HOTEL GRAN DUCA DI YORK, Milan

The hotel occupies a quiet street in the historic centre, less than five minutes on foot from Piazza del Duomo and the Galleria shopping arcade. The Duomo Metro stop (280 metres, yellow line) connects directly to Milan Central Station (4 stops) and to the Expo 2015 exhibition centre. To reach the hotel from Malpensa Airport, take the Malpensa Express to Cadorna station, then a 10-minute taxi or one metro stop to Cordusio and a short walk. From Linate Airport, bus 73 reaches Piazza Diaz in about 30 minutes, a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The Last Supper is within a 20-25 minute walk, and dozens of restaurants and cafés are on the surrounding streets.

All rooms include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar stocked with free soft drinks (restocked daily), a tea and coffee maker, free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer. Rooms are individually decorated with bright colours and traditional furniture, and some open onto a private balcony. Superior rooms are available with a double bed or two single beds - request twin configuration when booking. Standard rooms are noted as efficiently designed and comfortable; bathrooms are modern and spotless, with either a shower or bath. Some road-facing rooms on lower floors may pick up minor street noise, though the street itself is quiet. A lift is available to all floors, and windows can be opened for ventilation.

Breakfast is served in a bright dining room featuring original frescoes. The buffet includes fresh breads, pastries, croissants, pancakes, eggs, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, cheeses, cold cuts, and cakes. Staff prepare fresh cappuccinos and other coffee drinks on request. The hotel does not have a restaurant for lunch or dinner, but in-room breakfast can be arranged. Each evening from 18:30, complimentary Prosecco and light snacks (olives, nuts, chips, cookies) are offered in the lobby. The minibar in every room is stocked with free soft drinks, still and sparkling water, and juices, replenished daily. Several restaurants, cafés and a Starbucks Reserve Roastery are within a 5-minute walk.

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel at no charge. The 24-hour front desk can assist with restaurant reservations, taxi bookings, printing boarding passes, and packing breakfast bags for early departures. Luggage storage is free for early arrivals and after check-out. A lift serves all floors. The hotel does not have a spa, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, or airport shuttle, but staff can arrange a private taxi transfer. A bar/lounge area offers an evening happy hour with complimentary drinks. The hotel provides umbrellas and has a safety deposit box in each room. Housekeeping is daily and thorough.