The Carlton opens today in the heart of Milan, marking the arrival of Rocco Forte Hotels’ tenth Italian property and a new chapter for one of the city’s most coveted corners. With seventy-one suites and rooms, two restaurants, a bar and a tranquil spa, the hotel blends Milanese heritage with contemporary design, transforming a historic site into a destination for travellers and locals alike.
The €60-million renovation was led by architects Philip Vergeylen and Paolo Moschino under the creative direction of Olga Polizzi, the group’s Deputy Chair and Director of Design. With dual entrances on Via Senato and Via della Spiga, the building presents a dialogue between tradition and modernity, pairing bold palettes with Art Deco touches that echo Milan’s long-standing fascination with style and craftsmanship.
Culinary identity plays a central role in the hotel’s character. Rooted in Fulvio Pierangelini’s philosophy, the gastronomic offering unfolds across three distinct venues. At Spiga, seasonal Italian ingredients guide a menu built on refined simplicity. Cafe Floretta, accessed from Via della Spiga, offers a botanical ambiance under a domed glass roof, making it a natural hub for gatherings, events and casual meet-ups throughout the day. The Carlton Bar, shaped by legendary mixologist Salvatore Calabrese, celebrates Italy’s aperitivo culture with cocktails inspired by the creative energy that defined Milan from the 1960s to the 1980s. The Carlton garden will join this collection of spaces in spring 2026.
Wellness is anchored by the Irene Forte Spa, a 280-square-metre sanctuary where innovation meets ancestral healing traditions. The spa features multiple treatment rooms, a nail salon and a Thermal & Relaxation Suite with a sauna, steam room, sensory showers and sound beds. The Forte Vita Bar offers targeted express treatments, and an all-day fitness centre completes the hotel’s cosmopolitan approach to wellbeing.
For Sir Rocco Forte, CEO and Chairman of the family-run group, the opening signals an important moment in a city experiencing cultural and economic momentum. “The city has become one of the most vibrant centres in Europe and economically one of the fastest growing,” he said, describing The Carlton as a chic new meeting place for Milan’s most discerning clientele.
The property, part of Reale Mutua’s real estate portfolio, will be led by Francesco Roccato, Managing Director of Rocco Forte Hotels’ Northern Italy Area. He sees the hotel as both a landmark and a reflection of the brand’s hospitality philosophy. Reale Immobili General Manager Luca Petrichella added that the investment enhances Milan’s accommodation landscape ahead of the upcoming Winter Olympics, reinforcing the city’s global stature.
With its blend of design heritage, culinary vision and refined hospitality, The Carlton arrives not just as a hotel, but as a new cultural anchor in the heart of the Fashion District.
