Hotel H21

The breakfast was very limited: just one kind of bread, overcooked scrambled eggs, bacon, cereal, and croissants. We were also expected to leave our room key at reception whenever we went out, which we'd never encountered before. The room didn't look like the photos. It was old, with mold in the bathroom, yellow stains on the sheets, and peeling wallpaper and paint. The beds creaked loudly whenever we moved, and the walls were so thin that conversations from the hallway and other rooms carried through. The fridge didn't work, there was no kettle or welcome bottle of water, and no extra pillows or blankets if it got cold. This is a very small place, with only 10 rooms across two floors, in a quiet area outside Milano Centrale. Getting there takes two metro rides and a 10-minute walk. There's no lift, just stairs, so you have to carry your own bags up to the basement reception. Communication was tricky because staff spoke very little English. It isn't suitable if you're looking for comfort, a central location, soundproofing, lots of breakfast options, or a child-friendly place. For the price, it was very expensive for what we got, and nowhere near a three-star standard.

The service was terrible. When I checked out, a staff member asked how things had been, so I told them honestly. Their response was, “You must tell me.” Sorry, who are you? I'd already explained the problem to other staff, but they didn't speak English at all. They don't even provide slippers, imagine 😀. Don't go there.

Reception was very helpful, and the metro station is only a five-minute walk away, making this a good choice if you're traveling without a car. The rooms were clean and comfortable for a short stay in Milano. The doors are too thin, though, and you can hear people walking in the corridor. Breakfast had little choice, but I understand that it's a small place.

We booked at the last minute because Milan had no other hotels available, and we were a bit apprehensive. It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The rooms felt new and were very clean, with air con, and the small hotel was well kept. It's close to the metro and only a few stops from the city centre. Reception is staffed at all hours, and the parking is available and very secure.