Milan-stay near central station for convenience?

I stayed at the Hotel Auriga this past September, right across the street from Milano Centrale. Was super convenient after my long flight into MXP. So nice to just walk across the street the next morning for my train. Nothing special but clean and comfortable.

I’ve stayed at Hotel Berna twice. It’s a block away from the Milano Centrale train station.

Thinking about staying there vs. staying 2-3 nights at either Stresa or Varenna at Lake Como - in my opinion, there’s no comparison! I love Stresa! I’ve stayed there multiple times, and I love staying on the mainland and also ending with one night at my favorite small 8-room boutique hotel on Isola Bella. It has wonderful food at the restaurant, also.

https://www.boutiquehotelelvezia.it/

And Varenna on Lake Como is nice, also. We stayed there during a RS Italy tour. I would pick one of the lakes and stay there - no need to go to both during one trip. Either of those locations are just about an hour train ride right to Milano Centrale where you transfer to the train to Venice.

If you decide on Stresa, reserve the Alibus which will take you directly from Malpensa to Stresa’s main street.

I’m with Jean

Stresa is lovely and very easy to get to from MXP
actually closer than Milan
I’d go right there for 2 nights then to Milan 1 night/full day (not jet lagged) which you’d need to see at least the Duomo and/or /Last Supper if that is of interest
We didn’t care much for Milan but those 2 sites were so worth it

elaine,

There are a number of hotels near Milano Centrale, including Hotel Berna and Hotel Garda. As I recall from my last visit there, the walking time from the station is not much more than five minutes. If you're planning on just using those as a home base for day tours, those would be a good choice as you're only going to be sleeping there anyway.

You'll only have time for a brief look at both Lago di Como and Lago Maggiore on a day trip. It's unfortunate that you don't have more time to spend in Stresa as there are interesting sights there. You'll probably want to visit the Borromeo Islands, but unfortunately Mount Mottarone won't be an option as I believe the cable car is still not operating after the tragic accident. If you had more time there, a nice day trip is to take the FART Cento Valli railway to Locarno and then return by boat in the early evening.

We stayed at UNAHOTELS Century Milano. The breakfast was superb.

Is there an equally convenient area for shuttle from MXP

Since there are direct (and faster) trains from MXP to Milano Cadorna station and from Milano Cadorna to Como Lago, you could stay in the Navigli area. You'd also be at a walking distance from the Sforza Castle, where the Michelangelo is housed, and from the famous Brera National Gallery.

Milano Cadorna is five stops away from Milano Centrale, taking the metro "green" line #2 is not a big deal.

Dario beat me to it, I was also about to suggest a stay close to Cadorna station, which is much closer to the touristy areas of Milan.

We stayed at Ibis Milano Centrale. It's about 6 blocks, but easily reached using the subway.

thanks to all for info. Also debating going to Stresa from MXP for 1-2 nights, but I think we really need a 'base' for 3 nights. We'll have been traveling before/after and otherwise too much traveling with suitcases in tow. Plus, we'd also like to see Como.