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Vive la France. And vive, for that matter, Paola Giambelli, whose love for Paris has translated into one

of the most jawdropping refurbishment projects seen in Italy’s fashion heartlands for years. Palazzo

Parigi, rising on the site of a former seventeenth century noble residence in the trendy Brera district,

opened its doors towards the end of last year with a soft roll-out of impeccable services and gourmet

excellence. Surrounded by old trees in an enchanting private garden, somehow Ms. Giambelli has uni-

ted classical Parisian charm with a fashion-forward deluxe hotel that oozes attention to detail and an

impeccable experience underlined with subtle, high-tech systems.

“The building that we purchased actually dated back to the 1950s, although the hotel stands on the

site of the former Palazzo Cramer,” explains Paola Giambelli. “The structure we acquired had been

built as offices and then became a bank. Those 3-metre high ceilings were perfect. The perimeter of

the project hasn’t changed, but as the building wasn’t listed, we were able to transform the interior

and happily change the façade. A dark wall of black marble has been opened up to give this lovely,

light atrium featuring 12 metre-high ceilings in a classical style.”

The imposing geometry of the structure is echoed in its internal space. Here, Pierre-Yves Rochon, the

name behind the interior design of some of the most sophisticated hotels in the world, has executed

“a playful tiff” between Milan and Paris. The frank minimalism of the former and the more capricious

charms of the latter are a feature of the décor of the 65 rooms, 33 suites and public areas. Surrounded

by minute marquetry and noble portraits in the extraordinary Bistrot Lounge “Caffé Parigi”, you

could be forgiven for thinking you were taking breakfast in a French palace, but the bedrooms’ cool

comfort painted in neutral tones underline its streamlined modernity.

PALAZZO PARIGI WE’LL ALWAYS HAVE PARISA FORMER BANK BUILDING IN THE HEART OF MILAN’S TRENDY BRERA BUILDING HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED INTOA FIVE-STAR HOTEL ENCAPSULATING PARISIAN FLAIR. ARCHITECT AND OWNER PAOLA GIAMBELLI, THE MINDAND VISION BEHIND THE PROJECT, TELLS REUROPE MAGAZINE WHY PALAZZO PARIGI IS CONQUERING MILANESEHEARTS AND REWRITING STANDARDS IN ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST FASHIONABLE CITIES…

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“I was inspired by some of Europe’s finest hotels,

those structures which have become icons in Pa-

ris, London and Venice. If you think of the Hotel

Danieli in Venice its lobby has this kind of impact.

The name reflects its European pedigree and the

spirit of the hotel, which emanates light, joie de

vivre,” says Ms. Giambelli.

The hotel opened as a member of the Leading Ho-

tels of the World Group, a partnership which will

continue as long as it suits both parties.

The elegant Duomo Suite was released for Milan

Design Week in April and there are more treats

to come. The Royal Suite on the 8th floor, which

will be opened by September 2014, will be equip-

ped with extensive terraces facing a central

view of the Duomo and an open view on the who-

le city.

Meanwhile, a gourmet approach has been taken

to food and beverage. A “Cave à Vin” concept fea-

turing a selection of wines from Sommelier Mat-

teo Ghiringhelli will be made available for visi-

ting guests, private wine tastings, small events

and happy hours. More news on the restaurant

and banqueting options is expected to follow.

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Finally, by the end of the year, Palazzo Parigi’s

Grand Spa will open its doors to guests and the

general public. This will see an entire floor dedi-

cated to wellness, including pools, a hammam, re-

lax area, terraces and big windows with internal

garden views. “It’s incredible, but Milan is really

lacking a Spa on this kind of level,” explains Ms.

Giambelli. “This will really put the heart in Palaz-

zo Parigi and create the kind of rarefied space

which underlines our philosophy and will truly

give it that iconic status.”