Hotel Principe Di Savoia, Milan

This smart, long-established hotel is slap-bang in the middle of the Piazza della Repubblica. It’s part of the Dorchester Collection and, like the rest of the group, manages to balance a strong sense of its own history with a desire to keep open to new ideas. Until the end of December, all hotels in the group are offering the “Martini Cool Package”, which includes complimentary Martinis made according to each bar manager’s own special recipe.

As well as a reputation as the perfect base from which to make the most of Milan’s glorious shopping opportunities, the Principe Di Savoia is also gaining a name as one of the best places to enjoy the local Lombard cuisine. The head chef, Fabrizio Cadei, is just 38, but he has a justified reputation for producing fabulous, traditional Italian dishes in the restaurant, with enough of a “world” twist to keep things interesting. Don’t leave without fitting in some pampering time at the Club 10 spa and gym on the top floor. It’s the perfect antidote to all the eating and shopping that’s a key part of any visit to Milan.