Milan

I would suggest the train station arrive but don't know how late the shuttle runs to the station. There are many reasonable hotels within walking distance of the station. I will try to find the name of the one we used most recently.

I always stay at the Hotel Berna located 400 meters from Stazione Centrale on Via Napo Torriano. You can check at tripadvisor.com for client ratings. I have been staying at Berna for years and really like the place. Venere.com is another good place to look for accommodations.

I believe you are arriving too late to be able to get into Milan. Last month, we stayed at the Best Western Jet Hotel. They have a shuttle to/from the airport. Their buffet breakfast was great and the rooms were very modern. They're located in a quiet residential area close to the airport. The next morning, we walked to the train station. I'm sure you would be able to get your train to Genoa from there.

Diana, There are listings in the Italy Guidebook for Hotels in the vicinity of Milano Centrale, so that would be a good place to look for lodgings. Be sure to tell the Hotel staff that you'll be checking-in "late". Provided there are no unexpected delays with your flight, you shouldn't have any trouble getting to Milano Centrale, as the last Shuttle departs T1 at 00:15. Have a look at The Schedule for the times. You can buy tickets either in the Terminal or directly from the Driver. In the same circumstances, I'd probably buy tickets for the rail trip to Genoa / Cinque Terre when you arrive at Milano Centrale. Be sure to research the train departure times so that you have some idea when you'll need to be back at the station. At that time of night, the station should be relatively quiet and not too crowded. Just the same, wear a Money Belt and be vigilant! I don't know the hours of operation for the staffed ticket office, but there are automated ticket Kiosks, both at track level and two floors down adjacent to the ticket office. The Kiosks next to the ticket office will accept Euro's as well as credit cards (at least that was the situation whe I was there in June). Happy travels!

Diana, We also arrive on a 10:00pm flight to Malpensa. We are staying at the Eurohotel. We informed them of our late arrival and they said it would not be an issue as the hotel as 24hr front desk service. Hopefully, they hold true to that as I've been very nervous thinking about it. Definitely inform them of your late arrival to make sure that they do not resell your room. Safe travels,
Dee