Boutique hotels can sometimes be much of a muchness, all tasteful interiors and nothing terribly special. No one could accuse Hotel Viu of such. The eco-sustainable building in Porta Volta is all floor-to-ceiling windows and spectacular vertical gardens overflowing with ivy, wisteria and honeysuckle, and the interiors are constructed from sustainable wood, metal and glass – even the artwork in the lobby is made from recycled paper. It is a very comfortable hotel, too. There is a gym with sauna, steam room and “multi-sensory” showers, a rooftop bar with a pool, and the Morelli restaurant, where you can watch the great Milanese chef Mr Giancarlo Morelli ply his trade – try his breaded veal cutlet, it’s succulento.

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The Best New City Hotels