The home of true travellers
Palazzo Bertarelli, one of the most charming late Art Nouveau buildings in Milan, historically the home of Touring Club Italiano, the Italian national tourist organization, is now Radisson Collection Hotel Palazzo Touring Club Milan, a 5-star hotel that stands for modern tourism perfectly in harmony with the city. The architectural and interior redevelopment and restoration project, led by Studio Marco Piva, took inspiration from the concept of travel and focused on three main areas: restructuring the monumental façade, repurposing the inside space, and paying meticulous attention to interior design details. The result is fluid, dynamic, uninterrupted space that creates a flawless connection between interior and exterior; the rooms of the eclectic building assume a new connotation thanks to the careful selection of materials and choice of new technologies.
Eikon Evo, Vimar’s exclusive series of devices, fits perfectly in this historic context sensitive to today’s constantly evolving needs. The scrupulous attention to detail introduces elements commonly associated with travel, such as the decorative lighting’s circular shapes suggestive of the globe, which recur throughout; the use of leather on all headboards, reminiscent of train carriage seats; and metal inserts and details such as the Eikon Evo series, which has taken inspiration from the shape of suitcases. Designed to be noticed, with dimensions that stand out unobtrusively on the walls thanks to ultra-thin profiles and new colours and combinations, the Eikon Evo series enhances buttons and controls with a total look frame that spells luxury. The devices installed are perfectly visible and arranged in an orderly manner throughout the facilities: on the elegant leather headboards, on the stylish bathroom marble panelling, and in all common areas. Cover plates feature precise geometry and one single colour, Total Look absolute black aluminium. The perfect combination of precision technology and impeccable craftsmanship, available in a variety of materials and prized finishes, from stone to glass and from leather to metal and corian, Eikon Evo cover plates blend in seamlessly with the environment, creating an original look, with unique stylish details, customised symbols and laser engraved logos for bespoke projects.
Conceived for the comfort of guests who travel for both business and leisure, the 89 elegantly and modernly furnished rooms and suites are characterised by high ceilings and herringbone smoked oak floors. The Presidential Suite, once the Touring Club Council Hall – a 105 sqm room with private balcony overlooking Corso Italia – is certainly worth mentioning. The passage to the rooms evokes a train carriage throw a series of doors with linear dark wood panelling on both sides of the corridors. This is certainly an innovative project in the hotel world and one that perfectly marries with all those elements that bring to mind the experience of travelling, and therefore the Touring Club Italiano, regenerating memories to create the new Traveller’s Home.
For example, the lobby maintains original features such as the names of the founding members engraved in stone; soft and comfortable seating is arranged in a large welcoming space. What used to be the Touring Club Italiano bookshop is now Bistrot Bertarelli 1894 Milano, a multifunctional lounge bar, breakfast room, bookshop and travel agency, featuring predominantly dark wood with eye-catching metal details: a book boutique, a place to explore for a culinary and cultural trip. Last but not least, the wellness area in the basement, with a small gym and SPA, a space enveloped in natural wood tones that welcome guests in a relaxing atmosphere.
“Living the present while preserving the past and planning the future. This approach has guided the entire process of enhancing the entire building of Palazzo Bertarelli to accompany its elegant and sophisticated soul on a journey into the twenty-first century.” Says Marco Piva.
This vision is shared by Vimar, who with its forward-looking approach and the experience that allows it to blend history with innovation, continues to explore new ways of shaping the future of design.
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