Chiara is a wonderfully gracious and open host, and she gave me a great sense of what it is like to part of a multi-generational Milanese family. The room with private bath is part of a larger family apartment, and I had everything I needed for my stay. Chiara answered any and all questions quickly, and came to the street to bring me to her flat. The apartment is clean, well kept, and centrally located: in one direction the Duomo and the Galleria, in another La Scala, and in the third the great castle -- all less than 10 minutes away by foot. Did I mention La Brera, the Ambrosiana, via Madonnina and the Poldi Pezzoldi? All nearby.

You reach the apartment by an interior courtyard staircase, which also means it is quiet. Chiara's mother Luciana, whose English is exceptional, was on hand, and we shared stories of our travels. All in all a very pleasurable experience. I hope to be back again soon.

The room was exceptionally clean and well-kept, and