Hotel Edy

A little rough around the edges but still cheerful -- this hotel has a bit of a split personality, but at core remains a budget option with more charm than most when it comes to two-pearl spots in Milan. Patches of paint are missing on the classic facade of the orange, corner building that houses Hotel Edy, while inside the lobby is painted in warm yellows and reds. Quotes in English and Italian are pasted on the walls throughout the hotel, like John Lennon's famous line, “You may say I’m a dreamer,” or the Italian translation of Edgar Alan Poe's famous line: “Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.” There's not much to do here outside kicking back at night in the simple rooms, and most of the clientele consists of couples, friends, and singles who are looking for a reasonable place to sleep for the night.

The hotel is located in a quiet, residential area with free public parking on the street for those traveling by car. There are a handful of restaurants in the area, including one directly next to the hotel, as well as a Carrefour grocery store within a three-minute walk. It’s a five-minute walk to the Gambara Metro station, and trips into the historic center of the city and the Duomo di Milano will take 15 minutes. Milan's posh shopping areas around Via della Spiga and Via Monte Napoleone will take 20 to 25 minutes to reach by metro, and it's a 35 minute trip to the up-and-coming Navigli neighborhood. Expect an hour-long commute to Linate Airport on public transportation, which is just over 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms at Hotel Edy have a charming appeal, decorated in warm tones of yellow, gold, and red on walls and in bedding. Rooms have striped curtains, monochrome bedspreads on beds, and whimsical decor that ranges from inspirational quotes to butterfly appliques on the walls to vibrant photographs. Furniture is simple, with light wood veneer surfaces. All rooms include electric kettles and tea, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have air-conditioning. While a range of bathroom facilities are available, they can be dated. Some rooms have shared bathrooms, while others have private bathrooms with tight, stand-up showers. One room we looked at had a bidet, sink, and shower sharing the space with the sleeping area. Rooms are generally clean, but there are some maintenance issues, especially in the shared bathrooms. Past guests have complained about thin walls and being disturbed by guests using the shared bathrooms. 

There aren’t a lot of amenities at Hotel Edy. The hotel’s best feature is its location within a five-minute walk to the metro station. There’s a coffee machine in the lobby, but it costs extra and there's nowhere to sit and drink a cup. Breakfast and food aren't served at the hotel. Wi-Fi is free, and generally fast. There’s free street parking near the hotel, and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.