Best Western Plus Hotel Felice Casati

From the outside, the hotel’s yellow painted exterior and Juliet balconies give it a traditional Milanese appearance. That look continues indoors, where decor draws on classical motifs as well. Oak paneling is complimented by gold damask wallpaper, setting a character-filled tone right off the bat. You can expect to see brass framed mirrors, glass chandeliers, leather couches, and granite flooring. Large oil portraits hang in the corridors and around the small bar, adding to the Old World appeal. It's not all about the interiors here, though, and there's an outdoor terrace offering a place to relax amid plants and greenery. Features are few, though, and there's little to keep people hanging about on-site for long periods of time. As such, the atmosphere is pleasantly quiet, attracting tourists and business travelers alike.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Hotel Felice Casati is situated on a quiet side street just off of busy Viale Tunisia, in the Centrale district of Milan. This happening area has plenty of bars and places to eat, like the hipster-friendly Cafe Pave, and the traditional seafood restaurant, Mamma Rosa Osteria Grill (both under a two-minute walk away). Corso Buenos Aires is a four-minute walk from the hotel for excellent shopping. Otherwise, you'll need the metro to get around, or expect longer walks to the major sights. Porta Venezia Metro station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel, while Milano Centrale Train Station is 12 minutes away on foot. Expect a 15-minute metro ride to the Duomo and Palazzo Reale, and a similar tram ride to La Scala Opera. It’s a 20-minute cab ride to Linate Airport, or 30 minutes by bus. Malpensa Airport will take around 50 minutes to reach by car, or an hour and 10 minutes by metro and train.

Rooms at this hotel continue the classic decor found elsewhere, albeit with a bit less glamor. Details like dark wood flooring, mahogany effect furniture, and cream-colored walls come together for an old-school -- if not particularly exciting -- look. Beds are comfortable, with white linens, golden-yellow throws, and matching accent pillows. Rooms are clean and come with desks, minibars, electric kettles, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms have a safe, and all include free Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. Don’t expect to see much of Milan from your window, as views are limited to buildings across the street (at the front), or into a private courtyard (at the rear). En-suite bathrooms are small and clean. You'll find bidets, tiny glass-enclosed stall showers, and standard shower heads. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided.

The hotel has a simple selection of features that put it just above a budget hotel. One of the nicer highlights is the free continental breakfast buffet, which includes organic and gluten-free options. In the lobby, guests can pick up free pastries, biscuits, and hot drinks throughout the day on a self-serve basis. A small bar is ideal for pre-meal drinks, while the lobby, lounge areas, and private courtyard terrace offer places to unwind. While the fitness room is free to use, it's only sufficient for basic workouts. A meeting room is available on request, and there's an internet station with printing. Free bicycles are a convenient way to explore the area and city at large, and the concierge desk is always staffed. The hotel will arrange a shuttle service to and from airports for a fee, and valet parking is available in the hotel’s private garage (also for a fee).