The Yard Milano is a snazzy 30-room hotel in the lively neighbourhood of Porta Genova, known for its art and festivals as well as cocktail bars and cafes. Inside, the family-friendly hotel is a contemporary but homely place where children stay for free and one pet per room is allowed. The on-site restaurant, Gipsy, serves eclectic, experimental food. The Yard, which opened in 2013, offers free breakfast and also provides an airport shuttle service.

Room Mate Giulia is a trendy boutique hotel in a historic building dating back to the late 19th century. It’s in the heart of Milan, next to Piazza del Duomo and just a 10-minute walk from the Fashion District. The four-star hotel has many room types, including family rooms, and combines the best in traditional design and vintage touches with bold, colourful finishes – keeping with Spanish architect and designer Patricia Urquiola’s unique style.

Hotel Magna Pars Suites, in the Navigli district, looks like something straight out of the pages of an interior-design magazine. The beautifully renovated building is filled with floral arrangements and trees, plus it has a secret garden. The lavish boutique hotel sits in an old perfume factory, has an event space on the ground floor and guest suites all finished with a classic, simple and refined flair. It’s child-friendly (complete with childcare) and pet-friendly, too.

With the Milano Centrale station at its doorstep, 43 Station is stylish with a contemporary feel. Opened in 2017, it has 66 rooms all beautifully decorated with posters of Milan. The hotel is great for families, too, as it offers childcare for an extra fee. A continental breakfast is available, complete with organic and gluten-free options. Nearby is Teatro alla Scala, Sempione Park and Corso Como, an area famous for its fun nightlife.

Antica Locanda dei Mercanti lies inside an exquisitely restored 18th-century Milanese townhouse in the city centre, just a 10-minute walk from the Fashion District. This discreet boutique hotel oozes charm, and its 15 rooms and suites – four with beautiful terraces – are best suited for couples or families. The hotel is pet-friendly and provides in-room childcare (children under the age of six can stay for free) and an airport shuttle service.

Fifty House Soho aims to create a homely environment for visitors who are looking for a luxury boutique hotel. The five-star pad is a secret hideaway located in Porta Nuova and features a smooth, urban design. The city lodging uses vibrant pops of colour against a black backdrop, sleek marble floors and textures of velvet and brass to create an opulent space, which also showcases works by artist Bisha. One child stays free, and the hotel also offers guests a complimentary breakfast buffet.

Set in an 18th-century period building in the heart of Milan is the charming Palazzo Segreti. You can choose from one of 18 rooms, each one is uniquely decorated with warm colours and raw materials – think minimalist rooms with wooden floorboards and hand-painted walls. Nearby are some of Milan’s star attractions such as the Duomo and the Sforzesco Castle. Enjoy freshly baked bread in the morning and relax in the lounge with locally sourced, organic wine once the day is over.

Locanda Pandenus is perfect for travellers who prioritise privacy. This small lodging sits above a bustling café in Porta Garibaldi, a lively neighbourhood that’s home to numerous theatres, monuments and Corso Como. The art-deco influences flow from the bistro through to the four bedrooms, giving it an intimate and laid-back vibe. The inn’s classy style is finished with plush velvet materials and bespoke finishes. Although children are welcome, the hotel is best suited to couples and adults.

Before becoming a stunning boutique hotel, the Senato was once a private residence owned by the Ranza family. The finishing style is eclectic and embodies the Milanese love for design and fashion. Handcrafted wall lamps in the shape of ginkgo biloba adorn the reception, while the furniture, such as the armchairs and the tables, are unique pieces created by the architect Alessandro Bianchi, who oversaw the design of the hotel. It has 43 rooms, complete with all comforts.

Located in the historic centre of Milan, a few steps from the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Duomo, this hotel has a young spirit and futuristic design. Neon lights surround the mirrors, and pops of bright colour dominate the decor in each room. The lounge room has large windows overlooking a lush garden.