Camaldoli House

We booked through booking.com and told the host we’d arrive late, at 10 p.m. He agreed and confirmed the booking. On the day, late trains meant we couldn’t get there until 10:30. Apparently that was too late for anyone to check us in. We asked to pick up the keys somewhere or find another solution, but he refused. Although we’d booked two nights, he also refused to check us in the next day, blocked our calls, and cancelled us as a no-show. The apartment was then listed for rent for the next night we were meant to stay. Even one star feels like too many. The owner knows how to rip people off and only cares about money. This is a scam, and booking.com can’t make the host do anything about it, so they’re just as guilty. Don’t book this place or use booking.com. AIRBNB at least has your back with fraudulent people like this.

We stayed for a weekend in Milan as a group of five, to get to Circolo Magnolia, and it worked out well. The apartment is basic but acceptably clean, with clean sheets, though they weren’t ironed, and everything we needed. The woman who welcomed us was very kind and flexible about check-in times. It’s a quiet, ordinary residential neighborhood on the outskirts. The neighbors were friendly and polite, and we slept well despite being near the airport. Parking was easy to find, and there’s a nearby bar for breakfast. For the price in Milan, it’s very conveniently located for Linate, Idroscalo, and Magnolia. If you expect a luxury apartment at these rates, you may need to adjust your expectations. We had a positive stay and would recommend it.

Avoid this place at all costs! We booked a beautiful-looking apartment for one night for three people, but the listing said nothing about the conditions outside or the lack of a safe place to park. The neighborhood was dangerous, dirty, and smelly. We were afraid to stay there, let alone leave our car. When we arrived and called, nobody answered at first. After 15 minutes, someone finally picked up and said a person would come in another 15 minutes. We waited an hour in the car in the middle of the street because there was nowhere to park, and no one showed up. We sent a request to cancel for free, but it was rejected. After we’d driven away, a woman called to say she was there waiting for us, an hour later. It was hard to communicate with her in English or Spanish, and we couldn’t reach an understanding. The property won’t refund us. A terrible place.

The apartment was clean and well looked after, and the hostess was very kind, which helped make up for the less than appealing surroundings. My two friends and I stayed the night after a concert at the Fabrique, about a 20-minute walk away. It’s a good price for Milan, even though it’s still out on the outskirts.