Hotel Crush: Hotel Charly Milan review
As Italy’s biggest city, Milan is a great destination for budget travelers with hundreds of affordable hotel options. But not all budget hotels are created equal. If you need a place to stay near the main train station (Milano Centrale), we have an easy answer for you: Reserve a room at Hotel Charly Milan.
Our Hotel Charly Milan review
Located a quick walk (less than 10 minutes) from Milano Centrale, Hotel Charly makes a convenient stay whether you are passing through for a night or looking for a comfy home base for a few days.
Vintage streetcars run right to the Duomo di Milano, the most popular attraction in the city. The Metro (Lima stop) is a few blocks away, and you can walk to the Public Gardens (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli) in about 10 minutes.
My quick tip: Book a room with a private balcony overlooking the lush garden for a snug urban oasis in the heart of Milan.
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Wake up and open the doors to the balcony.
A friendly staff available around the clock
Your visit will most likely start off with a warm greeting (aka barking) by the Hotel Charly’s friendly dog in the lobby. The staff is very cordial, and although they speak a little English, they’re very happy when you attempt a few Italian phrases.
My limited Italian skills came in handy. Check-in is easy, and you pay when you leave. You drop the old-school key off at the desk each time you go out, so you won’t have to worry about losing it. Someone is always at the desk 24-7, so you also don’t have to stress out if you stay out a little later than planned.
Looking out from the patio of Room 6 at Hotel Charly.
Ask for a room with a private balcony
When I made my reservation through EuroCheapo, I asked for one of the rooms with a balcony overlooking the garden. (There’s a note field where you can make a comment or special request.)
I stayed in Room 6 which had a calming yellow color scheme and a full-size bed right next to the huge windows that lead out to the patio. I reserved about three months in advance for a trip in late May. The earlier you make a booking the better to ensure you get a balcony room and a lower rate.
The final bill of my stay was €94 per night for a double room, including the local taxes and breakfast.
Start each morning with a pastry and cappuccino on your private balcony.
Classic Italian breakfast in a lovely garden
A lot of times, I skip the hotel breakfast in Italy. In my book, nothing can beat a cappuccino and cornetto at a local bar. However, Hotel Charly has an espresso machine and will gladly froth you up a fine cappuccino and provide you with a nice selection of pastries, yogurt, meats, and cheeses. Grab a seat in the charming breakfast room with a view of the garden or ask for a tray and enjoy it on the balcony. It’s a lovely way to start your day in Milan.
It will be hard to lose this old-school key!
Climate control comes in handy during the warmer months
If it’s too hot, the rooms have air conditioning units controlled by remote control. This came in handy when the weather turned quite warm during our stay. With one click of the AC and a quick close of the patio doors, we created a comfortable oasis. You won’t even miss the garden view because the patio doors are glass.
Don’t miss the bakery down the block
One of the best perks of staying at Hotel Charly is the bakery just down the street on the corner of Via Vitruvio and Via Lodovico Settala. Panificio Pasticceria Vailati offers sweet and savory treats from poppy seed flatbreads with anchovies and capers to handmade chocolate covered cherries.
I even stopped by for a couple of last-minute bags of treats to enjoy on the flight back to New York!
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