When we stayed slightly over a year earlier at the Park Hyatt Milan, we couldn't explore the city, because it was raining the whole time. We decided to have another two nights stay on points this January 2013.

As always we organized a limousine transfer from the airport. Our driver was the same as in November 2011. We recognized each other immediately. The journey was smooth in the Mercedes E-Class and took around 25 minutes from Milan Linate. The price was up from 120 Euro to 135 Euro (ca. 162 USD to 182 USD).

Check in was quick, and we were greeted as returning guests. As such we were upgraded to a Deluxe Room on the highest floor. We were told by the receptionist that there are mostly suites on the higher floors and our Deluxe Room was one of the few available on higher floors. We were accompanied to it, and on the way got a refresher regarding the dining outlets and services the hotel offered. The member of staff explained the features of the room. After that we were left alone.

The elevator system has changed. You now have to swipe your key card when entering the elevator. It only stops on the floor where your room is located.

It was clear that the room belonged to a suite and could be used as the children's bed room or the nanny quarters. It was medium sized and had a king bed, chairs, a writing desk, table and flat screen TV with national and international channels. The room was understated, but felt elegant. A lot of marble was used.

To our surprise we also had a small balcony. It offered great views over Milan. There were also two chairs and a table. We loved to go out and enjoy the mild weather and the views. The neighboring suite had also access to the balcony. On our first night nobody was staying there, so there were no concerns about privacy. On the second night it was in use.

The marble bathroom was large - as big as our bed room - with Laura Tonatto toiletries, a sink, separate bathroom and rainforest shower (there was also a handheld shower) and a separate room for the toilet and bidet.
The mini bar, wardrobe and safe were also located in the bath room.

There was a slight difference between the bath room layouts we had in 2011 and this one. The entrance room's was smaller and when entering the bath tub we had to climb in front, at the Deluxe room's we were able to enter the more traditional way from the side.

Overall the room was very comfortable, especially the bed. Minor gripes were the uncomfortable back rests of the chairs and that the taps of the bath tub and shower were difficult to use, i.e. switching from the hand held shower to the other tap or when turning off the water and then on again you had suddenly too hot or cold water, because the temperature regulator moved with the tab.

Turn down was provided each night and included two bottles of still water.

During our stay we had lunch at La Cupola Lounge and in room dining. The hot chocolate, smoothies, juices, risotto, Veal Milanese, omelet and French Toast were delicious. The quality was high and the prices fair.

All staff was friendly, efficient and helpful.

Time to check out arrived too quickly. The invoice wasn't correct, but the wrongly charged item was removed without quibble. Otherwise the the check out was fast and pleasant. Our driver and limousine were already waiting for us and within minutes we were on our way to the airport.

Of course we are going to return at some stage, it's a beautiful hotel.

Would we recommend this hotel to a friend? YES!
Would we return to this hotel? YES!

My husband and I are Hyatt regulars, we're both Platinums in their membership scheme (and in and out of Diamond territory), and earn a fair number of points every year, mostly at mid-range properties for work trips. So we try to 'splash out' when we use our points and decided that two nights at the Park Hyatt Milan would be a great weekend away. The other two Park Hyatts we've stayed at have been phenomenal (Paris Vendome several times, and Saigon), so hopes were high.

The location is excellent. The building is beautiful, and the rooms are nice and comfortable. We were in a standard Queen room, which was small but still had an enormous bathroom, which is something I really value. Excellent shower and large bathtub compared well to any other hotel I've stayed in. Nice smelling amenities.

There were a few things that I found a bit off. Perhaps it was a culture thing, but it was hard to say. Getting it out of the way, I'm an American woman, and I know Europeans can tend to find me a bit bossy (so do try to moderate as appropriate). However, this is a high-end international hotel chain, and so it was surprising how I felt like I never received service as good as that which my husband received.

One small example-- we had tried to find the nearest BNP Paribas ATM to get money out of, but the website was based on neighbourhoods, which we weren't familiar with. While my husband went to the front desk about another matter, I went to the concierge to ask them the location of the nearest BNP Paribas ATM. They told me four other banks, but not a BNP Paribas. I explained that it was in-network, and I really wanted to use that bank, and they were pretty condescending about the fact that there were SO MANY other ATMs around nearby. They finally reluctantly noted on my map where there was one, without looking online. So of course there wasn't one where they marked. It was odd, but I wouldn't have thought anything of it if it weren't for the second incident.

My husband had used the gym the first day we arrived, and was raving about the locker rooms and spa including a hot tub and sauna. We decided to go down together, sit in our respective locker room saunas and meet in the hot tub at a certain time. Except there was a note on the women's locker room saying it was closed for construction, and to see the front desk with any questions. I managed to get his attention before he changed, and we went back to the front desk. They seemed absolutely puzzled as to why this seemed problematic, and suggested that I could change into my swimming suit in my room, and then come down in the lifts in my robe (really?! this is supposed to be a classy joint!) They then couldn't understand why I didn't think this was a fair or equal experience to my husband, who got to enjoy the sauna in the men's locker room. I got pretty ticked off and gave up, and went back to the room. Husband stayed down there, and talked to a manager, who apologized and said he would follow up with us, and would "do something" to make up for it (that something was unspecified). When my husband reported this back, I basically snorted and said that I would believe it when I saw it. Sure enough, not a peep from the manager or any even token gesture of apology that the spa and locker rooms were closed for women the entire time we were there.

Maybe it's because they knew we were there on points and obviously not millionaires, but the service from pretty much every person in the front desk and concierge area was way below what I'd expect from any Hyatt, especially a Park Hyatt. The one exception was a woman who checked us out and was very friendly. Maybe they should promote her!

My bottom line is that I wouldn't ever pay rack rates to stay here unless I was sure I would receive better service. Based on what we paid (nothing), and how nice the room and location was, I'm giving it 5*. If we'd paid what they generally charge for that room and received the same service, it would be 2 or 3, probably, but it's impossible for me to separate out the service we received from what we paid.

This was my first experience at a Park Hyatt. I was looking very forward to this stay because I've never heard a bad thing about this particular brand of the Hyatt chain. I must say I was blown away by the level of service of the personnel. The staff always called me by name, there was a turn down service in the evening and the concierge went out of their way to ensure our requests were seen to. The room was very well apportioned with marble walls, beautiful decor and a bed that nearly kept me from seeing any of the beauty of Milan. The bathroom was also quite impressive with a rain forest style shower head as well as a detachable second head. There is Wi-Fi available but I believe it is a separate charge unless the guest is a Hyatt rewards member. I can't say enough about the location of the hotel. It was just steps away from the Duomo (famous church) in the center of the city. The "centro" of Milan is the heart of the city from which everything emanates and to be able to stay there makes sightseeing a snap.

Stayed at the Park Hyatt Milan in December 2012 on a business trip, and the hotel offered absolutely everything we needed, and more. Located in the very center of the city within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the hotel was perfectly situated for our trip.

Rooms were of fantastic quality, with a huge bathroom with tub and waterfall shower, with all the amenities you would expect. Excellent nights sleep and rose fully refreshed!

All the staff were extremely courteous, without ever feeling overpowering. Made use of the very knowledgeable concierge to request some tips on where to go out for the evening after dinner, and he duly obliged with excellent local knowledge.

Ate in their newly credited Michelin star 'Ristorante Vun', and can duly see why the star was given. Chef came out to talk with our group and made us all feel very welcome. Sommelier also gave some excellent advice and gave a great service.

Will sure to return on any future trips.