Tries2PakLite

We are going to Milan for the first time this winter and are looking for a hotel in the city center -- walking distance to the duomo and the opera house would be nice. We are looking in the 3-4 star range, hoping to stay under $250. a night. I have been looking, but personal recommendations are always appreciated. Thanks!

Tries2PakLite

Anyone? Anyone? Buehler?

How about feedback on renting an apartment in Milan? The cancellation policies and such?

Andrew

Well, I've been to Milan only once, and I used Starwood points to get what is now the Excelsior Hotel Gallia near Milano Centrale for one night. It worked well for me because I took the train to Parma the next morning, and the metro was convenient to the Duomo. And now you can take the airport train directly to Milano Centrale (you couldn't yet in 2009 when I was there). It worked well for me at the time.

Tries2PakLite

Thanks Andrew! I'll check it out.

littlejane

We stayed at the petit palais hotel de charme - was in your budget range the night we stayed, probably because it was a weekend in October (I think Milan is cheaper on weekend nights). Lovely rooms and within walking distance of the Duomo.

vincenzo32951

The Hotel Star meets your needs, IMHO. We've stayed there. Good location; good breakfast; clean, fairly spacious, modern rooms. The entrance is in a sort-of alleyway, but don't be put off by that.

tdk320n

I stayed 4 nights this Spring at Hotel Gran Duca Di York
I loved the hotel, fabulous location about 3 blocks from the Duomo , La Scala and the Galleria.
Also very short walk to great shopping, interesting walking areas and the metro.
Hotel was immaculate, breakfasts were lovely and all the staff were very gracious and helpful.
Definitely not a 4 star hotel but I loved it.
Very reasonably priced and I would definitely return to this hotel.

Tries2PakLite

Thank you all. I will check your recommendations. Has anyone rented an apartment in Milan? We are looking into that too.

isabel

I recommend Hotel Berna. It's right across from Milano Centrale so very convenient for arriving/departing and if you are taking any day trips. The metro stop is right around the corner from the hotel but I have walked to the Duomo area and it's not that far. The hotel itself is very nice - well appointed, nice staff, free mini-bar (water and soft drinks). One of the nicest hotels I've stayed in. But the absolute best part is the breakfast - just unbelievable the selection and quality. I am only half kidding when I say I am going to Milano just so I can stay at this hotel (and mostly because of the breakfast).

TheEurogoer

Another vote for Hotel Berna--I agree with everything Isabel said about it. The buffet breakfast is unbelievable indeed, and I got an extra-special birthday celebration thrown at me during breakfast last year on my birthday--the staff sang "Happy Birthday" and presented me with a huge gourmet cake! (The hotel offered a birthday rate!)

vickiebypass

I spent a week+ in Milan this past January and rented an apt which I found on VRBO. I first got a map and circled all the places I wanted to visit, so I could figure out what area would be convenient to stay in. The train station was further away than I wanted to be and i only ended up taking one day trip, which I took the nearby metro to the train station. I've attached my trip report, FYI.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...s-in-milan.cfm

mainetrvlgrl

I second the recommendation for the Hotel Gran Duca Di York. It is in a perfect location, and the staff was unbelievably accommodating. We were there for three days prior to Christmas last year. It is on a quiet little street, but so close to all of the major attractions. We would stay there again in a heartbeat.

Vicky

Hotel Cavour - 10-15 minute walk to Duomo and Galleria. I spent a night recently (In May) at the end of my vacation in Stresa. Breakfast supposed to be excellent but I didn't get to have it since I had to leave for the airport. Room was ready when I arrived (around noon).

HappyTrvlr

I recommend Antica Locanda Leonardo. We walked over to the Duomo area easily. It is very near "The Last Supper" at Santa Maria delle Grazie. The hotel is set back from the city street and has a garden. Very quiet location, excellent breakfast.

rbciao47

We've stayed at the really nice Hotel Berna for years, which is located not too far from Stazione Centrale. The property is immaculate, serves the best breakfast in Milan, and their staff is outstanding. It's very close to the Metro and you can always use cabs to move around.

Buon viaggio,

pctraveler

Another vote for the Hotel Berna; we have stayed there a couple of times and one of the advantages not mentioned above are the snacks offered in the bar in the evening. Not certain what they call it in Milan (it is "appertivo" in Venice). In any event, the staff could not be more helpful and gracious. A definite recommendation!

kawh

Last May, we stayed at the Ambasciatori which had an unbelievable deal at about 125 u.s., I think because it's gotten such bad reviews for a while. (We had stayed there for over twice the price 6 years ago and the service was truly unfriendly and they were sort of remodeling.) This stay, we were greeted warmly and we had a fantastic stay. it is literally in the shadow of the duomo and we also like that one can get to the duomo and square almost entirely under covered walkways. (It happened to be raining this trip. They supplied umbrellas, but of course I forgot to take one.)

tongsa

Just returned from Milan - we stayed at the Milan Royal Suites near Cadorna (booking.com), a 2 minute walk to the Last Supper - well appointed and comfortable apartment. While it is a bit of a trudge to the Duomo, the castle is close by, and has good connections on the metro and tram.

We also stayed at Westin Palace which of course was great. A 10-minute walk to Milano Centrale and the Repubblica metro right outside.

Recommend both highly. Winter rates might be lower than peak summer rates so do check them out.