Milan Hotel Overview

When to Visit Milan

Fashion and business reign supreme in Milan—and hotel rates (and availability) are at their mercy. Unless you book well in advance, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a room in Milan during Fashion Week or major conventions. And you can almost forget about finding one priced under €180. So heed this warning Cheapos: If you can, avoid Milan during the months of March, April, September and October. May and November are also popular convention months, but there is usually more flexibility then. Check out fieramilano.it for a full convention schedule.

When the Milan’s temps skyrocket, its hotel rates drop, so if you can handle the heat, visit in summer. Do note, though, that many businesses (including some hotels) close for the August summer holidays. December is also a good month to visit, both for the reasonable hotel rates and the Christmas markets and light shows that make the city magical.

A final word: As is the case with most business cities, many Milan hotels have lower rates on the weekends.

Where to Stay in Milan

Milan’s cheapest hotels are located around the Central Station. Many of these have the barest of bones, but there are also several gems in the mix, including the family-run Hotel Garda and the sunny, welcoming Hotel The Best. Several of our favorite properties are located in the quiet neighborhood of Citta’ Studi, just east of the city center. (We heart the friendly, sunny recommended hotels in Milan.

Related posts from our blog

• When to get the best hotel rates in Milan
• A “worth it” rail connection: Milan to Brig, Switzerland (and beyond)
• Free admission to Milan’s Sforza Castle
• What to order at an Italian café: A quick guide to Italian coffees

Updated and edited: December 2011