Mandarin Oriental, perfect for a quiet getaway in the heart of Milan

Yes, indeed. The Mandarin opened its doors in Hong Kong in 1963, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was formed in 1985 and Milan is the latest city to welcome what's now become a global brand.

The new addition is certainly small - 73 rooms and 31 suites - but it's perfectly formed. This being Italy, the notion of family is particularly important, of course. And this being Milan, so is design. Those two themes have been combined to create an unusually welcoming atmosphere.

… What's now the hotel was originally four 18th-century buildings, right in the city's heart, occupied by noble households. Later, there was a bank on the site but the architect wanted to recapture the warmth of those original residences. The first thing you see in the middle of the lobby, therefore, is a fireplace. There's also lots of natural light, cheerful nooks to sit in and two lovely courtyards. What there isn't is one dominating style: it feels a little bit 1930s, 40s, 60s … just like a family house that's grown into itself over the years. There's even a thoughtfully discreet side-door entrance for self-conscious drop-ins who aren't used to crossing a hotel lobby on their way to dinner but can't resist the food and drink.

Absolutely. The aperitivo - early evening drinks and nibbles - is a strong Milanese tradition and the incredibly chic, black-and-white Mandarin Bar (above) has quickly become popular, as has Seta, the restaurant presided over by Antonio Guida (formerly executive chef of two-Michelin-starred Il Pellicano, in Tuscany), who has spent time in Asia.