Flying into Milan for one night, a couple questions.

If you don't have tons of luggage, take the train to Milano Centrale, the main train station. It's quick and much, much cheaper than a cab. There are lots of hotels near the station, and the neighborhood is pretty good.

Malpensa Express
https://www.malpensaexpress.it/en/

Area is perfectly fine
Many here recommend Hotel Berna-
https://hotelberna.com/en/

There are other hotels in that same block

Thank you, thank you! My next question was about hotels, so I’ll check this out.

I'll be staying at Hotel Flora the night before I fly out of Milan. It's an easy 5-minute walk from Milano Centrale. I've stayed there before as well as Hotel Berna. Both are safe and clean with helpful staff.

Another positive experience at the Berna.

Just around the corner from the station. No issue with the neighbourhood.

It is so easy to take the train from the airport to the station, so convenient. Unless you have specific needs you would be overpaying for a taxi relative to the train. The driver would be happy though....

Another advantage is you will see a bit of Milano Centrale on the way in which will make your train in the morning that little bit easier.... enjoy

Your Venice train is first thing in the morning?

Nigel, yes. I want to leave fairly early in the morning. My understanding it’s 2.5 hours to Venice, I’d like to get there before noon. I think we will just take the train into Milan,

I’d like to get there before noon

Trenitalia's first direct train departs from Milano Centrale at 08:15, you should arrive in Venice at 10:42 AM.

You mention that you want to stay close to the station, just note that there are several railway stations in Milan. The main one, Milano Centrale, used by most long distance trains is probably the one most people think of when someone just says "the station". But the train from Malpensa can also take you to Porta Garibaldi which is a bit closer to the old city centre. Although from Centrale it is a direct metro ride to Duomo.

Badger does make a good point. As you are evidently unused to Malpensa airport, it is worth emphasising that there are 2 clearly marked different train routes out of the airport which go to different areas of the city. The one you want will be marked Milano Centrale or Milano C.le.

The other goes to Milano Cadorna. If you take that one you will not go to Milano Centrale and it will, in your case, be inconvenient.

Don't worry, it is easy....

Thank you Badger and Nigel!