We will be driving through Italy for several weeks next September, and Milan is on the list. Tenatively planning two nights there, but would like to find a hotel on the outskirts with parking and accessibility to public transportation, so that we don't have to maneuver in the Milan city traffic. We stayed in the suburbs of Madrid and took the train into the city when we toured Spain this past April, and that worked very well. Any suggestions for us on this trip?
Posted by
Indianapolis
247 posts
Milan is very modern and has wide streets. Thanks to the ancient Romans (and Mousollini) many of the streets are pretty straight too which makes finding your way around easier. We taxied several times when we were there and I didn't notice the traffic being particularly bad even at peak times. It is a city I'd feel comfortable driving through to be honest. Just avoid the historic center and pedestrian zones (ZTL).
Posted by
48 posts
We stayed at the Antares Hotel Reubens in Milan. It's located in the city, but outside the ZTL. Quick cab or subway to the tourist area (or 30 min walk).
Parking is FREE! Rate was reasonable (I can't recall exact price but I think it was under €200 for a quadruple. Room was ok. Free breakfast was among the best we had in Italy.
I would prob do it again.
Posted by
OP
44 posts
Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely check out that hotel, as it sounds just exactly what we are looking for--especially with free parking!
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1529 posts
Just remember three things if you have to drive in Milan: first, the central zone - roughly corresponding to the intermediate ring of the three big rings making up Milan's map, has congestion access charges. Look for AREA C instructions if you plan to drive there.
Second, the municipality is turning almost every parking place within reach of a public transportation line to the center into a paid parking place, in order to discourage commuters from nearby towns to park on the outskirts. Even paying for parking may be difficult (some areas do not have meters and you are expected to pay from a smartphone or other equally brilliant tricks); so your hotel should ideally have its own parking area.
Third, when driving on mayor alleys you will be driven to madness as turning left is forbidden at many crossings - this because when trying to turn left you block the traffic. There is always a way around - for example move to a side alley on the right and you will be allowed to turn left from there, or turn right at the following crossing and drive around a block - but you have to plan in advance and observe to find the clever shortcuts.
Posted by
OP
44 posts
Sounds like it will be very important to choose the hotel wisely (one with parking included!) and take public transportation into the city center. Thanks for the heads-up!