The Park Hyatt Milano is a five-star hotel that exudes the luxury of upper class travel. Although a little smaller in size than other Park Hyatt properties, mainly due to the size restrictions of Centro Milano, the hotel is still nothing but class. At the entry of the hotel you were greeted by three guard dogs. Don't worry, they don't bite. The sculptures by artist Velasco Vittorio are a tribute to the dog friendly aspect of the hotel. They actually have a VID program, Very Important Dog, that offers such pooch pamperings as luxury bedding for your dog, fresh mineral water from designer bowels, and dog sitting services.

Where PHM shines is it's location. You literally cannot ask for a better location for sight seeing, shopping and dining. Step outside the front door of the hotel, and you're just feet away from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a wonderful, beautiful luxurious airy mall housing Italy's favorite fashions. All the top and designers are here: Gucci, Prada, Dior, etc. But beyond that shopping, there are several eateries, and of course, the Duomo. This is the magic spot for tourists: Shopping, sightseeing, and Italian culture all in one location.

Back in the room, the bed setup is wonderful. A soft, fluffy pillow topping lulls you into a relaxed state as soon as you hit the sheets. A nice digital clock with USB ports to charge you phone. 3 shelves provides ample storage for various keys, change, tickets and any other baggage you feel a need to just dump out but not store away just yet. The pillows are perfect down with foam inserts that do a great job at supporting your sleep. Soft and gentle, yet the firmness is supportive and not a hard rock bottom after a few hours of snoozing. I slept like a baby! If you need more sleep support, there's the spa downstairs, where the aromatherapy instantly lowers your stress level by 4 to 5 points. They also offer massage and steam rooms to help you unwind. I personally just took a seat in the teak chairs and a deep breath had me in another world realm of peacefulness.

To continue the peaceful trend, roll out of bed and into a luxurious bath. The bath is a full length tub surrounded by fine Italian marble and black ceramic fixtures. If a shower is more your style, then a spacious stand up glass shower will welcome you with a soft flowing rain shower hear, and a hand held soft flow head. A seating area in the shower can help for those days following wild Italian Grappa fueled nights.

After you're up, get going with an in-room coffee via a small Illy coffee maker. The good thing is that there are enough stores next door to buy some new coffee flavors and/or espresso to really get you going. If you're ready to grab a bite, the hotel is also home to the Michelin star restaurant, VUN Andrea Aprea, the more affordable dining at Dehors, and dining at the bar Mio which includes outside seating. There are also plenty of dining options close to the hotel, just a few minutes of walking and various level of gourmet. Immediately across the street is Granaio. This café/restaurant offers some wonderful dining options, great deserts, and of course, relaxing with Italian coffees in either of two outside seating areas as well as indoor seating. 

I highly recommend having a classic Cannoli here. This Cannoli, filled with a luscious vanilla creme and topped with pistachios was a true delight. Maybe I was going over board because I was in Milan, but it was one of the better Cannoli's I've had. Not since Ferrara's in New York have I had shell so light, yet crispy and the filling with the perfect consistency of clouds in heaven and a soothing back rub. Why even bother with the Lasagna alla bolognese, I should have had the Insalata Caprese and then straight into a couple of Cannoli. Some different flavors would have been great for a taste of Italy!

With so much to see and do, we had an incredible time at the hotel, and I am so looking forward to using my Hyatt points to return. I should have enough after buying my Ferrari.