B&B Milano Sant’Ambrogio

Time Out Says:

This immaculately clean budget B&B (part of a larger chain with locations throughout Europe and the United States) in a well-connected residential neighbourhood near the city’s famous Sant’Ambrogio basilica ticks a lot of boxes. Its 94 minimalist yet modern rooms are equipped with everything a traveller would need for a successful stay in Milan, such as comfortable beds,  air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. Deluxe rooms even have terraces and views of the city’s rooftops and cupolas. 

There are a variety of contemporary communal lounges and a small rooftop terrace available to all guests that provides wonderful views of the nearby church. Breakfast is not included but can be purchased for around 10 euros (children pay half price); the morning meal is an abundant buffet of sweet and savoury options, served along with coffee, tea, and a selection of juices. The reception is staffed during the day but if guests arrive after hours, they can enter the property using a PIN code.

The Sant’Ambrogio metro stop is just down the block, making it easy to get around the city, and the Cadorna train station is also nearby with other transport options, including the Malpensa Express train for connecting to the city’s largest international airport. The Navigli district, with its vibrant nightlife scene, is about a 20-minute walk away, but it can also be reached easily via the metro. 

All in all, this hotel is a clean, functional option for those seeking comfort at an affordable price.  

Neighbourhood

Nearby

1. Bar Magenta: Do as the locals do and grab breakfast or aperitif at this historic bar, with its vintage vibe. Established in 1907, it has long been a cultural institution with the Milanese and students from the university nearby.  Located at Via Carducci 13. 
   
   
2. Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum: Located just around the corner from the B&B, this vast museum will appeal to anyone who loves science and unique gadgets. It has a large permanent collection (including models of some of da Vinci’s earliest inventions) with entire sections on rail transport, air transport, naval transport, and space. Though it does have some newer interactive exhibits, many of the areas are endearingly retro.
   
   
3. Viale Papiniano street market: Milan’s largest street market is held on Tuesdays and Saturdays (from early morning until about 3 p.m., typically longer on Saturdays), selling a variety of food items as well as clothing, jewellery, and bargain knick-knacks. Stalls stretch as far as the eye can see along Viale Papiniano (about an 8-minute walk from the B&B). Though not a “flea market” per se, this is a mecca for thrifty shoppers so haggling is par for the course.  

Time Out tip 

Milan’s famed “Last Supper” is nearby, located inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church. While it can be hard to book a slot to visit Leonard da Vinci’s masterpiece (visitors are limited due to the delicate nature of the wall mural), new appointments tend to be added on  the official website on Wednesdays at midday Italy time. It is always better to book well ahead of time, but checking last-minute on the official website on Wednesdays is also an option.