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Milan Day 1 - First day in Milan

After leaving Hotel Trieste, whom has given us complimentary rooms for our stay, we walk towards Repubblica Metro and proceed to get lost on the Metro!

Thankfully we left early just to make sure were prompt for our appointment at Hotel Mistral, and once we arrive there’s a bit of a shock from the reception areas and to their and our surprise our contact isn’t present. After a couple of light jokes we get the ladies to warm up to us and give us a tour. Toilets, showers and sinks were clean and for those that aren’t from Europe…get ready to be introduced to a foot wash. To enjoy some of the luxuries of this 3 star, try and book with a balcony attached to your room, the view might not be considered great, but it simply does wonders for you at night. Make sure you don’t show up without your passport and they don’t accept Diners Card, or traveller’s cheques. They do have a bar, but don’t look for any night time activities in the area…you’re on your own.

A Hot Day

Silvia and I moved on to our next scheduled meeting at Arcohotel Milan with Nicola, who we found out was actually on vacation once we arrived. We met Nicola’s father and were offered a variety of drinks….and yes we needed it because the weather was +32. After the initial questions we were both provided with a tour of the facilities. All rooms are ensuite and if you need to place your luggage in another room under their care it will cost you 2 Euros. A great spot if you’re looking for simple luxuries and a central location. It has a park right across the street. You won’t feel crammed in these rooms, there’s a lot of walking room, so you can lay back relax and not feel like your stepping on toes.

Our next was right around the corner at Hotel 22 Marzo, where we were warmly greeted with more refreshments. Here is a place that truly believes in bestowing upon you a personal touch to your stay. Silvia enjoyed an espresso, while I had a cappuccino - and if you could believe this, it tasted even better than it looked. We were able to get a mini tour of the facilities, since they were still cleaning at the time. Hotel 22 Marzo had a lot of information on the counters and certificates for travellers to observe. There is an elevator for those that may to be physically challenged. They’re large windows brings in a lot of light to the reception, bar and breakfast area. But what was most exciting, was seeing a small group of ladies who had received their booking from Hostelbookers.com and of course we took pictures of them.

Silvia and I moved on to our next meeting at Brasil Hotel Milan to arrive during the cleaning time, so weren’t able to get a tour of the facilities. Reception and Management greeted us and had a lot of information on the counters for backpackers, lounging area with a TV and DVD where backpackers can hang out. This is a place going through some renovations at the time so it was hard to see at its current conditions, but it does have some potential in the blue prints we were honoured to look at. Not for the physically challenged or those afraid of stairs. Not all the rooms are ensuite which is quite different then most of the hotels that we have seen so far.

Last Visits of the Day

Next stop Hotel Ideale Milano. We walk through the doors to see a very clean structure that has all the highlights of a simple and luxurious hotel, and be met by Antonio, the manager. Silvia then proceeds with questions to our informal but informative questionnaire and has he loosens up he becomes more jovial with us (well, Silvia at least!). We ask and receive a tour of the facilities and we venture into a double room that has your common luxuries with a 3 star. Good angle on the T.V. set, great sized bed and well kept large bathroom and a nice window opening to allow the sunshine to sparkle through. He offered us both drinks and food and it was a relief to sit down for a few moments. You’ll be welcomed with some great personality here in a very new establishment. A great spot to hang…sit on the terrace for the night, eat some food with a glass of wine.

On to the very central Hotel San Tomaso - a great location, very close to all your shopping and eating needs. Again, get ready to do some stairs, but once you make it up you’ll be welcomed with a very friendly smile from Jessica, the Hotel Manager. The rooms were adequate with the basics of a three star hotel and it was very clean. The hotel has great windows for lighting and you’ll be impressed with the abundance of smiles.

Hotel Trieste - our resting spot for our journey into Milan, Silvia and I were warmly greeted even though we didn’t get in till after midnight, since we missed the bus at the station. (If you’re going to Milan and it late at night, the taxi fares start at 6.10 Euros and you’ll get one at Central station.) At first the bedroom didn’t look the most appealing, but it was the most spacious of all that we had seen, and very clean. People greeted you in and out of the hostel with a smile and were there to attend to you in any way possible. Our stay was very much complimented by easiness of the staff that made us feel very much welcomed.

Comprehensive list of Milan Hostels.
For more information on getting around Milan go to ATM