Mandarin Oriental, Milan

Set across four 18th-century buildings, including the late-Baroque Palazzo Confalonieri, with interiors curated by Italian architect Antonio Citterio, this hotel lies steps from La Scala, the Duomo and the boutiques of Via Montenapoleone. Chef Antonio Guida's restaurant Seta serves inventive Italian cuisine in a glass-walled dining room and inner courtyard, and the spa includes an indoor swimming pool.