To keep within our budget and try to maximize our location for one night (12 September) in Milano, we've looked at many hotels recommended by users here, Rick Steves 2011 book and the Frommer 2011 Italy book. Most are either too costly for us (220 Euros plus) or are simply not available on 12 September. We have little flexibility to change that date (we really don't want to short-change our Rome or Siena trip elements), so, based on a lot of web-searching the last few days, we've come up with a couple of compromises (after all, we'll only be there one night before our Malapensa departure on 13 September), that get us relatively close to the Duomo, etc. Has anyone here experienced, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, either or both of the Ariston and/or the Star?
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17464 posts
No experience with either hotel, but I do like the location of Hotel Star. We stayed nearby (a few blocks) at Antica Locanca dei Mercanti, and were very happy with the location. We walked everywherefrom Carodno station, to the Sforza castle, La Scala, and up and down Via Dante to the Duomo area numerous times. I notice the Star gets fairly mixed reviews on Tripadvisor, but most of the negatives have to do with noise and/or small single rooms.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
149 posts
Thanks, Lola. We'd checked the Locanda a couple days ago and just now, and it is available for our date. but it's still at 250 Euros, which is a bit out of our budget for a one-night lodging on the way to Malapensa the next morning. The Ariston and Star seem to be in the 125 140 Euros class, and both seem well-located. By the way, I did a quick, very small Excel spreadsheet calculation on the two hotels and the Star was at a combined approval (excellent and very good) of 75% vs the Ariston's 63%, and a 10% for the Star vs 22% for the Ariston on the combined poor and awful ratings.
Posted by
St Petersburg Florida
951 posts
I liked Hotel Star. the murals are a bit cheesy but the room was fine for our 1 night stay. Nice jacuzzi tub to soak my sore bones. I found the breakfast plentiful with a do it yourself coffee/espresso machine that was user friendly. The staff was helpful. the only downside is that we arrived at 8:30 am from the airport and had to wait til 1 or 2 pm to check in. They let us store our luggage though. I would stay there again. Our fee was 130 euros but that was also end of November.
Posted by
OP
Seattle
149 posts
Lola and Kelly, Thanks for your input. We've reserved a room at the Star for our date and it seems a reasonable compromise between price and convenience.