My husband and I loved our stay in Milano! Alessandro was quick to respond before and during the trip. He met us at the apartment and gave us a quick tour. As soon as he brings you in, he will show you the recycling and garbage room--make sure you take note of what goes where, as one day I went in and they'd emptied everything and I couldn't remember exactly where to recycle what. I messaged Alessandro to ensure I did everything correctly and of course, he responded immediately.
Cute, little (and I mean LITTLE) old-fashioned elevator with doors that you must open and close to enter and exit. We enjoyed taking it, but we were challenged, just the two of us, piling in with our 2 roll-on handcarries and two other bags!! Otherwise, a few flights of easy stairs will take you to the unit.
Apartment is on a residential street that is quiet, despite conveniently having a supermarket+cafe downstairs, a restaurant at the corner (pretty good food with big portions and great service, and another bakery-cafe across the way that was closed for vacation until the day we left! Lots of businesses were closed in late August (we stayed Aug 20-29) but not to worry, as there are LOTS of other businesses open nearby.
Many cafes where we enjoyed beverages and croissants out on their patios. There is a larger supermarket just 1-1/2 blocks away that sells not just food, as per market next door, but beauty and health products, kitchen and bathroom items, etc.
Chinatown is 1 block away and we were surprised at the variety of restaurants, cafes, stores, supermarkets, etc there. It's clean, nice and covers many square blocks.
Public transit is convenient with a bus stop 1/2 block away, trams a few blocks away, and a taxi stand at the top of the block (although note that on the morning we needed one at 7am. there weren't any there, so if you need one early or late, you might want to book one).
This apartment was centrally located in a safe neighbourhood and we walked home sometimes at 11pm. We enjoyed walking through Sempione Park and through Sforza Castle every day to get downtown, to Duomo (go to rooftop--so cool), shopping districts, etc. We'd recommend you also attend Pinacoteca Ambrosiana Museum--very nice.
It's also very near to the neighbourhood of Brera, which we really enjoyed for shopping and good food.
Comfortable (but softer) mattress and lots of cupboard space. We slept well and it was quiet. Air conditioning, which is a big factor for us, was fantastic. The best thing we loved was the terrace. We ate breakfast/brunch out on it every day (except for the day we had to catch an early train to Torino, which we really enjoyed). It was hot, but such a great terrace with a good view, and the ambience and sounds of a Milano neighbourhood.
It's a small kitchen and the only counter space is between the sink and stovetop. We didn't cook in the unit, but used the fridge for water, fruits, cheese and charcuterie, and leftovers, which we reheated in the oven (no microwave). There is a dishwasher, but I chose to handwash everything. Note that the apartment has a washing machine, but you can't use it.
Decent-sized washroom with a wide sink. Dining room/living room was comfortable and the WiFi worked great.
If we return to Milan we'd stay here again. Thank you, Alessandro, for sharing your home with us!
Warmly,
Christina & Michael
Vancouver, Canada