We decided that rather than spending our last night in Italy on Lake Como, we are already there for three day, that we would leave Varenna late in the day and spend our last night in Milan so we are closer to the airport for our flight the next morning. Does anyone have any suggestions on a hotel in the city that is near, if Milan has one, a district where we can got for a nice last night in Italy dinner before packing up for home? Thanks in advance,
Joe
Joe,
You might consider staying close to Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele and Via Dante as it's a somewhat "nicer" area than the vicinity of Milano Centrale. There are some good hotels in that area and one hotel you could consider is London Hotel.
That area is closer to Milano Cadorna station, and you can also access the Malpensa Express there (the trip from Cadorna is actually a bit faster than from Centrale). I'd suggest buying your M.E. tickets the day prior to travel, and then just validating prior to boarding the train on the day of travel. With luggage I'd suggest using a Taxi from the hotel to Cadorna (although it's close enough to walk if you're energetic).
My wife and I were in the same situation on our trip to Italy. We finally decided to stay at a hotel near the Malpensa Airport. We had mid morning flight and did not want to get up as early as required to ensure getting to the airport 2 hours before flight time. It was much easier to stay at a hotel that had shuttle service to the airport and to be able to relax that last morning. The night before we found a nice restaurant near the hotel and had ourselves a very good last meal in Italy.
Staying closer to Malpensa instead of on Lake Como is a cogent strategy. Any number of glitches can occur when transitting a long distance to make a flight. Good thinking.
As for a hotel, we can highly recommend the 4 star Hotel Berna located on Via Napo Torriano 400 meters from Stazione Centrale. The property is outstanding, the staff is exceptional, and they serve the best breakfast in the city. There are a number of good restaurants in the area and you are a short metro or taxi ride from the historic center. We've stayed there many, many times and we are always satisfied.
The Hotel Berna is close to the main train station enabling you to use the train or the bus shuttle to the airport. We've never used the express train because we like the shuttle bus. This past August we used Blacklane Limo service and were happy with the service. Blacklane was more expensive, but it does provide you with another option.
You didn't mention what time of the year you will be traveling, but a great last night spot in Milano is the Navigli District. It is a gentrified warehouse district along canals. The zone is packed with many restaurants, bars, clubs, gelatorie, and it's a fun spot for and after dinner passeggiatta (stroll).
Buon viaggio,
RB, this will be the night of Saturday, September 10
thanks for the input
For your last night in Milan eat here: Trattoria Arlati. Via Alberto NOta, 47 20126 +39 026 433327. Call the day or weeks before to make a reservation. Price is good and you will have a meal to remember for a lifetime.
We stayed at the Grand Duca di York and it was great with a nice neighborhood, close to the Dumo but far away from the tourists. There is a lovely place a few blocks away that we ate at, past the Rick S recommended place (ate there once and felt we were being put with the tourists and the locals were being escorted to the back room) but if you keep walking down that street you come to a little place that is wonderful. Ask the desk where they would eat and that is how we found the spot full of locals. My friend who can never finish her meal couldn't finish her pizza and they all wanted to know why she didn't like it, after much explaining they were ok and the next night they just laughed when she couldn't finish. Don't eat near the Dumo as it is very touristic and not very good.
I can second Hotel Berna. Very convenient to the train station and an unbelievable breakfast buffet. We have also stayed at First hotel that is minutes from Malpensa & has a free shuttle to the airport. Was basic but fine and convenient for catching a morning flight.
