I have read a lot of good things about this hotel. How can I check availability and rates? They dont seem to have a web site. Is calling my only option? If so do they speak enough english to answer my questions?<BR>Thanks to all who help.

I stayed there last Oct. GREAT location, about a block from Duomo. Lots of stairs, desk clerk during the day was very friendly, you get complimentary cappucino/juice when you check in, but the clerk early in the a.m. was not very nice, rude actually. The room was not very big, but the bathroom was very good, nice shower and lots of light. We just stayed one night, but I think I would stay there again, mainly for the location. I don't remember how much we paid, but I know it was a good price. I got the email/fax, can't remember which, from Rick Steve's Italy book. I am at work, but can email to you later.

That would be great Barb. I'd appreciate info you can provide.

Excuse me for jumping in, but it just so happens that I have the Hotel Speronari's information on me:<BR><BR>Hotel Speronari<BR>via Speronari, 4<BR>Milano 20123<BR>011-39-02-8646-1125 phone/from US<BR>011-39-02-7200-3178 fax/from US<BR>[email protected]<BR><BR>I'll be staying there again this coming September for 1 night but have stayed before (also only for 1 night). I thought the location was fabulous (very central but on a quiet pedestrian street), and the price couldn't be beat. I'll be paying 88 Euros for a double (single use) with toilet and shower. Although they don't serve breakfast (plenty of local places around) and have a lot of stairs (no elevators at all), I felt the Speronari was very clean and well run. I hadn't the misfortune to run into anyone rude at the front desk - in fact they went out of their way to assist me whatever my questions/requests were and the complimentary check-in cappuccino hit the spot. Just bear in mind that it is a very simple hotel and I think you will be pleasantly surprised. Good luck!

Sorry, forgot to answer some of your questions. I don't believe they have a website, only the e-mail address given above. My experience was that they speak English quite well. I've always called to make a reservation and then they have asked me to follow it up with a fax. They tend to respond fairly quickly depending on when you're booking. I didn't hear from them for a couple of weeks when I booked in February for September. After I hadn't heard from them, I called and they said that since it was so far in advance they would confirm it later...and they did quite soon afterwards by fax. Hope this helps.

I agree with Julie. I think maybe the rude person was not regular staff. We were trying to get a taxi to the airport very early and he would not even try to help us. We had to walk to the Duomo taxi stand. The other people that we encountered there were very helpful and nice. There is an absolutely wonderful bakery right outside the door of the hotel. We could smell the wonderful aromas coming from there as soon as we woke up. Have a great stay there.

Hi, Chris!<BR><BR>Just have a minute to reply. I'm leaving for the airport right now. <BR><BR>Will be staying at Speronari tomorrow nite & then on the 23d/24th -- solid recommendations on this forum. Looking forward to it.<BR><BR>Got reservations via: hotelcharme.com<BR><BR>May also want to try: www.airstop.net<BR>I think this is the same website as hotelcharme.<BR><BR>Email: [email protected]<BR><BR>Have to run! Have fun in your planning.<BR><BR>Bob<BR><BR>

Chris,<BR>I stayed there last year and the location was great. We booked it via email and mentioned Rick Steves book and got a discount. Our room was quite big with our own bath. The sink was on a sliding shelf which had to be moved when taking a shower. Right next door was the most wonderful bakery, where in the back if you buy coffee or wine, they will give you pastries for free! Also on the other side is a wine shop that offers by the glass tasting. <BR>Have fun,<BR>Tracey