portrait Milano is an experience. Entering from Corso Venezia (with an additional entrance on Via Sant’Andrea), you pass through a magnificent baroque portal to arrive at a striking 17th century, column-lined piazza. This courtyard, once home to the Archiepiscopal Seminary, one of the world’s largest seminaries, has been meticulously restored by the Italian architectural firm AMDL CIRCLE. The space now hosts smaller boutiques, bars and restaurants including So-Le studio, the first flagship jewelery store of Maria Sole Ferragamo, and Antonia, a destination for fashion enthusiasts. 

In the piazza’s eastern wing lies the 10_11 Bar, a year-round hotspot warmed in winter and shaded in summer. It’s a favorite of Milan’s elite, perfect for sipping a spritz or enjoying a plate of spaghetti at midnight. The adjoining restaurant elevates classic bistro fare with a contemporary Milanese twist. Highlights include saffron-infused meatballs and traditional riso al salto, a crispy take on risotto. This is also where breakfast is served every morning—on a long table with an endless spread of pastries. As for coffee, ask for a moka (we won’t spoil the surprise). 

Portrait Milano emphasizes high-profile collaborations that reflect its core values. Among these is Beefbar Milano, where you’ll find otherworldly cuts of meat in a space inspired by Milanese style from the 1940s and 1960s, set beneath the vaulted ceilings of what was once the refectory. Its founder, Riccardo Giraudi, is the leading importer of Japanese Kobe beef in Europe. 

There’s also the Longevity Suite spa, the first of its kind, known for unique treatments that combine high-tech biohacking techniques with the holistic vision of the Blue Zones. Try cryotherapy sessions (jamming to your preferred music), targeted massages or, for those flying across the world, the signature jet-lag blessing ritual which includes a dry floating sensory deprivation session. 

The 73 rooms and suites, designed by Michele Bönan, draw inspiration from Milan’s 1950s parlors, incorporating walnut wood and rattan panels. Bönan also introduces snow-white Carrara marble bathrooms to contrast the darker, moodier palette of the rooms: cardinal red or green. Most rooms have spacious walk-in wardrobes, as well.

A weekend may not be enough to try everything, but you can certainly tailor your stay to your preferred activities, including visiting some of the most important sites in the city. A short walk takes you to Villa Necchi Campiglio or to the Fondazione Luigi Rovati, where contemporary art and history converge.