In a neighborhood crowded with upscale business hotels, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish one from the other. The LaGare does things a bit differently, and this Sofitel-brand outpost stands out among the competition -- especially at night. The modern facade features windows that are illuminated with vibrant LED lighting, creating a colorful checkerboard that shines in the evening and is visible from a distance. Inside, the lobby sets the tone for the hotel as a whole -- it's a dramatic change from the playful nighttime exterior, with dark, moody lighting and brown leather club chairs and sofas. There are multiple seating areas where guests can gather for small meetings or to just hang out and sip drinks from the bar. Bookcases and art objects add an upmarket sophistication, while sexy black tiling and polished chrome give everything just the right amount of shimmer, that's punched up by giant globe lighting that hangs overhead. Views of the city from the rooftop terrace are quite lovely, particularly at sundown. The hotel is mostly business focused, but all sorts of travelers are seen here, including couples, families, and groups of friends. 

The hotel is located in a central area of the city that is full of hotels, restaurants, offices, and banks, with impressive buildings that are both historical and modern. The city's main train station, as well as another smaller train station, are both within a five-minute walk. The hotel is well-situated for business travelers, but seeing the major tourist sights will require a car or taking public transportation. Luckily, the Centrale Metro is also only a five-minute walk from the hotel. The Duomo can be reached in about 10 minutes by car or public transportation, as can the city's major shopping area, the Quadrilatero d'Oro (Quadrilatero di Moda) -- which is home to major Italian and international retailers. Sforzesco Castle is a 10-minute drive from the hotel, or about 15 minutes on public transportation. The trendy Naviglio neighborhood will take 15 to 20 minutes to reach by metro, or about 15 minutes by taxi. Linate Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or 35 minutes by public transportation. 

In the capital of Italian style, it's perhaps not surprising that the rooms here have a sharp, refined look. They are elegant and masculine, with dark wood floors, dark brown accent walls, tall button-tufted upholstered headboards, and brown plaid pillows and bed runners. Lighting is contemporary, and flat-screen TVs hang on wood-paneled walls. A mirrored wall makes the spaces seem larger than they are, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide natural light and views of the city. Amenities include stocked minibars, safes, and free Wi-Fi, but we were surprised by the lack of coffeemakers, electric kettles, and extras like iPod docks or sound systems, especially in a hotel of this caliber. Unlike the rooms, most bathrooms are vividly bright, with white walls, countertops, and tiling. They come with towel warmers, rainfall showerheads, bidets, hairdryers, and toiletries. Suites add living spaces, and some have terraces. The Wellness Junior Suites have private Turkish baths. 

Given its upscale status, there are a number of expected features here, though some are nonetheless surprising in central Milan. Dining takes place at The Bistrot on the fourth floor, serving classic Mediterranean fare for lunch and dinner, and food gets solid marks, though it can be pricey. Unfortunately, the 13th-floor terrace bar is open only in the evenings from May to October, but there's another bar in the lobby open all day, year-round. Breakfast is offered and gets mixed reviews. It's a buffet that includes hot and cold options, but it isn't included with standard room rates. 

Aside from dining, the hotel offers a Roman bath with hydro-massage, sauna, Turkish bath, and a salt cave -- not a feature at most area hotels. Unfortunately, there are fees to use these wellness amenities. In keeping with the rest of the hotel, the wellness area is dark, with wood-paneled walls and a tiled floor. The small fitness center offers cardio and weight-training equipment in a dark, windowless space. Equipment is modern and the selection is sufficient for a simple workout. It's open around the clock, and despite being part of the wellness facilities, it's free to guests. Six meeting rooms can accommodate up to 200 people, and there's a business desk with computers for guests to use in the lobby lounge. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.