Hotel Galla

At almost 2 a.m., this was the only nearby hotel with a room for two available near Lambrate station. It was a lifesaver. 10/10.

I picked this because it was the cheapest single room I could find in the city, and I think I got what I paid for. For a short visit when I was out most of the day and only came back to sleep, it worked fine. For a longer stay, I'd spend more on somewhere nicer. The room had a shower and sink; the toilet was shared. It was clean and fresh when I arrived. The shower had some limescale stains, and soap was provided. I noticed shared fridges in the corridors and inexpensive coffee and tea at reception, though I didn't use them. I also can't comment on the TV, hair dryer, or heating since I didn't try them. The staff were very nice and spoke fluent English, so communication was easy. It's close to two metro lines, which makes it a handy base for trips. There are also several small cafés nearby where you can get a cheap breakfast with a nice atmosphere.

The bathroom had an odd smell, which was our one issue. It turned out the “shared bathroom” was actually private, just outside our room. The place was clean, the fresh-smelling sheets and towels were provided, and the neighborhood seemed safe. Getting to the city center was easy.

I was a bit nervous after looking at the reviews and photos, but the hotel I arrived at was renovated, clean, and comfortable. The owner said he'd bought it six months earlier and redone everything, so the photos are current. The person at the front desk was respectful, attentive, and really friendly. It's a one-star hotel, and you get what you pay for. I had a good stay and nothing bad to say. If you want your own bathroom, be sure to book one; I saw the shared bathroom too, and it was clean and nice.