VVladimir DimitroffThe hotel is somewhat off-centre (away from the business districts of Milano), but within broader city centre with reasonable public transport (~20 mins tramway including wait at the stop) and ~10 mins by taxi. Lively city area for non-business travellers (tourists) with choice of restaurants and more public transport links to areas of interest.
The cleanliness is rather good, I only scored it less (2/5) because of the interior in bad need of renovation. The design is 1970-s/1980-s and the age since last decoration is probably not much fresher. This gives it the appearance of a run-down place, although they make good effort to keep it clean. The choice of darker brow-nish colours, combined with the installation of (very) very economic light bulbs, makes the room feel too dark and thus - less pleasant to stay in. For a business traveller it is impossible to read anything outside the spot of the reading lamp.
It is also impossible to shave in the dark-ish bathroom, except for people who know their face well enough to shave with their eyes closed. The extra lamp above the mirror did not work, it was a bare little bulb (apparently in need of replacement) and the lampshade gone. Further need for maintenance in the bathroom was the sink - with the waste plug not opening to empty the sink, and the latter filling to the safety hole near the top, even form just a brief handwash..
The breakfast area has capacity for a busy crowd in the rush hour of all tourists taking a late breakfast, but the staff struggle to serve everyone fast enough. Some supplies were not replenished (e.g. bread, the fruit juices, milk for coffees) and later nobody ever came to the table to ask if we need something (perhaps they are not meant to serve tables, just clean them and replenish supplies?)
The reception area was much brighter lit than the rooms, had modern automatic glass doors, and overall felt newer and better. Reception staff were friendly and helpful.
Based on the overall experience, approx. 4/5 is a reasonable score, but by the hotel categorisation criteria I think 4 stars is too much and 3-star would describe it more accurately. They should remember that satisfaction is always biased by expectations - from the higher expectations of '4 stars' there would be more dissatisfied guests (like yours truly) than if you honestly promise a decent 3-star experience (then I'd have scored everything 5/5). This wouldn't impact revenues as, from what I know form MIlano hotels, the price was very competitive and would fit a 3-star property.
Would I recommend it? To tourists - yes; to business travellers - only as a backup in case of fully-booked Milano like duringthe trade fair or Fashion Week ;)
Show More