Residence Politecnico Bovisa

We were charged 60 euros extra just for checking in late. The rooms had no AC or even a fan, and the sheets smelled musty, like dead birds. The beds were awful, and after only two nights I was scratching like crazy. The staff didn't speak English or any other language properly apart from Italian, and the owner was the worst to deal with. This was the worst service I've ever seen. A horrible experience, I don't recommend it.

There were old food scraps and cigarette butts on the floor, and the rooms were filthy. Cleanliness clearly wasn't a priority. The appliances didn't work properly either, and I spent three hours fighting mosquitoes, so relaxing was impossible. I was also charged €30 for city tax and linen. I was surprised and disappointed that minors were charged city tax, which I believe is illegal. The extra cost added to an already awful stay. I won't return and can't recommend this place to anyone wanting a clean, comfortable room.

The one reason I'd stay here is the connection to Fiera Milano. The station is two minutes away, and it's just two stops to Fiera. If you're in Milan for something other than exhibitions there, stay away from this dump. The room was cold and damp, the heating and cooling didn't work, and the WiFi was absent or poor. There was long hair from a woman in the bed, chewing gum on the floor, broken furniture, and what I ordered through booking wasn't included. The kitchen had no kettle or microwave, and reception didn't even have an iron to lend. Hot water took about two minutes to come through. Sockets were far from the bed, so I had to charge my phone in another corner and leave it on the floor. I used a chair as a bedside table, and the wardrobe doors couldn't open because the bed was in the way. Overpriced garage or shed. The owner is from Egypt, not Italian, and doesn't care how he represents Italy.

My colleagues and I stayed in the courtyard rooms, 1 to 5, for three nights. We had no complaints, and it was good value, close to authentic neighborhood life. I was wary after reading the mixed reviews, but the apartment was clean, well maintained, and had useful equipment like a microwave and fridge. It looks like the rooms have recently been redone.