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The Gray is moments from the new Park Hyatt Milan, with similar access to the Galleria, La Scala, piazza del Duomo and the boutiques of via
Monte Napoleone; but the two hotels couldn't be more different. With just
21 rooms (including four suites) and a tiny restaurant and bar, The Gray
has the intimate appeal of a private members' club. Architect/designer Guido Ciompi, best known for his work with Gucci, opted for a combination of black macassar panelling, crocodile skin, steel and travertine, creating a warm, tactile, bachelor-pad aesthetic in chocolate-browns, creams and scarlets with chic orange accents.
All the finishes are immaculate, although some of the technical detailing is overdone (there
is, for example, the perennial problem of too many switches for lighting moods). Although there is currently no spa or gym, two suites have private workout rooms with state-of-the-art weights and cardio machines. Despite its relatively strong emphasis on design, there is nothing pretentious about The Gray. You may be paying
a premium, but what you get is absolute discretion without the attitude. If the lobby is hushed, that's only because the staff are busy getting on with making those restaurant or car-hire arrangements you asked for.
WHEN TO GO
January, for the sales.
ROOM TO BOOK
Any of the three 'Gray 3' rooms, with round Jacuzzis
from which you can watch a miniature plasma-screen TV.
CONTACT
The Gray, via San Raffaele 6, Milan, Italy (00 39 02 720 8951; fax: 866526; www.hotelthegray.com; Design Hotels: 0800 169 8817). Doubles from €495; suites with private gym from €990
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