Detail of the Hotel Principe di Savoia Facade

In conversation with

Andrea Greggio’s Milanese secrets

March 04, 2023

Hotel Principe di Savoia’s creative director of operations, Andrea Greggio, has spent more than 10 years taking excellent care of our guests. We asked him to share his secrets about the hotel and Milan: read on to discover his passion for both.

What makes Hotel Principe di Savoia so special?

From the moment you pass through the iconic revolving door of The Principe, you are in a special place with an extraordinary atmosphere. The heritage of this incredible hotel is important to every person who works here and we feel privileged to preserve that for every one of our guests.

What’s a particular highlight for you?

I love meeting people and learning from the differences and similarities that we all share. When Milan held the World Expo in 2015, we hosted delegations from many different countries. It was a joy to learn from the habits, cultures, and perspectives of each revered guest. It’s a joy I feel every day at Hotel Principe di Savoia.

What’s the best part of living in Milan?

Its vitality! Milan is a city filled with opportunity for everyone by combining and connecting so many different aspects of life. Art, design, fashion, business… they all thrive in this city and its people.

What are your local must-see places?

It’s difficult to answer this because Milan is full of hidden gems for you to discover. However, I always recommend that guests go straight to Santa Maria delle Grazie to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, ‘The Last Supper’. I also suggest spending time in picturesque Brera, the artists’ quarter, which is filled with romance, stylish bohemians, and aperitif aficionados.

Tell us a favourite memory of working at the hotel

I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy many amazing moments over the years! I love music and I have had the chance to meet so many incredible musicians. I’m also a keen cyclist, so meeting the Olympic gold medal-winners Fabian Cancellara and Elia Viviani was an experience I’ll never forget.

What’s your favourite suite at the hotel?

All the rooms and suites at this hotel are impeccable, but I particularly love the Principe Terrace Suite. It has a wonderfully classic touch with a modern look. When you walk through the door, you immediately appreciate the beautiful natural light. We recently renovated the terrace area to make this suite even more appealing, and for me it’s really spectacular.

What’s the perfect way to spend a day at The Principe?

Start with a morning workout or a spa treatment at our rooftop Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Center, which has beautiful views over the Porta Nuova neighbourhood. For lunch, Il Salotto at the heart of the hotel is the perfect place to dine and people watch. Next, I recommend heading out for a spot of sightseeing. On your return, relax and refresh before indulging in one of the exquisite cocktails at Principe Bar, followed by a gourmet dinner at Acanto Restaurant where chef Alessandro Buffolino will ensure you have a memorable experience.

Tell us one of the ways you’ve managed to delight your guests

When I discovered one of our guests shared my passion for cycling, I offered to lead a bespoke bicycle tour for him and his wife. We enjoyed a beautiful ride through the city and I took them to some of Milan’s incredible lesser-known sights, followed by a lovely lunch. In my opinion, this was a great way to make a genuine connection and offer a unique experience.

Acanto restaurant interior. Tables, chairs and garden in the background

Do you have a preferred booth in the Acanto Restaurant?

While all the booths offer a wonderful experience, my personal preference is the circular booth nearest the window because it’s the perfect viewing spot to take in the comings and goings of the whole restaurant and it has great natural lighting. I also enjoy being near the fountain on our veranda and love the tranquil atmosphere it creates.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

The relationships we build with our guests and the thoughtful touches we put into all of our activities. It’s not always easy but it’s important for us to understand our guests and aim to exceed their expectation wherever possible. At The Principe we all believe that it’s our people who make the difference, and I’m delighted to be part of such a dedicated team.