Strafhotel&bar

Milan

Milan, in the heart of the Lombardy region, on the large and fertile Po plain, is the economic capital of Italy. Industrious and business oriented, it nevertheless possesses, like its other Italian counterparts, an impressive cultural heritage. The cathedral known as the Duomo is the symbol of the city and is a magnificent blend of Gothic, Neoclassical and Neogothic architecture. The internationally renowned La Scala theatre has hosted some the world’s greatest stars. The Ambrosiana is one of the oldest libraries in the world, and Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting of “The Last Supper” can be admired at the Santa Maria delle Grazie convent.

Milan has also imposed itself as one of the world capitals of fashion and shopping. Following the example of Paris and New York, the city hosts a number of shows by the greatest names in Italian fashion such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Gucci and Armani, all of whom are located on the Quadrilatero d’Oro - golden quadrangle, on the outskirts of the old city. Anything considered luxurious, trendy or hype can be found in this quarter, which also is home to numerous fashion magazines like Donna, Grazia and Vogue. Along Spiga, Sant’Andrea and Montenapoleone streets, visitors can dream as they admire the work of famous jewelers. They can also shop in the chic boutiques of the Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery, under the arcades and the magnificent glass dome. And if you’re looking for the height of trendiness, head for number 10 Corso Como and the amazing concept store of Carla Sozzani, the high priestess of fashion and design.

Design Italian Style

The hotel Straf, a few steps from the cathedral and the creators’ boutiques, is a work of extravagant art located in an almost nondescript 19^th century building. Designed by the renowned architect and high fashion designer, Vincenzo de Cotiis, it harmoniously combines classical Italian and minimalist design. Behind the building’s original façade, raw materials like black stone, iron, cement, glass and brass combine to create a unique, modern and refined atmosphere. The cement is used for the staircases and the floors. The clean broken slate is associated with brownish brass and walls of glass, filled with pieces of gauze to create the illusion of transparency. In spite of using fairly cold materials, the atmosphere is warm.

In the rooms, everything is made to measure, and the striped mirror, the armchair, the washbasin or the chair are one of a kind pieces. These cleverly used and well-placed industrial materials create the effects of unexpected light and color.

Fashion victims tend to get together at the bar, filled with vintage furniture. Curled up in the leather patchwork couch, under the green resin chandelier, they go over their day’s purchases, facing the fiberglass panels of recycled glass and the screen-printed images which make this site so special and so unique.

Some rooms have a wellness aromatherapy and chromotherapy space with massage armchairs.