We'll be driving back from Levanto on June 8 for our flight out of Malpensa early on the 9th.

We'd like a suggestion for a place to stay at or near the airport. Staying at an airport hotel seems like a drag, just in case there's something close to airport but with a bit more ambiance for our last night (and last "supper&quot in Italy!

Thanks!

The Villa Malpensa could be an alternative to an "airport" hotel.

Also, there's a lovely restaurant just around the corner, if you prefer not to eat in the hotel.

It won't be cheap, however.

http://www.hotelvillamalpensa.com/e-chi.htm

We have used the Hotel First right at the airport in Casa Nuove---a business type 4 star. There is an excellent tratoria next door. The First does have a shuttle.

Hellon JacquieK, we have always stayed at the Hotel Astoria in Gallarte which is only about ten minutes or so from Malpensa Airport. A smallish town..certainly not WOW like the well known towns and cities but a nice way to relax the night before leaving Italy. Across from the Hotel Astoria is a park like setting..and there are various restaurants so you have your choice of where to have dinner. And shops are usually open to oh around 8:00pm for last minute window shopping.

The last I knew the Hotel Astoria had a shuttlebus to Malpensa in the morning (not all day).

If interested I am sure if you go to Google you will find information.

The hotel is not that impressive from the outside but the rooms, beds, bathrooms have always been very comfortable. And again the hotel is in the center of the smallish town.

Have a wonderful time in Italy!

I am with bobthenavigator--First Hotel is perfect (very contemporary/minimalist feel) and our meal at the trattoria next door ended up being one of our favorites. First Hotel has a shuttle. If you are returning your car at the airport the day of your flight you have lots of choices. We were traveling by train, had an early flight and the airport hotel was a great help.

Have stayed at both the Villa Malpensa and Hotel First and very much preferred the Villa Malpensa,
although it cost more. Our room at
First Hotel was very small and the
food was not good. They both shuttle
you to the airport in the morning,
and Villa Malpensa is a lot closer.
I thought V.M. was very beautiful.

Genie,

When we stayed at the Villa Malpensa (2003)the room rate was 175 euro with breakfast included (plus the shuttle ride to the airport).

What was the room rate when you stayed there?

kane, We were there 2004, and the
rate was the same as '03, a much better value than First Hotel,
even though more expensive, well
worth the extra cost for your last
night in Italy, I think.

By the last night, we are usually geared to go home and just want a nice quiet and clean room. We stayed at the Astoria in Gallarate and couldn't have been more pleased. The cost was just over 100 euros and it is located in a town that is walkable. The rooms were small but the lobby and breakfast rooms were quite nice and the shuttle took you to the airport whenever you desired. Thank you LoveItaly. I think it was your recommendation that led us there.

Thank you, everyone. We will have a rental car, that I had imagined we'd return the night before our flight...But, I don't think that fact will alter our decision at all. Thank you for all the suggestions. Since the entire trip will be costing more than we'd like (given the sad state of the dollar) we probably won't opt for the more expensive hotel for the last night (having opted for more expensive hotels throughout the trip!).

Thanks again,
JacquieK