At Home Heart of Milan - Porta Vittoria

The place has a real old-school feel, like a building from the 1960s that still carries a bit of its World War II-era character. What made the stay for me was how genuinely friendly everyone was. It felt like a good place to work, too.

The location made it easy to get around Milano and reach Linate Airport, and I slept well because my room was shielded from traffic noise. The walls do let sound through, though. Staff were friendly, the room was comfortable, and breakfast had a good range of pastries.

I needed a place for one night before a concert in the south of the city, and the transport links from the central station and around the outskirts were really convenient. I left my bag there in the morning and was greeted by a cheerful receptionist. Check-in later was smooth, and the room was nicely furnished and decorated. Having reception open all night was handy after the concert. Breakfast was good and plentiful, served in a lovely room, and the staff there were just as nice as everyone else. When I asked where to get a toothbrush, one appeared straight away and they wouldn't take payment. They also let me check out a bit late so I could finish a conference call, at no extra charge even though I'd offered to pay. Great value, and I'd happily come back for work or pleasure. I felt completely confident staying here.

In a hotel that was almost empty, I was put in a room facing a construction site. The breakfast is best forgotten, and I can't see how this place is rated four stars or how it can claim to be 100 metres from the metro. My room and bathroom were badly maintained and cramped, even for one person. Getting in and out of the shower took contortionist skills. The plumbing was awful, too. Every toilet flush and running shower in the building carried into my room. Worst hotel I've ever stayed in.