Courtyard By Marriott Milano Linate

The hotel itself is nice and new, but the night staff's dishonest, rude service ruined our stay. I wouldn't return, and after having stayed in the area before, I know there are much better options. A manager later emailed what seemed like a templated reply, which didn't change my view. I'm a seasoned traveler, and family members own a Marriott-branded property, so I know what good customer service looks like. At check-in, the employee was curt and arrogant. I asked for an upgrade because of our member status, and he said he'd given us a premium room, but it looked exactly like the one we'd booked. The bed didn't feel like a king either. I then had trouble connecting to Wi-Fi with my last name and room number. I called twice and got the same employee. First he rudely treated me like an idiot and told me to use my last name and first initial, though I'd already tried my last name. It didn't work. He asked me to come down after the second call. While trying to fix the Wi-Fi on my phone, he entered a different room number. When I watched closely, he looked visibly uncomfortable, then put in my correct room number and resubmitted the credentials several times before it finally connected. After being caught, he claimed this was what he'd told me to do all along. That employee had also agreed I could use a friends and family discount if I brought the authorization form. In the morning, I presented it before checkout to another staff member, Khaled Labidi. He said it would be no problem and the discount would be applied automatically. He specifically told me to insert my card first, and I hesitated, but followed his insistence. I emailed him the form, and he acknowledged receiving it before I entered my card. Still, the receipt had no discount. At first he said the difference would be refunded. When I asked when, he turned rude and aggressively asked why I hadn't provided the form earlier. Then he said he'd only handle the refund the next time I came back. I told him I wouldn't return after this service. He knew I was from the US. As we left, he looked at us and muttered in Italian to a coworker.

The hotel is fairly new and has the basic CortYard standard. It's only five minutes from Linate AirPort, with a board showing flight information. The rooms are cozy and the bed was comfortable. Breakfast was good, with a basic menu, and the gym equipment was new. Staff were friendly and cordial.

Free secure parking and a handy location made this a good base, with quick bus or metro access to the city centre. The reception staff were great, and the breakfast service ladies especially went out of their way to make our short stay enjoyable. When you're in Milan, give it a try. You won't be disappointed.

Elizabeth really lifted our dining experience. She was knowledgeable and attentive, checking in regularly to make sure all was well without interrupting our conversation. We appreciated her kindness and professional, positive manner. Thank you, Elizabeth!