The hotel was created with the purpose of promoting and preserving Milan’s artistic heritage, and it is built upon the original structure of the Church of Christ the King, which was erected in 1934 for religious use and then abandoned in 1990. After an order from the Bishop of Milan in 2017, the church was deconsecrated and later rehabilitated by the architectural design firm QuattroAssociati under the management of NH Hotel Group.
The church building was partly maintained, as were the original wooden doors, round arches, and aisles of the side naves, which now serve as a spectacular hotel entrance. The architectural element borrowed from the classical tradition, the half pilaster, is the common thread that runs throughout the structure.
Michele Reginaldi, the architect in charge of the project for the QuattroAssociati firm, said, “Transforming and enhancing a place of worship, making it a meeting place dedicated to hospitality, was a difficult professional challenge. We have tried to reinterpret the spaces in the hotel – always protecting the character of the spaciousness of the existing building – in accordance with the decorative apparatus and the most significant architectural elements, in order to affirm a principle of continuity and permanence.”
The 13-story tower is designed to showcase verticality in a contemporary way, a verticality that becomes the protagonist in the exterior and interior structure, as well as the rear wall of the reception, which recreates a “golden organ” in the details of the cocktail bar, restaurant, and lobby. The tower is an example of ‘Made in Italy’ architectural excellence and features a stark color – optical white – that is eye-catching and unforgettable.
The Rooms and Suites
NH Collection Milano CityLife offers guests a unique experience to sleep, relax, and stay in a former church dating back to the 1930s. The hotel has 185 rooms, including 10 duplex suites built above the central nave. Six suites also feature terraces, with the remaining 175 rooms located in the 13-story tower. All rooms share the spirit of the excellence of ‘Made in Italy’ tailoring, with 100% Italian lighting and room lamps by Flos and Firmamento Milano.
The rooms feature photographs of models in tailor-made dresses from the 1950s and 1960s, which were taken in the public areas of the hotel. The decor and furnishings of the rooms reflect the elegance, order, measure, and composure that are expressed in Milanese art, design, fashion, and architecture.
The Restaurant
The restaurant at NH Collection Milano CityLife, Tailors, pays homage to the area’s trade fairs and Italian craftsmanship. It is the epitome of NH Hotel Group’s “Made in Italy” hospitality concept. The hotel is located in what, until a few years ago, was the city’s trade fair district, which has now turned into one of the new fashion districts.
The restaurant is an excellent place to experience Milan in its full glory as a city of art and tourism, but also as a business centre due to its proximity to the MiCo halls, Europe’s largest convention centre.
The Rooftop Pool and Cocktail Bar
Perhaps the hotel’s real highlight is on the top floor, the site of a rooftop pool and cocktail bar, The District. The rooftop provides stunning views of Milan and is an excellent place to enjoy sunset views. At night, the rooftop transforms into the Milanese nightlife place-to-be, where you can enjoy cocktails and socialise with other guests.
Final Thoughts
With its combination of old and new, the NH Collection Milano CityLife hotel in Milan is a prime example of the kind of luxury experience that modern travellers are seeking. By carefully preserving the original structure of the Church of Christ the King while incorporating modern design elements and amenities, this hotel provides a unique and unforgettable experience that is sure to please even the most discerning travellers.
From the stunning optical white exterior to the luxurious and elegant interior, everything about the NH Collection Milano CityLife exudes sophistication and style. With its prime location in the heart of Milan’s CityLife district, this hotel is the perfect choice for anyone looking to experience the best that this vibrant and exciting city has to offer.
So if you are looking for a luxurious and unique travel experience that will take your breath away, be sure to book your stay at the NH Collection Milano CityLife. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Milan, this hotel is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
