Will Z
Google
Very good stay, but not quite 5-star yet
Hotel VIU Milano has a lot going for it: a great location, friendly staff, and a stylish concept. However, a few important details kept our stay from being a full 5-star experience.
First, the Bonvoy Titanium benefits were slightly disappointing. Breakfast is not included at this boutique property, which came as a surprise given the rate and brand expectations. Breakfast costs €40 per person, and while the quality is good, it is continental only, with no hot buffet. Eggs and porridge can be ordered separately, but in our opinion does not justify the price. Because of this, we chose to eat outside the hotel for the first two days. After our complaint regarding the breakfast was processed, the hotel kindly offered a 50% discount on breakfast, which we appreciated and then used. 20€ for breakfast seems more reasonable, but still disappointing that breakfast is charged separately for status members contrary to most other hotels of the Marriott chain.
The room experience was mixed. We were initially upgraded to a junior suite, but it was located right next to the elevator and felt quite worn, cold and dark, especially for an upgrade. After raising these issues, the hotel handled the situation well and upgraded us again to a balcony suite on the highest floor, which was a clear improvement. However, also here the water didn’t get hot, and showering was border line comfortable. The maintenance guy looked at it and confirmed that hot water has issues being pumped up to the higher floors.
The facilities are another area with room for improvement. The spa is very small, with only two lounge chairs, and the gym floor clearly needs replacing, which detracts from an otherwise modern feel.
That said, the service was genuinely friendly and professional. Special thanks to Savo and Monica from Guest Relations, who were attentive, empathetic, and did their best to resolve the issues we encountered. Their service made a real difference and shows the hotel’s potential.
In summary: great location, warm and helpful staff, and a nice design concept — but inconsistent room quality, limited facilities, and the lack of meaningful Bonvoy Titanium perks (especially breakfast) prevent Hotel VIU from reaching true 5-star territory. With some operational and maintenance improvements, it could absolutely get there.