Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan City

The Crown Plaza Hotel Milan was built in 2008 so the structure and public areas are fairly new with a modern design and spacious layout. Rock gardens flank the curved glass entrance and the lobby is done with black and white marble and large windows overlooking the street. White slipcovers top sofas while soft gray chairs look new. A marble staircase with glass partitions leads up to a second seating area. Free hot tea is available throughout the day. On a clear day, there are views of Monte Rosa. Considering its location and many business features, it's no surprise that the hotel largely attracts business travelers. Couples often stay at the hotel as well, but many families choose similarly-priced hotels that also have pools.

It's hard to beat the Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan for fast and direct access to both the Milan Central Train Station and Sondrio Metro Station. Guests can quickly get most anywhere in Milan via these portals. The neighborhood directly surrounding the hotel is bustling with heavy traffic and loads of shops and restaurants, though you'll have to take the subway a few stops to get to the high-end boutiques on Via Montenapoleone or to the Duomo Cathedral. There's private parking at the hotel (a rarity in this neighborhood), but you'll pay daily for it.

There are 109 rooms and suites at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Milan. Air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and sleeping aid amenities are standard, as are electric kettles for making tea. The decor is mostly classic with blasé wooden furniture and white sheets, but graphic art of a woman's face in black and white above the beds is an interesting modern touch. Stains on upholstered desk chairs are obvious. Bendable reading lamps are mounted on the wall next to each bed. Marble in the bathrooms looks expensive and the free toiletries are nicer than average. Bathtub/shower combinations can be found in the rooms with the lowest rates, while suites have rain shower heads. Plush slippers are provided on a wooden shelf underneath the single sink. An upgrade is required for an unfurnished balcony or more square footage. Past guests have complained of interior noises within the hotel.

The daily breakfast buffet gets high marks (only in Italy do you get sparkling wine before 9 a.m.) but there's a charge for it. Metropolitan Restaurant serves Italian and international dishes for lunch and dinner. The lobby bar is a popular spot for happy hour and snacks served indoors and outside on a cute veranda. From the small gym, you can see distant views of Monte Rosa. Technogym equipment is available with a weight bench. The sauna and Turkish bath in the wellness center are also great perks for this price point.

Business services include an Internet corner with a printer and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Four meeting rooms have different options for seating and available equipment. Check rates at nearby BEST WESTERN Hotel Galles if you want an indoor swimming pool.