We recently stayed at the Villa Malpensa Hotel literally 1/4 mile from the airport. The location couldn't have been better for catching an early flight, however, we spent an additional night there (instead of Venice) thinking that there would be something to do in the area (small town nearby, walk through the national park, sit by the pool). The pool was locked (and the day was cool), the mosquitoes in the park were unbearable, and the adjoining town was literally deserted. We were bored silly, and after eating dinner and the following day lunch in the hotel, we were ready to leave. The hotel is nice, very clean, extremely small rooms (based on our room in Venice) but a tad bit uppity for my taste. The meals were quite good, but extremely expensive (20 Euros for the same bottle of wine we'd gotten for 15 Euros in Venice, and paid about 8 Euros at the store -- lunch alone was 40 Euros with no wine). The airport's free shuttle only runs from 7 AM - 11 AM (thought it was a typo -- no, it's accurate). And a taxi is 13-15 Euros to go the amazingly short distance (we would've walked if we could have).

Heather,<BR>Sorry to hear you spent an extra day there --- I opted for the less expensive & very basic accommadations at Hotel Cervo prior to an early morning flight out from Malpensa. For anyone who's leaving on an early morning flight, you really don't need to get to hotel until late in afternoon or early evening --- not a whole lot to do if you're staying in area of MXP.<BR>

Bear in mind that buses from the Central Train Station in Milano to Malpensa Airport begin at 5:10 a.m., at 10 to 15 minute intervals (two companies: Malpensa Express and Malpensa Shuttle: one-way fare is 5.50 Euros and 4.50 Euros, respectively). So, you can actually reach the airport by 6:00 a.m., and check in for a 7:00 a.m. flight or later. Very few (if any) international flights leave before 7:00 a.m. Intercontinental flights leave later still.

GAC, we sure should have done that in hindsight. It was the last two days of our honeymoon (we were hoping to spend the first of those nights in Verona, but with the opera couldn't find a decent hotel). We thought the accommodations would be worthwhile, but won't make that mistake again.

Yep. European flights out of Malpensa begin at 6:45 a.m., while intercontinental flights (to North and South America) begin at 10:00 a.m.

Anyone could please tell me if the Marriott Milan is at a good location? I've heard mixed reviews- some said it is a hotel, some said it is a business hotel, so it is far away from everything. Thank you for your help!

Agree 100% with GAC. I recently stayed at the hotel Locanda in Milan which is a 15 minute walk to Cardona train station. Caught the first train on the Malpensa Express and had zero problems making the 8am to London. Granted we were up at the crack of dawn but enjoyed Milan, especially Quattro Mori for dinner, was expensive but highly enjoyable none the less.

Oh, I'm so sorry you got stuck there. My husband and I stayed there the last night of our honeymoon. It was a Friday night and the restaurant was CLOSED and we didn't have a car so we were forced to walk into the anti-village nearby and eat at the only restaurant there. To be honest, the food was great. But talk about Twilight Zone -- We must have been the only people there save for the guy at the desk who we swore was the only employee on the grounds. Beautiful structure but strange. It must belong to some rich old person who won't get rid of it, but won't take care of it either.

We are beginning a Sept. tour of Italy by arriving a day early and staying at the Villa Malpensa Hotel for one night. Since it doesn't sound as though there is anything near the hotel, how easy would it be for us to get to the shopping district of Milan from Villa Malpensa?

If you want to avoid the cost of a taxi direct to Milan, you would need to take the hotel shuttle to Malpensa Airport, followed by the Malpensa Express Train to Milano Cadorna Station; OR the airporter bus to the Milan Central Train Station. From the Central Station, you can take the subway or a bus to the shopping district (you can also walk there).

Hi GAC,<BR>Being this is our first trip abroad, what would you think would be the easiest for us to navigate?

The shopping district in Milan is roughtly equidistant from the Cadorna Station and the Central Station. However, the Cadorna Station is much closer to a number of tourist sites such as the Castello Sforzesco, Leonardo's Last Supper (Basilica of Santa Maria della Grazie), La Scala Opera House, and the Duomo. I suggest you look at a detailed map of Milan, discern the exact location of these two train stations, and decide which one would be more convenient. You might decide to arrive at one and depart from the other! Remember that you take a BUS to reach the Central Station! Ideally, one would avoid the overnight at Villa Malpensa (where there is absolutely nothing to do and nowhere to go), and stay instead in a centrally located hotel in Milan proper. Another alternative is to enjoy the first night relaxing on the shores of Lake Maggiore (Stresa is a very beautiful, patrician place to spend the night). There is bus transportation direct to Stresa from Malpensa Airport (approx. 1 hour). From Stresa, you can then take a train direct to Milan Central Station (approx. 1 hour by IC train).

Mary, <BR><BR>My memory may be wrong, but it seemed like the hotel is at least an hour away from Milan (maybe it just seemed that way). We took a cab (dumb but necessary due to copious amounts of luggage, let's not get into the merits of that); it cost a fortune even by my Valley Girl standards. Also, bring some food with you while still in civilization. There is a bar in the village which has chips and drinks. But it closes at the same time the restaurant (the only one in the tiny village) opens cause the bartender is also the cook/waiter. Be afraid and don't worry if you see Rod Serling...