tuscanlifeedit

I'm perplexed.

I've decided that because we will only be in Milan for two nights, I would rather have a hotel than an apartment. It's just a quick stop in between Switzerland and Venice, and seems so convenient. We have never been to Milan. We have three other stays on this trip and they are in apartments.

Prices for rooms in Milan for the first days of October are very high, much higher than for June. Anyway, anything with ratings I like is out of my price range.

I've narrowed my choices and see these as possibilities:

1) Hotel Berna near the Central Station, where we will arrive and depart.

2) A sort of suite or specialty lodging near the Duomo, but because it's not a hotel, if we arrive before 14:00 we probably can't leave our luggage. Reviews say that service is good, but it's much less serviced than a hotel. Daily cleaning and reservations, but no desk and breakfast is outside the building. There is a Nespresso machine which we would like. Breakfast isn't a priority.

3) skip Milan all together, taking the train from Bellinzona to Milan but transferring immediately to another destination. Was thinking of Vicenza. Would also consider Padova, because we were going to day trip there from Venice on the day that the Biennale is closed. Which would you choose?

I'm not thrilled about changing trains. I'm not working with glowing health and prefer to keep things simpler.

I would greatly appreciate feedback.

Andrew

I didn't like Milan myself, so if you're asking me, I'd skip it (unless you want to see the museums).

Changing trains at Milano Centrale is pretty easy. It's a big station but no stairs required to change trains as I recall - the platforms are all connected at the front.

I haven't been to Vicenza. I have been to Padova - years ago - and thought it was a nice town. Also enjoyed Verona and especially Parma, though I realize Parma is a detour between Milan and Venice (that's where I stopped between Milan and Venice, though,)

tuscanlifeedit

Thanks Andrew. We've spent time in Verona, so we're looking for another stop.

sandralist

Berna is very good. I enjoy Milan a lot, and October is usually a nice time to be there. But if there were things I wanted to see in Vicenza or Padova and was up for making the effort, I'd go there. All the towns on that train line have something to offer -- but none of them do if you are not specifically interested in what they are offering. Since Milan is the most conventionally 20th c. of the 3 places you are considering, it would be pointless to pick Milan if the only or main thing you enjoy about Italy is pre-Industrial visuals.

Milano Centrale station is one of the easiest stations in Italy to switch trains. No stairs.

tuscanlifeedit

sandralist: thank you.

We only have two nights in Milan, so I'm not sure how much of the big city we will have time to experience. We are planning on the major sights (Duomo, Last Supper, and high end fashion district, Galleria, etc.). We like public transportation and would use the Metro and trams.

Our goals in Padova and/or Vicenza would be the same, to visit the major tourist locations, especially for art and architecture.

trycke

Would the Gran Duca Di York suit your needs? At the beginning of October a classic room shows as €207. It is very close to the metro with easy access to other sites you mentioned.

sandralist

tuscanlifeedit,

Most people who go to Milan see a handful of sights that are mainly clustered around the Duomo, the Galleria and the castello, although those who are particularly interested in fashion shops may veer a bit into the luxury fashion area, and those interested in a bit of nightlife head to the city fringes. Gran Duca di York is well located for sightseeing and if you enjoy evening strolls in the historic, upscale heart of town. The Berna is great for zipping over to Centrale Station, and has some tasty low-key informal restaurants for dinner, but the sights are a bit of a hike, and you are likely to find yourself relying on taxis or public trans if you prefer.

If you are already thinking that hauling luggage will be tiring for you, it makes sense to go ahead and book in Milan away from the train station and get a taxi in the station when you arrive that will deposit you at the doorstep of your hotel. The Berna is actually too close to the station to merit a taxi ride, and if it is raining or terribly hot, you might wish you had just gotten in a taxi and headed some place closer to the Duomo.

Or you could go to Vicenza or Padova if you want overall a smaller place.

rbciao47

We only stay at Hotel Berna when we are in Milano and have stayed there many times. The property is very nice, the staff is terrific, they serve the best breakfast in the city, and the location to Stazione Centrale can't be beat.

Depending when you are visiting, a nice evening passagietta would be in the Navigli District. It is a gentrified warehouse section along a canal loaded with bars, clubs, restaurants, and gelatorie. It's a great place for an after dinner strool and people watching.

buon viaggio,

vincenzo32951

I like Milan and Vicenza, so I don't know if I'll be of much help.

I'll just say that Vicenza is quaint, compact, and less hectic, so if getting around and stamina are issues, it may be more suitable for you. It's a nice town with enough attractions to fill a couple of days.

I have a recommendation for accommodations there. I know you said you were looking for a hotel because you're staying in apartments, but the B'Charme B&B is a sort of hybrid and a place we liked a lot. It's centrally located, and has nice apartments at reasonable prices. The owners are very helpful. They provide a good breakfast delivered to your rooms.

Dukey1

Milano Centrale is a very VERY busy station along with the usual pigeons flying in and out of the place, the mass of swirling humanity and all the rest of it <B>BUT</B> it is easy to either transfer there or get in and out of there as has been said above. Just don't allow the place to intimidate you, that's all.

There are escalators up and down from the platform level to the street and the Berna is an easy walk from there.

A lot of people say they don't like Milan but if you are willing to use the Metro it is pretty easy to navigate the city. The ongoing "world's fair" may be having an effect on room rates. I'll be there for a couple of night of Opera at LaScala later this year and if you do decide to stay I hope you enjoy it.

tuscanlifeedit

Well, we would have loved the Gran Duca di York but they are sold out for one of our two nights.

rbciao: I take it you walk from the station to the Berna. I've heard that there are porters, but unofficial ones. I guess I could write to the hotel about that.

I really can walk, but heat and weight don't work for my heart situation.

Debs

We just got back from Milan ... stayed at the Best Western Hotel Atlantic, which is next door to The Berna. Less than a 10 minute walk from Milano Centrale and conveniently located about a block from the Metro. You can be in central Milano in about 10 minutes (or 4 stops) on the Metro.

The Expo in Milan is keeping hotel prices high ... we booked
directly on the BW website and took advantage of their early booking option and got a reasonable rate for our 3 night stay. No changes or cancellation allowed. There's no restaurant on site, but there is a good sized breakfast room (and breakfast was included in our rate). There are several restaurants near the hotel. The staff was very helpful (especially Robert) and you can also purchase Metro tickets from them, which is somewhat of a timesaver since you don't have to use the machines in the station.

Assuming you're flying out of Malpensa, you can either take the train or catch the shuttle bus, which you pick up outside the train station. You don't need advance reservations for the shuttle and can purchase tickets from the driver. Cost is 10 Euro/each and takes about 1 hr (depending on traffic).

Enjoy your trip!