accomodations in milan

We stayed at Hotel Charly which is in a convenient location and it was probably about as charming as Milan can get, for what that's worth. The rooms were very nice but compact - kind of like on a cruise ship. (Be sure to get a place with air conditioning.)

Charming is not a term I would use to describe Milan. Fast-paced, chic, and industrial, even fascist, but not charming. There are lots of good deals to be had in the summer as much of the convention business is down however. There are lots of business class hotels and we have run across some great deals on the mainstream sites. If you want atmosphere I would think about Lake Como. It's an hour by train.

Thank you....prior to Milan, we are staying in Lake como for 3 days....perhaps Milan is not a worthy stop,....extend our stay in lake como or in venice ( the last destination)
I just am intrigued by the cemetary in Milan....but if the city as a whole is a "downer" after lake como...we could just as eaasily skip it !

Donna: I don't think Darby was suggesting that Milan was not a worthy stop, just that like many big cities it is not particularly charming. Some people love the energy, traffic, and bustle, others dislike it. Milan has the Last Supper, the Duomo, wonderful shopping, and Peck, a fantastic food shop. It's a matter of taste - if you enjoy New York or Chicago, I'd go. If cities get on your nerves, there's lots of other great places to visit.

Thanks Thomas. We love NYC and Chicago....and we are trying to "mix" up the trip with a little of each...Thanks for the "heads up" on the attractions.

Absolutely see Milan. It is so relevant to the way Italy as a country operates and it has many sights. It really depends on what you are looking for. My husband and I made it a stop on our last two trips and have really positive feelings about it. It can also be a good base for exploring some of the other places nearby like Bologna and the all-important (to my husband) Ferrari Museum in Maranello. Best of Luck!

We did 3 weeks in Italy in May 2006 and we stayed in Milan for one day. Milan has has the energy and the chic factor of a big city but remember was bombed heavily in WW2 so alot was rebuilt. The Lake Como sounds lovely. How long were you planning on staying in Venice? I'd suggest at least 4 days and if you want something to do you take a day trip to Verona.

Milan...after seeing the Duomo, and the Galleria...that was enough for me:)

Thanks Cynthia. We have 3 full days in venice. Might have to do verona another time. There is so much to see....it can be overwhelming

Darby, thanks ! I know my 3 sons- (20's) will enjoy the area where the university is.