The hotel is just two tram stops or a short walk from the Duomo and central Milan, and not too far from the central station, which is a big plus. My room was small but furnishings OK; maybe a little tired, but that's not uncommon. Bit of street noise, notably the trams - again, common in Milan. Public areas were smart and very pleasant. Breakfast middling - I've stayed at other 4* hotels in Italy that have tried a bit harder at an "American" buffet breakfast - e.g. tinned not fresh pineapple, limited cooked items. My room rate was room onlly, so I had the option of going to a cafe rather than paying the extra. The staff seem pretty efficient: maybe not that warm, but certainly not unfriendly. I'd stay again if I found a good deal.

By 2 words i have to say that "it's a pity that such a well placed hotel,with quite nice breakfast offer,clean etc... is directed not promptly at all!!!When i asked at the reception instead of the booked "" double room for sole use"" for staying there 2 persons i asked to pay as i had not payed the same room at all .I had payed 6 months ago...to a web site and i was told by the reception that i payed to agency and i was aking for staying at the booked and payed room one more person ...so that i was obliged to pay about twice the room price....The same was asked when my colleagues asked to upgrate their room to a superior...and they were asked to pay a huge amount of money for this...Ending I have to be aggreed with some reviews on other sites where people say that "people at the reception of this hotel are ...rude... and they behave not promptly at all when someone is asking something worthless ... and they exploit your need" Finally i introduce this hotel to anyone that absolutely no need to make any amendment...than his booking...

There are times that one finds a little gem, this was one of those lucky moments for me. I had to be in the area for a class reunion, but also wanted to be near enough to go and visit the Duomo, the Galleria, the Scala and San Lorenzo.

Well, it is difficult to know with what to start. Let's start with Eugenio as one can surely find other good hotels and good rooms, but to find such a pleasant and amazing reception manager is rare and is probably one of the most precious assets any hotel can have.

All hotels in this area had good and bad reviews, so I chose the one which was most convenient for me. From the moment I booked I received emails of confirmation, of welcome and one that spelled out clearly what my Weekend packet included: room with a double (also if one is single), full buffet breakfast, a welcome drink, Ecopass and parking for 48hrs and check-out at 18h00, all for 186 EUR for the two nights. Note that many hotels in this area charge 30 € for 24hrs parking...

I arrived at noon, while check in normally is at 14h, though Eugenio, the reception wizard , waved his magic wand and not only found me a room but gave me an upgrade as well, a room with a marbled bathroom with a jacuzzi-tub and looking out on to the inner courtyard. I imagine that these extras might be available during weekends, but not during week days, considering that Milan is Italy's financial hub and the central location would make this hotel a convenient stop-over.

The room was big, light, airy and spotlessly clean, with a flat screen TV with the option of pay-movies and a safe. It has a sitting area allowing a snack after some busy sightseeing or an aperitif before going out for dinner. Internet is 5 Euro for 3hrs or 10 Euro for 12 hrs.

The hotel is 30 meters into a cobbled side alley from Via Torino, with all the advantages of being super central while offering a much quieter surrounding.It is 3-4 stops by tram (14) to the Duomo or a 10 minute walk. However, the trams are that frequent that one is tempted to just hop on and hop off. Tickets for transport can be found at any Tabacchaio, shops with a big blue T-sign.

All around are good restaurants, with the Pan e Vino just a few yards (on the corner with via Torino) or the Trattoria Milanese in Via Santa Marta, past Piazza Mentana. Just walking these cobbled streets give a feeling of being transported back to Renaissance times. These are no street for killer heels...

Breakfast: a good choice of fresh and cooked fruits, breads, 4 types of croissants (plain, chocolate, cream, jam), ham, mortadella, cheese, various cereals, jams and honey and even chocolate mousse :-)

Facilities: there is a pleasant lounge area where one can read, meet friends or order a coffee. There is also a cocktail bar area for a relaxed drink.

I love hard mattresses, as my back benefits from this, but this might be a problem for those preferring a softer mattress option. However, I would not despair, as Eugenio might know if there is a room with such a mattress and I would therefore make this clear when requesting a room.

Having discovered this place, I would not go anywhere else, as transport to anywhere is just yards away, good and popular restaurants are plentiful, the cobbled alley-ways a delight and sight-seeing options also nearby. And if this were not enough, there is Eugenio as well.

Carrobbio is located in a charming old lane off Via Torino which goes straight to Duomo to the left and to the Roman gates on the right .This is charming , beautiful old Milan. Narrow cobblestone lanes . Some of the best restaurants in the world , yes in the world ! In the restaurants in this neighbourhood Italians feed Italians.So a restaurant will not survive a week if it doesnt serve the best food in the world! The Galleria , an architectural marvel, where Prada had their first shop , is walking distance . So the location is arguably the best in Milan . For the location Carrobbio is reasonably priced . The staff are warm , friendly , helpful and hospitable .The young man in charge of the bar in the evenings is fit for a Ritz Carlton or Four Seasons ! He is stylish , knows his wines , quietly serves you a plate of antipasti as you walk in in the evening after a hard days work and sink into one of the chairs .He knows what you need . He has an excellent selection of wines. And will serve you a glass of any one he has without fuss . Now THAT wouldnt happen in a lot of uberluxury hotels in my country ! Unfortunately breakfast is served in a room in the basement with no natural light while they have that beautiful space with glass ceiling looking at the road sitting empty! But they serve a delicious salami felino ! And poached fish in that sunlit room at lunchtime .