Jutting out into a busy byway, this property is a 15-minute walk north of the Duomo, convenient to the Metro and other transportation. It is more inviting than either of the two competing midrange American chain hotels here, the Hilton and the inconveniently located Marriott. However, its sibling, the Westin Palace, stands head and shoulders above all of them. Set in a charming, five-story belle-epoque building with a Mansard roof, this hotel has some excellent features, from a flowering garden in back to a hip lounge that lures Milanese yuppies by the Fiat-ful. Weekend rates are excellent, but guests should save plenty of room in their briefcases for euros during the week. At one time Starwood had plans to convert this property into a stylish W Hotel, but inspite of its continued Sheraton affiiation this is one of the trendier full-service midrange hotels in Milan. This is certainly no Bulgari. The lobby impresses with 6-meter-high ceilings, a soothing gray-and-white checkered marble floor, and polished wood and brass accents. Farther in, the gracious rotunda-lounge is furnished with sleek but comfortable seating and sugar-cube ottomans. It eyes one of Milan's largest private hotel gardens through a wall of curving windows. The grounds are almost too pretty for their own good, as they are often usurped by weddings, private functions, and film and camera crews. The restaurant is a contemporary showcase that faces this bucolic scene and serves Lombardian specialties under novel period lighting. The garden provides a shady retreat for diners and tipplers in summer, and Sunday brunch is a favorite among locals. Those looking for a light meal can order pizza or pasta in the bar. Recreation is relegated to the rafters, where a small gym provides stair-steppers and stationary bikes. The largest of the six meeting rooms can handle groups of up to 150 people. Garden tents create space for another 500, and the business center provides backup. Parking is now up around US$30 per night. Stark hallways lead to the guest rooms, all of which have been revamped over the last five years. Thankfully, none of these rooms display Sheraton's monotonous standardized detailing. In fact these unique accommodations blend accents from W and Westin hotels with personalized traditional touches. They are nicely appointed in rich contrasting style, with good use of natural wood, bright soft goods and purposeful modern lighting. All units feature plush patterned carpeting, rich window treatments, architectural lamps, framed architectural or botanical prints, and polished reproduction furniture. Phones with data ports and voice mail, new flat-screen TVs, minibars and safes are in all rooms. Wireless Internet access is a welcome perk. High ceilings, sitting areas with tables and large desks, and ample closets are in most. Marble baths have hair dryers and bidets, and almost all of the rooms are equipped with Bose stereos. Double glazing fails to keep noise from front rooms on lower floors. Guests should request rooms overlooking the garden in back, as they are quieter and more scenic. The Smart rooms are set up for business travelers, with desks, modems, fax machines, printers and dual-line phones. These should be booked well in advance because of demand. Rooms 51 and 52 offer terraces, and the large studios, which the hotel calls junior suites, are especially plush. Room service operates until 11 pm, although breakfast can be delivered as early as 6:30 am. This unpretentious hotel contrasts the traditional decor and deferential service enjoyed at the Grand Hotel et de Milan. Its modern interiors and lovely garden is a boon from spring through fall, but in the wintertime the garden can become depressing. Despite its chain-link affiliation, this place comes off as a boutique hotel compared with such standardized offerings as the Hilton Milan.