Third trip to Italy, yea! This time we are visiting towns we haven't been to before. The only hotel we need to get now is in Milan. We're flying from London to Milan and plan to stay there just one or two nights before taking the rather daunting 20 + hour overnight train from Milan to Palermo (as train lovers, we HAVE to do this!).

So, looking for a hotel close to the train station to do a little exploration of Milan before heading south on the train. Please let us know your favorite hotel in Milan! Budget for two, max about $400/night, but always welcome cheaper! Our only "musts" are A/C, an elevator, free wi-fi, and a decent cup of coffee.

We enjoyed the Hotel Berna a few years ago and stayed in one of their older rooms although I understand they have some modernized rooms as well. The hotel is a block from the train station and the staff were very friendly. The breakfast buffet was very good. We were able to easily catch public transportation close to the hotel to get to the Duomo area. I would be happy to return.

If it were me--and it's not--I would stay closer in to the center rather than close to the station.

Last visit to Milan I stayed here: https://hotelmilanoscala.it/

Nice hotel, excellent central location but not on a mobbed-with-tourists block. I walked everywhere--Pinacoteca Brera, Duomo, Ambrosiana Gallery, Santa Maria delle Grazie, Castello Sforzesco, Sant'Ambrogio--except when I arrived and took a taxi from Milano Centrale. Left from Cadorna station (walked there too).

A/C, elevator, wifi, good coffee. But not close to Centrale.

It doesn't really HAVE to be close to the station, since we won't be getting on the train until around 8 p.m. In short, we're open. We do like lively areas . . . one of the few who don't need super quiet to sleep! (We've lived on busy streets for 40 years!).

Whether arriving/departing by air or train to/from Milan, we prefer to stay in the center near the Duomo. Our favorite hotel is the Duca di York https://www.ducadiyork.com/en/hotel-...entre/1-0.html. It's a couple of blocks to the Duomo and the Galleria. The Peck flagship store is around the corner and a great place to pick up a few things to snack on and drink during the train to Palermo. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby. I'd advise taking a cab to Milano Centrale rather than the metro, since you'll have your luggage to contend with..

We enjoyed Albergo Locanda Leonardo, very near “ The Last Supper.”
It has a garden area, great breakfasts.

Thanks to everyone who responded. The information was so helpful. After reading all your comments, and reviewing tripadvisor in depth, I decided on the Duca di York and used Chase points to book the room. Thanks, greytop13 with the additional helpful information on where to get provisions for the train ride (since that train has NO food or bar car). Any specific restaurants nearby (walking) anyone can recommend would be appreciated!

Bear to the right and straight ahead as you leave the hotel. Follow the street as it turns to the right. At the next intersection, you should see Ristorante Al Mercante directly in front of you. https://ristorantealmercante.it/it/# Lovely dining room or sit outside if you prefer.

BTW Peck can be pricey but is extremely high quality. They have an interesting system for purchases (if things haven't changed). When you go to your first department (ie. produce, meat, deli, wine, etc.) to make your selection you'll get a card that will be scanned. They will keep you selections at the department. Take the card with you as you shop and your purchases will be added to it. Hand it over to the cashier at checkout. They'll scan it, tell you the total and give you a receipt. Take the receipt back to the department(s) to show you've paid and get your selections. Kind of funky, but it means you're not lugging things around as you shop.