Milan is exhausting. Honestly, if you've ever spent a Tuesday afternoon dodging influencers in the Galleria or trying to find a decent espresso near Centrale that doesn't cost eight Euros, you know exactly what I mean. It’s a city that breathes ego. But then there’s the Garibaldi district, a place that used to be kinda gritty and now houses the most ambitious skyline in Italy. Right in the middle of this glass-and-steel revolution sits Milano Verticale | Una Esperienze. It isn't just a hotel. It’s a weirdly successful attempt to bridge the gap between "Corporate Milan" and "Cool Milan."
Most people booking a room here think they’re just getting a bed near the Bosco Verticale. They're wrong. You’re actually stepping into a flagship experiment by the Gruppo UNA brand. They wanted to create a "lifestyle" hotel that didn't feel like a sterile waiting room for McKinsey consultants. They mostly succeeded.
What is Milano Verticale Una Esperienze anyway?
Let's get the technical stuff out of the way. This is a four-star superior hotel, though it feels like a five. It's located between Via De Cristoforis and Via Rosales. If you know the area, you know it’s the sweet spot between the Corso Como nightlife and the Porta Nuova business district.
The building itself is a total mid-century vibe reimagined for 2026. It’s got 173 rooms, but the number isn't the point. The point is the "Vertical" part of the name. It’s designed to be a climb. You start in the public garden—which is massive for Milan standards—and you work your way up to the rooftop. The architecture was handled by Vudafieri-Saverino Partners. These guys are the ones who did the interiors for Delvaux and some of the coolest boutiques in Paris. You can tell. It doesn't look like a Marriott. It looks like a billionaire’s private gallery where you’re allowed to sleep on the sofa.
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The Food Situation is Actually Legit
Normally, hotel restaurants are where dreams go to die. You get a club sandwich and a sad Caesar salad. Milano Verticale Una Esperienze flipped the script by partnering with Enrico Bartolini.
If you don't know Bartolini, he's basically the Thanos of the Italian culinary world—he collects Michelin stars like they're Infinity Stones. At this property, he oversees the entire food offering. This includes "Anima," the fine-dining spot, and "Vertigo," which is more of a contemporary osteria/urban garden vibe.
Eating at Vertigo is a whole mood. You're sitting in this internal courtyard, surrounded by greenery, and for a second, you forget that the chaotic traffic of Viale Liberazione is only fifty yards away. The menu isn't trying too hard. You’ll find things like a perfectly executed risotto or a veal Milanese that actually has some soul to it. It's the kind of place where you can have a business lunch without feeling like a suit, or a date without feeling like you're trying too hard. It’s flexible.
The Bar Scene
The bar is where the "Esperienze" part of the name really kicks in. Milanese people actually come here. That’s the litmus test for any hotel—if the locals avoid it, it sucks. But the garden bar here stays busy because the cocktails are inventive without being pretentious. They do a twist on a Negroni that uses local botanicals, and it's dangerous. You’ve been warned.
Rooms That Don’t Feel Like Cubicles
Let’s talk about the rooms. Most Milan hotels are either "Old World Stuffy" (heavy velvet, smells like mothballs) or "Ikea Plus" (minimalist but cheap). The rooms here fall into a category I’d call "Industrial Elegance."
- The Materials: They used ceppo di grè. It’s that grey stone you see all over Milan’s historic portals. It’s cold, sure, but it looks incredibly expensive.
- The Layout: Even the "Classic" rooms have enough space to open a suitcase without tripping over it. That’s a luxury in this city.
- The Suites: If you’re balling out, the "Penthouse" suites are the real deal. We’re talking private terraces with 360-degree views of the UniCredit Tower and the Alps on a clear day.
Is it perfect? No. Sometimes the tech in the rooms—the "smart" lighting and climate control—can be a bit finicky. You find yourself pressing buttons like a frustrated pilot just trying to turn off the bathroom light. But once you figure it out, it’s a very comfortable stay.
The Wellness and Rooftop Factor
The gym isn't an afterthought. Usually, hotel gyms are a treadmill and a single dumbbell in a basement. Here, they have a partnership with Technogym, and the spa area includes a Turkish bath and sauna that actually gets hot enough to be useful.
But the rooftop is the crown jewel. In the summer, this is arguably one of the best spots in the city. You get that "Vertical" feeling—looking down at the street life and up at the skyscrapers. It’s a transition zone. It’s where the old Milan of the Brera district meets the new Milan of Piazza Gae Aulenti.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Location
People think staying in Garibaldi means you're far from the "real" Milan. That’s total nonsense.
Honestly, the Duomo is a tourist trap. You go there once, take a photo of a pigeon, and leave. The real heart of the city has shifted North. Staying at Milano Verticale puts you within a 10-minute walk of 10 Corso Como (the famous concept store) and Eataly Smeraldo. You’re also right next to the Garibaldi station, which means you can hop on a high-speed train and be in Lake Como or Florence in no time. It’s a logistical dream.
Why the "Esperienze" Label Matters
Gruppo UNA has three tiers: UNAHOTELS, UNAWAY, and UNA Esperienze. This place is the flagship of the "Esperienze" line. The goal is to offer more than just a room. They curate "experiences" (hence the name) like private shopping tours or architectural walks.
Is it a gimmick? Maybe a little. But the staff actually seems to care. They aren't the robotic, "Yes, sir/No, madam" types you find at the Four Seasons. They’re younger, more plugged into the city's pulse. If you ask for a dinner recommendation, they won't just point you to the nearest tourist trap; they’ll tell you about a tiny trattoria in Isola that doesn't have a website. That's the value.
Realities of the Price Point
Let’s be real: this place isn't cheap. You’re paying for the location and the design. During Fashion Week or the Salone del Mobile (Design Week), prices skyrocket to levels that are honestly a bit offensive. But during the "off-season"—if Milan even has one anymore—you can find deals that make it a steal for the quality you're getting.
Compared to the Armani Hotel or the Bulgari, Milano Verticale is significantly more affordable while offering a vibe that is, frankly, much less stuffy. It feels like a place where you can wear sneakers and not get judged at the front desk.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
If you’re planning to book or are already headed to Milano Verticale Una Esperienze, here is how to actually do it right:
- Request a High Floor: The lower floors are fine, but the magic of this hotel is the "Vertical" view. Ask for anything above the 6th floor facing the Bosco Verticale.
- Book Vertigo for Lunch, Anima for Dinner: Don't do both in one day. Start with a casual lunch at Vertigo to enjoy the garden light. Save Anima for a night when you want to see Bartolini's team show off.
- Explore Isola: Don’t just walk toward the Duomo. Cross the pedestrian bridge into the Isola neighborhood. It’s full of street art, jazz clubs (like Blue Note), and craft breweries. It’s the "Brooklyn" of Milan.
- Use the Garden for "Deep Work": If you’re a digital nomad or just need to check emails, the internal garden has decent Wi-Fi and is surprisingly quiet. It’s much better than working from your room.
- Check the Event Calendar: The hotel often hosts pop-up art galleries or DJ sets in the courtyard. Check their Instagram before you arrive so you don't miss out on the local scene.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast (Occasionally): While their spread is great, walk 5 minutes to a local pasticceria. Standing at a bar with a 1.20 Euro espresso and a brioche is the most authentic Milanese experience you can have.
Milan is a city of layers. You have to peel them back. Milano Verticale isn't just a place to crash; it’s a vantage point. It gives you a look at where the city is going, rather than just where it’s been. Whether you’re there for a trade show or just a weekend of shopping, it’s one of the few spots that actually lives up to the hype of the "New Milan." High ceilings, good gin, and a view of the future—not a bad way to spend a few nights.