Hotel Mercurio

I wish zero stars were an option, because this was by far the worst place I’ve ever stayed. The place was filthy, the staff were useless, and there was no hot water. When we tried to shower, they just shrugged and said they couldn’t do anything. They took our money without telling us about the hot water problem, then refused a refund or cancellation. They also insist on taking your room key every time you leave. Why? They don’t clean the room or change the bedding, which was obvious during our stay. The rooms are right by reception, where staff played videos and had loud conversations through the night while guests were trying to sleep. They claim to be open 24 hours, but when we tried to leave early to watch the sunrise, there was nobody around. The staff were asleep and we were locked in. We had to wait at least 10 minutes for someone to wake up, use the bathroom, which we could hear, and unlock the door. If you’re fine staying in your dirty grandma’s house, book here. Don’t be fooled by the word “Hotel.” Spend a bit more and stay somewhere pleasant.

The hotel is basic, and you get what you pay for, but the staff were the worst I’ve encountered at a hotel: unfriendly and horrible. At 5 a.m. they refused to let my roommate in because he wasn’t with me. I was hospitalized, and he had explained that to them. They had his passport details and knew he’d paid for the room, yet made him leave with all our suitcases and nowhere to go. Where was he meant to go at 5 a.m. in Milan? When I got back at 7 a.m., they tried to kick me out too, even though the terms and conditions say checkout is 11 a.m. Expect the worst staff and service you’ll encounter on your travels.

We had no hot water and couldn’t sleep because of all the noise. The staff were rude and inconsiderate. Hotel Mercurio is the worst place I’ve stayed in my life, and I don’t know how it can keep operating under such poor, unprofessional conditions. They should close down and do their clients a favor. Don’t book here. Pay more to stay somewhere else. Zero stars if I could.

The room was old, but in an old-fashioned style that I was okay with, and it had a nice little balcony where the morning sun came in. The breakfast wasn’t good: just bread, yogurt, coffee or tea, and some cookies. It’s a fine hotel about 10 minutes from the city center by metro or bus. We paid €40 per person after booking a month ahead. The stay was okay, neither the best nor the worst, and I’d give it three stars across the board.