Frank

My wife and our two daughters will be in Milan for one afternoon/night before we fly home to end our European trip. We are looking for a good two-star or a three-star hotel, preferably one which is old and remodeled, retaining some old character. We have read about the Hotel London, Casa Svizzera, Hotel Gritti, Hotel Marconi, and Hotel Ada. We are willing to spend upwards to $300 for the four of us in total. We want to stay near the Duomo/shopping/central train station so that we can tour a little and take the bus to the airport. Please help us with first-hand information about these or other hotels.

schmitz

we stayed at the Hotel London last spring before our flight home. It is ideally located for walking everywhere - Duomo,shopping, restrnts.... room was tiny, but clean and servicable. I remember it being relatively cheap, something around $120 for one room. It wasn't special or memorable, but for one night, it didn't matter. Any other questions, email me.

martha

I'll cast a big no vote for the London. The staff was very pleasant, but our room was dark and tiny and smelled funny. I'm baffled by the praise many guidebooks heap on it--it is fairly inexpensive and the location is good, but th enext time we have to stay in Milan we'll take our chances anywhere else. <BR>The last time we flew out of Milan, we didn't have to leave until mid-morning, so we stayed north of the city in Lecco--stared at the lake and the mountains and then had a wonderful dinner. Of course, you need a car to do that.

Phil

Frank; Try website www.brerahotels.com <BR>They have 4 hotels, reasonably close to the city center, according to their maps, and the prices are good. We were supposed to stay at the Ariston last year, but had to postone the trip, so we can't speak to the actual hotel condition. The price we were quoted was better than that on the website. Ask for their best discounted rate.

Frank

Thank you, thank you. We don't want to stay at any smelly hotels. Has anyone stayed at any of the other hotels listed, or do you have another choice in the area? The smelly London is recommended with a special star in Fodor's, and we had been leaning to that hotel.

martha

Hello Frank! <BR>My husband and I stayed at Casa Svizzera our first night in Italy. I believe it comes recommended by Fodors as well. We were kind of taken aback by the smallness of the rooms. But by the end of the trip we realized that if you're going to stay somewhere in that price range, that's to be expected. It is nothing thrilling, but it does have the old character you want and it's very clean. The desk clerks were VERY helpful (pointed us to Stresa on Lake Maggiore - thank you, thank you) and the bellhop walked a block with our bags from the parking garage! Also when you step out the door and look to the right, you can see the Duomo; go to the left, the Galleria. have fun!!

Deena

We stayed at a nice (but not fancy) hotel very close to the Duomo called the Gran Duca di York. It was clean and very reasonable. <BR>If anyone wants to stay near the Malpensa Airport (to make an early flight), I highly recommend the Villa Malpensa. It is a lovely Belle Epoch mansion with lovely rooms and lovely grounds.

Joyce

While I haven't stayed there, another poster some time ago went into great detail singing the praises of Hotel Ada. We were planning to be in Milan, like you, the night before departure and easily decided that was where we would stay. Our plans have since changed, but the next time we go to Milan, it will be the Hotel Ada for us. <BR>

anne

We stayed in the Marconi in Nov. 97 the night before we flew home. Although the hotel was clean and reasonable, it was not as close to the train station as we'd hoped, nor was it close to the Doumo and downtown sights. It also is brand new and modern, so doesn't sound like what you're looking for. <BR>Happy travels!

Frank

Thanks, Anne, for the information about the Marconi. And I have seen only one post, Joyce, about the Hotel Ada, the post to which you refer from the person who raved about it. We are, therefore, leaning toward the Gritti. Has anyone stayed there? It and the Svizzera are both three stars, and the Gritti is less expensive.

Frank

I have searched these Fodor's forums and only one person has ever commented about the Hotel Ada, and she commented twice. Has anyone stayed at the Hotel Ada or at the Hotel Gritti?

Vince

I stayed at the Marconi. I like modern hotels, but it doesn't sound like it is for you. The location isn't as good as some of the others, although I have not heard of the Ada. I think a friend of mine stayed at the Gritti, but she is out of the country for two more weeks!

Jules

Hi Frank, yes I've stayed at the Gritti in Milan. But having read the other reports of the hotels in this budget area, I have to say, it sounds pretty much the same. The rooms are small. They all seem to have an odour about them - what is that smell???!!! The reception area appears to be the meeting place of friends of the current man behind the counter. However, it's inexpensive for such a beautiful city; it's just around the corner from the Duomo, the fashion area, and some stunning restaurants. Sadly I found it lacked any sign of true Italian character. We were only staying two nights, and were going to move out and upgrade to a better hotel after the first night. Instead we spent the money that would have cost, on a fabulous dinner. Hope you enjoy this beautiful city.