STRAF Hotel & Bar
Milan, ItalyLocated on a tranquil side street just moments from the iconic Piazza del Duomo and amidst the city’s vibrant boutiques and lively restaurants, the STRAF is a hip boutique hotel where design and minimalism are the rule. Its rooms provide an oasis of zen tranquility, mirrored in the peaceful spa. Meanwhile, the bar is a hot spot for the bustling Milanese nightlife scene.
The hotel is housed within an 18th-century historical building that’s been turned into a bold art space by renowned Italian architect Vincenzo de Cotiis. The artist has skillfully reshaped the space, employing recycled and unconventional materials to forge a distinctive aesthetic, characterized by a chic, contemporary minimalist vibe. Throughout each space, raw concrete is seamlessly integrated with daring mixes of various materials. This is further complemented by captivating artistic installations and a gentle, yet inviting lighting, all of which complete the extraordinary setting.
Beyond its cutting-edge design, the STRAF stands out for its perfect mix of relaxation and fun. Its bar is a popular hotspot in Milan's vibrant nightlife scene, while the guest rooms are guarantee of a good night’s sleep. Nestled beneath the hotel is a luxurious boutique spa, boasting a resistance pool, a sauna, a hammam, and an elegantly appointed relaxation area. And for fitness aficionados, the hotel features a 24-hour gym, catering to the needs of guests at any hour.
The hotel has a restaurant open for lunch on weekdays, which also serves quick snacks throughout the day. The menu spans from traditional Italian cuisine to international dishes, and the atmosphere is elegant yet not overly formal. In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a breakfast room, where guests can indulge in a lavish American-style buffet.
A standout feature of the hotel is the STRAF Bar, a unique blend of an art gallery with captivating works by Vincenzo De Cotiis and a vibrant epicenter of Milan's nightlife. As the sun sets, the bar springs to life with aperitifs, DJ sets, and live music performances. The interiors seamlessly blend vintage furniture with chic 1970s-style accents, while the outdoor lounge area offers a beautiful glimpse of the Duomo.
The hotel’s 64 uniquely styled rooms present a distinctive combination of minimalism and comfort. Overlooking either the inner courtyard or the lively Via San Raffaele, each room, while not overly spacious, is thoughtfully equipped with all the modern amenities guests would expect, from flat-screen satellite TVs to minibars. And for the convenience of business travelers, each room also includes a laptop-sized safe among other practical features.
Floors are either sleek slate or polished concrete, adding to the minimalist aesthetic, while the bathrooms are decked out in burnished brass or slate, and stocked with eco-friendly toiletries. Rooms also feature works by Vincenzo De Cotiis. The luxury is further accentuated by the use of high-quality linen from Rivolta Carmignani, ensuring a comfortable sleep.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the Zen Rooms are equipped with massage chairs and chromotherapy treatments. The Wow Suites, on the other hand, feature a stone sunken bath near glass windows that open onto a private terrace with great views of the Duomo spires.
Vincenzo de Cotiis has redefined the boundaries of interior architecture within a historical backdrop, reshaping the spaces of the STRAF Hotel into an artistic installation within a 18th-century building. His approach to design challenges traditional concepts, integrating recycled and unconventional materials to form a distinctly unique aesthetic.
In addition to a luxurious spa, the hotel boasts specially appointed rooms designed with guests' wellbeing in mind. These rooms are equipped with chromotherapy treatments and state-of-the-art massage armchairs to promote both mental and physical relaxation.
The STRAF Bar is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come here for its Milanese-style aperitifs complemented by live music and DJ sets. The outdoor lounge area is a sought-after space to relish drinks and engage in conversations against the backdrop of Milan's iconic Duomo.
The area around the Duomo Cathedral is the core of Milan’s history and culture. This location is an excellent pick especially for first-timer visitors, as it positions guests near iconic attractions like the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, La Scala Theater, the Royal Palace, and the luxurious Quadrilatero della Moda shopping district. Getting around the city is a breeze, thanks to the many transport connections available and the many bars and restaurants in the area offer a perfect refuge at the end of a busy day of exploration.
Via San Raffaele 3, Milan City Center, Milan, 20121, Italy