It was just a short carriage ride from La Scala Theatre, renowned amongst composers, musicians, singers and music lovers who simply coined the hotel "the Milan".

Near the end of the 19th century, the hotel gained significant importance as it was frequented by diplomats and businessmen.

The hotel rose to prominence in 1872 when composer Giuseppe Verdi established his residence in one of the suites, where he needed the privacy to work at the famous opera house La Scala.

His suite, perfectly preserved to the present day, resembled his study at his Sant'Agata home, outside Piacenza.

In an early 1990s renovation, a defence wall dating back to the 3rd century was brought to light and featured in one of the hotel's restaurants.