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At Hotel Straf, the Concrete is Warm and the Lobby, So Cooool

Where: Via San Raffaele 3, Milan, Italy, 20121

This week we continue our series on European hotels. Since Vogue and Versace have apparently heralded the return of the supermodel, we decided to check in on Italy's fashion capital, Milan, for some cool places to stay and at least one to avoid. But if you have any suggestions for us on what to hit up or to stay far far far away from, let us know.

Hotel Straf is just about the farthest thing away from a traditional Italian hotel.

The hotel's "concept" is to partner "extreme" high-tech functionality" and a minimalist feel, with guestrooms that have a warm intimate atmosphere, having been designed from innovate materials like quarry rough slate, burnished brass, iron and concrete. Which is interesting because we never would describe the slate or concrete as "warm."

Fulfilling their committment to high-tech, inside each of the 64 rooms is high-speed internet access, LCD TVs, a laptop-size safe and movie and music channels on demand.

Situated close to the duomo, the hotel also features a bar/restaurant that serves food during the day and has set aside a couple of well-being rooms where you can relax with some chromotherapy and aromatherapy treatments. Not quite the hotel spa you are used to. Here's one quest's take on the place:

The first impression about entrance and lobby was "so COOL, all black and concrete. Reception staff young and polite, next door a nice typical coffee bar, part of the hotel but opened to passers-by.
When we made later our way to the room, we found it as cozy as the rest of the hotel: modern and minimal, all black & white and concrete walls. The bathroom, well hidden behind a wooden wall, was small but with everything we needed and so cooool....This hotel is indeed a design hotel!
Price is not low, but it is in the heart of Milan...Only recommendation: if you like traditional old style hotels, stay away!

In case you missed our other stories this week on Milan, here they are:
· To and Fro Machines Will Keep You Awake at the Gray Hotel
· Milano's Budget Option
· Where the Famous People Stay in Milan
· Hotel Spadari Could Be Inspiration for Gramercy Park Hotel

Image via Uberdilly/Flickr

Related Stories:
· Hotel Straf reviews [TripAdvisor]