one thing I can say, to start this review: this is a rare gem, both for short or long-term holidays, and either you're a couple or you're single. how can I make this statement with so much confidence? well, keep reading to discover.
I am an Italian who has lived in Milan for seven years in the past, my girlfriend is an English-Ukrainian with little familiarity with the city. we stayed at Daniela's for a full month. that is why I can say that this review is the result of a pretty thorough test, coming from very different points of view. I'll try and summarize the good (and potentially less good) aspects of it in bullet points, so you can decide if it's the place for you.
1. LOCATION - the position of Casa Puccini is its best selling quality. at a stone's throw from Porta Venezia, from which Duomo is reachable with a pleasant 15 mins walk through stunning buildings, the house sits in a street running parallel to Corso Buenos Aires - the lively shopping street of Milano Nord. there is a metro stop literally around the corner and another two that can be reached with a 5 mins walk. also, Central Station is at two bus stops distance, or less than 15 mins walking. also very easy to reach is the Naviglio Martesana, which is a hidden gem where you can walk by the water and discover the past of the city. if you are looking for an isolated, hyper quiet place, maybe this is not your choice - but I guess that if you're looking for that, the whole centre of Milan is not something you're looking for. but if you want to have the perfect spot to enjoy all the aspects of this city, this place is perfect.
2. SHOPS AND NIGHTLIFE - not only the house is very central, but it's strategically close to literally anything you could need: grocery shops, supermarkets, bars, cafes, restaurants (of all kinds), bookshops, fashion shops, and if that's not enough an amazing street market on Tuesdays and Saturdays. nightlife in Porta Venezia area is rich and varied. luckily, Casa Puccini is in a quieter street with no late-night bars around. but, with a short walk, you can find bars of many kinds: the area close to P.ta Venezia is known for its LGBT community, on the other side of Buenos Aires, up to Viale Abruzzi, you have posh bars and historical landmarks like Bar Basso - while just in Lima, or in the new vibrant neighborhood of NoLo, you can find more hipster choices. there is also quite a vibrant club scene in Lambrate or Central Sation areas.
3. THE HOUSE AND THE OWNER - my gf and I felt like at home in Casa Puccini. it's true that partly this is due to the long time we've spent there. but it's also true that the house comes with everything you need: two electric cookers, cutlery, plates, brand new pans, a microwave, a kettle, a Nespresso machine, a washing machine, a splendid and perfectly working shower (I hate those showers where you need to fight for hours with the water mixer before you can get the right temperature - this was instantly perfect instead), iron, brooms, lots of space for your clothes, two wardrobes, towels, and more... of course, this is just the perfect mirror of a very caring, kind, discreet and available host. it's rare to have such a good experience with a place when the host is not as pleasant. and Daniela is such a host: always ready to help and extremely responsive when we were looking for her.
it's been a beautiful month, and I really do hope that in the future we will have again the chance to be guests of Casa Puccini. thank you, Daniela.
R & M