Milan's HOTTEST Hotel? NH Collection City Life Review!
Forget the Brochure: My Brutally Honest Rundown of Milan's NH Collection City Life (Spoiler: It's Complicated)
Alright, folks, let's dive deep into the shimmering, seductive (and sometimes frustrating) world of Milan's NH Collection City Life. I’m talking about that sleek, modern monolith that’s been popping up all over Instagram. Buckle up, because this isn't your typical cookie-cutter hotel review. I'm gonna get messy, honest, and probably a little bit ranty. Because, let's be real, no hotel is perfect, and some are way less perfect than others.
First Impression: Glitz and Glamour…With a Hint of "Where's the Elevator?"
Pulling up to the NH Collection City Life is… impressive. The architecture is undeniably cool. Think sleek lines, towering glass, and an overall vibe of "I belong in a James Bond movie." Getting in, though? Well, the initial accessibility felt a little… convoluted. I was checking out all the accessible routes but also thinking – "Wait, is this the right way? Or are we lost in a modern art maze?" I was kind of surprised there wasn't an accessible entrance marked on the facade, which would be helpful for those with mobility issues.
- Accessibility: Let's just say the accessibility is there, but maybe not screamed from the rooftops. It's a mixed bag. Wheelchair accessible, yes. But finding the easiest route? That requires, you know, a little adventure.
- Getting Around - Elevator Thank God for the elevators!
The Room: Chic… And Do I Really Need That Extra Mirror?
Okay, the rooms. They’re undeniably stylish. Think minimalist design, plush bedding, and enough chrome to blind a magpie. My room had a killer view (more on the view later). The available amenities were fantastic!
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning – thank the heavens! Alarm clock (who uses those anymore?). Bathrobes (yes, please!). Blackout curtains (essential for beating jet lag and avoiding the Italian sun). Coffee/tea maker (vital). Daily housekeeping (a godsend). Desk (for pretending to work). Free Wi-Fi (the real MVP). Ironing facilities (a lifesaver). Mini bar (a temptation I frequently succumbed to). Safety/security feature (always appreciate it). Satellite/cable channels (for those late-night binges). Telephone (for calling room service, obviously). Wi-Fi free.
And the things that made me smile: The shower was fantastic, ample space. The robes were crazy comfy. I do need to mention the mirror situation. There were…a lot. I mean, really a lot. Mirrors on the walls, mirrors on the doors, mirrors strategically placed for… well, I'm not sure what. It was disorienting at times.
Things I didn't use: The reading light, the alarm clock (never use).
Internet: Fast…Mostly
Free Wi-Fi? Score! For the most part, the internet was fast and reliable. But, like any connection, I had a few moments of buffering frustration.
- Internet: Worked fine for the most part, but there were a few hiccups.
- Internet Access (LAN): Didn’t bother. The Wi-Fi was good enough.
Food, Glorious Food…and a Few Hiccups
Let’s talk food. I did the breakfast buffet, and it was both amazing and overwhelming. So much choice! Croissants that practically melted in my mouth, fresh fruit piled high, a whole array of international dishes, and endless coffee (a necessity).
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Breakfast [buffet] was HUGE. Buffet in restaurant, Coffee shop, Bar
Things I'd avoid: The lack of vegetarian options in other areas. Not even Asian restaurants??
The Restaurant: The staff were attentive, but could I just get a little less “formal” and a bit more 'friendly'?
Wellness and Relaxation: Pool with a View… And Some Questions.
The fitness center was nice, with standard equipment. I, however, spent most of my time on the terrace, soaking in the view. The pool was stunning, that’s for sure.
- Pool with view: Absolutely worth the hype.
- Fitness center: Standard gym really.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe… But Also a Little Too Scrupulous?
The hotel clearly takes its hygiene seriously. Everything felt spotless. I appreciated the efforts, even if the constant hand sanitizer stations started to feel a little… excessive.
Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Staff trained in safety protocol, Rooms sanitized between stays
Minor note of concern: I did get the "Room sanitization opt-out available" email the first day. Not sure why they needed to include that.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, the Could-Be-Better
The concierge was helpful for arranging transport and giving general advice. The fact that they provided Invoice, safe deposit boxes (yay!), and a convenience store was really helpful.
Services and conveniences: Concierge was helpful, I didn’t use the business facilities.
What I wanted: A more dynamic concierge.
Pet Note: Pets are not allowed.
The Verdict: Worth It…With Some Caveats
The NH Collection City Life is a beautiful hotel, no doubt about it. The location is fantastic, the design is stunning, and the amenities are generally top-notch. However, it’s not perfect. Small imperfections, mixed-up accessibility and the sometimes-formal interactions all put a slight damper on perfection.
- Would I go back? Probably. It’s a good base for exploring Milan, and the pool view alone is worth the price of admission. But I'd be sure to be prepared to fully explore everything. Take everything with a grain of salt!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly curated travel guide. This is ME in Milan, and trust me, it’s going to be a wild ride. We're talking the NH Collection City Life, 'cause hello, fancy pants, but also 'cause… well, you'll see.
Milan: The City That Eats Your Soul (and Then Offers You Delicious Pizza)
Day 1: Arrival – Or, the Great Luggage Debacle
Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Flight from… somewhere. Don’t even ask. I was running on fumes and the desperate hope that airport coffee wouldn’t kill me. Landed. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was my sanity dealing with baggage claim.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Lost luggage alert! (Okay, maybe not lost, but definitely "significantly delayed"). My favorite cashmere sweater? Gone. My emergency chocolate stash? Poof. I swear, I almost burst into tears. Thankfully, the airport had a surprisingly good (and strong) espresso. Needed that.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Taxi into the city. Milan… from the taxi window, it looked like a glorious, bustling mess. Buildings scraping the sky, scooters weaving through traffic like angry bees. And then, bam, the sleek beauty of the NH Collection City Life emerges. Okay, maybe this won't be so bad.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Check-in, breathe. The room? Gorgeous. Views of the skyline? Stunning. My luggage… still MIA. Sulked for a bit (a very stylish sulk, I might add in my fluffy hotel robe). Then, decided to channel my inner "Italian Woman of Unstoppable Willpower" and embrace the chaos.
- Observation: Italians… They have this effortless cool. Like, they're wearing outfits that cost more than my car, but they're simultaneously sipping espressos and gesticulating wildly. Goals.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Honestly, a necessity after that morning. Ordered the pasta with tomato and basil… and wept happy tears. It was the perfect comfort food. Seriously, I would consider relocating to Milan just for that pasta.
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM: A desperate shopping mission. Needed clothes, stat. Found a little boutique nearby, wandered in, and somehow emerged with a fabulous scarf, a skirt that probably cost more than my rent (oops), and a renewed sense of purpose. Fashion therapy works, people.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Attempted to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Crowded… and my newly-purchased skirt almost got trampled. Decided to sit outside a cute little café and people-watch instead.
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a tiny trattoria I stumbled upon. Ordered whatever the waiter recommended. Ended up with a plate of the most incredible risotto I've ever tasted. The wine flowed, conversations started, and all was right with the world. Luggage? What luggage?
8:00 PM - onwards: Back to the hotel. Exhausted, happy, and wondering if I'd actually survived the first day. Watched the Milan skyline, then passed out directly on the bed, clothes and all.
Day 2: Art, Angels, and a Whole Lot of Gelato
- Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Actual wake-up call. This time, though, found my luggage in the hotel room!!! A joyful reunion.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Santa Maria delle Grazie and The Last Supper. Booked in advance, thank God! (Apparently, everyone wants to see it). Okay, the Last Supper itself? Breathtaking. Seriously, it stopped me in my tracks. The sheer artistry… it was almost overwhelming. The rest of the church was beautiful, too, but the painting was the star.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: A much-needed espresso and a cornetto at a nearby café. Fuel for the art-filled day ahead.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Exploring the Pinacoteca di Brera. So much art, so little time (and even less art history knowledge, let's be honest). Stumbled around in a daze for a while, pretending to understand everything. I appreciated the effort, and I'm pretty sure that's enough.
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Gelato break. Mandatory. Two scoops (pistachio and stracciatella, obvz). Ate it while wandering the streets, feeling like a total local.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Sforza Castle. Huge, impressive, and somehow filled with more art. Got a bit lost in the maze of rooms and exhibitions. Found random treasures!
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Pre-dinner Aperitivo at a bar in the Navigli district. The canals were gorgeous in the golden light. Free snacks! (Important detail). More wine! Even more importantly, learned to order in Italian, which was pretty satisfying.
- 8:00 PM - onwards: Dinner at a pizza place. I'm talking serious, authentic Italian pizza. Ate the entire thing. Regretted nothing in the morning. Walked back to the hotel, feeling like I'd truly lived.
Day 3: Fashion, Final Days, and Airport Adventures
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Exploring the Duomo di Milano. It looks stunning! Did not climbed the roof this time.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: A quick walk through the fashion district. Spotted some amazing window displays. Was tempted to walk into the high fashion stores but then immediately remembered my bank account and retreated. Still fun to look!
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch near the hotel. One more dose of pasta was mandatory before leaving.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping and a final gelato. Buying souvenirs is hard. It felt necessary, but I was also like, did I really need that miniature replica of the Duomo?
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back to the hotel to pack, or "attempt to pack". It’s a disaster. So much stuff.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. Traffic was insane. Ran into a little bit of trouble.
- 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Airport chaos. Somehow, made it through security and boarded the plane.
- 10:00 PM onward: Heading home. Tired, full of amazing memories, and already planning my return. Oh, and I’ll probably be dreaming of that pasta for weeks.
Overall Musings:
Milan? Absolutely worth it. The food, the art, the fashion, the sheer vibe of the place… it’s intoxicating. The NH Collection City Life was a great basecamp – clean, stylish, and perfectly located. And me? Well, I survived. And that, my friends, is a victory. Ciao for now, Milan! Until next time…
P.S. I still need to find that cashmere sweater. The hunt continues…
Hohhot's Hidden Gem: Unbelievable Hanting Hotel Jinqiao Deal!
1. Seriously, is this place all it's CRACKED UP to be? The NH Collection City Life... the name alone is a bit snooty, right?
Okay, first off, YES. And let’s get this straight, I’m not exactly a travel blogger type. More like "travel *blunderer* with a slightly too-generous expense account." So, NH Collection City Life? The initial impression? "Ooh, fancy. Probably needs a trust fund to afford a coffee." But the *reality*… well, let me tell you about realizing I'd forgotten my phone charger, sprinting back to the room, fumbling with the key card, nearly breaking a toenail, and then crashing onto the plush white duvet. *Instant bliss.* And yeah, they have an actual *Nespresso* machine. Not that instant guff you find in some places. This is... well, it's the good stuff. So, yeah, it kinda *is* all the hype. Just... be prepared to fight the urge to steal all the tiny bath products.
2. The Rooms… TELL ME ABOUT THE ROOMS! Are they actually as chic and minimalist as they look in the photos? Because I'm a messy person.
Chic? Yes. Minimalist? Mostly. Now, me? I'm a professional clutterer. I can make a hotel room look like a bomb exploded in a suitcase within approximately 30 minutes. My own personal record. The rooms *are* gorgeous. Think clean lines, giant windows (great for people-watching, especially at like, 2 a.m. when you're slightly disoriented), and a bathroom that made me feel like I was starring in a shampoo commercial. My only *minor* quibble? Storage. If you're a maximalist like me, you *might* struggle. I ended up living out of my suitcase, which is pretty par for the course. But the *views*! Stunning. Absolutely worth the mild chaos I created.
3. The Breakfast… Is it worth waking up for? (Because, let's be honest, jet lag is a MONSTER).
Okay, breakfast. This is where things went from 'good' to 'potentially life-altering'. (Dramatic, I know, but I was hungry). First of all, the coffee. The *coffee*. They have these self-serve cappuccinos that I swear are brewed by tiny angels. (Or at least, very skilled baristas). The spread itself? Think fresh pastries (the *cornetti*...oh, the *cornetti*!), perfectly ripe fruit, cured meats that make your mouth water just thinking about them... Honestly, I wanted to roll myself out of the dining room. My first morning there, I thought I could ‘try a little of everything’… I failed miserably. But it was a beautiful, delicious failure. The jet lag? Never stood a chance.
4. Location, Location, Location! Is it actually a good spot to explore the city, or are you stuck in a tourist black hole?
Okay, let's be real, *location* is key. And the NH Collection City Life? Nailed it. It's right in the heart of the CityLife district, which is modern and stylish, with amazing architecture and some super cool shops. It’s well connected to the rest of Milan via public transport - a subway station is super close. You can easily get to the Duomo, the fashion district, wherever your little heart desires. I got hopelessly lost trying to find a specific vintage store one afternoon, but even THEN, it was a great experience. (And I eventually found it, by the way, victory is mine!). Seriously though, it’s ideal. Not *too* hectic, but still right in the thick of things.
5. The Staff… Are they genuinely helpful, or just pretending to be? (Because a fake smile is the WORST after a 12-hour flight).
Oh, the staff! This is a HUGE one. Because, let's be honest, a cold, unhelpful staff can ruin the whole experience, and I have experience in that department! The staff at NH Collection City Life? Absolutely fantastic. I mean, genuinely *kind*, which is such a rarity. I remember calling down to reception at like, 4 am, (don't ask), because I was completely panicked about my travel arrangements. (Okay, I'd missed a train, I was tired, and had had a bit too much wine. Sue me!). The person on the other end was SO patient and helpful. They sorted everything out with a smile and made me feel like less of a complete idiot. And then one day, when checking out, I left my favorite scarf in the room. I didn't even realize until I was halfway to the airport. They organized for it to be shipped to me! That's above and beyond. Definitely earning them a stellar review in my book!
6. The Gym? Because after all that pasta, I'm going to *need* a gym. (Okay, that's a lie. I'm going to *pretend* to need a gym).
The gym is... Well, it exists. It's clean, modern, and has all the usual equipment. I *intended* to use it a lot. Emphasis on "intended." I did eventually drag myself in there once, after a particularly glorious gelato binge. It's a good gym! Just, you know, I might have been *slightly* distracted by the amazing views from the window. And maybe spent more time looking out the window than actually working out. I'm just saying... it's there if you're the type who actually exercises on vacation. If not, the breakfast probably cancels out the guilt, right?
7. Any "Hidden Gems" or Unexpected Perks? Give me the dirt!
Okay, this is a good one! The "hidden gem" for me was the sheer ease of the whole experience. Everything just… worked. No drama, no hassle, just a smooth, comfortable stay, perfect for all those unexpected hiccups that inevitably happens when travelling. I mentioned the staff, right? They are truly the unsung heroes. Okay, so *technically* this isn't a "hidden gem". But! There is a rooftop bar… I wouldn't say I'm a rooftop bar *person*. But I spent a VERY pleasant hour there, sipping a ridiculously expensive cocktail, watching the sunset over Milan. And the feeling of utter luxury in the midst of the city was incredible.
8. The Verdict? Would you go back? Be honest!
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Absolutely, unequivocally, YES. Even if I hadBlog Hotel Search Site
