Aethos Milan

The idea of a hotel with a verdant, pastoral touch is at odds with the ultra-urban industrial vibe that this northern Italian city is known for. Aethos Milan achieves this improbable feat, with a location on a leafy courtyard next to the Naviglio Grande Canal. And what’s inside is equally unusual in the context of Milanese hotel design.

First of all, there’s a bit of the classic bed-and-breakfast about it. Aethos is family-owned, and we’re not talking about one of the multinational fashion-empire families — the actual proprietors themselves are on site, and they’ll trust you with the keys to the place after they lock up. (See how that compares with Mr. Armani’s place across town.) And while the interiors are impeccably designed, there’s more of a drawing-room vibe in the lobby than a public-architecture vibe — this house is meant to be inhabited, not just photographed.

Same goes for the rooms. The contemporary Italian furniture means all the luxury-hotel bona fides are in order, and while they’re graphically striking, the suites (each following its own sporting theme, from golf and tennis to fencing and polo) aim for warm and clubby rather than cold and aloof. It’s a good thing, too — though the hotel’s Doping Bar is a very fine place for a drink, in this part of town you’ve likely got plans outside of the premises. Where better to retire for the night after an evening of Milanese carousing?

How to get there:
Milan Malpensa International Airport is approximately 30 miles (49 kilometers) from the hotel. Linate Airport is 9 miles (14 kilometers) from the hotel. Transfers are available on request at an additional cost. Milan's central train station is 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the hotel and Cardorna train station (Malpensa Express) is 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from the hotel.