I've never actually been very big on spending extended periods in Milan, but sometimes I have to appease my cousin, and the last three times he really met me halfway since booking was up to him.

He got me a room at Hotel Straf, which was cool enough to almost change my opinion of Milan, and definitely gave me the best stay. The staff was really helpful and professional, but took it to the next level and was genuinely FRIENDLY, which I know can be difficult with large chain hotels in any corner of the world.

24-hour reception and a gym was a nice plus, and leave it to my cousin to find me the place with the best bar :-)

As much as I love Italy for its history and antiquity, as well as ornate elegance, I'm equally drawn to modern decor and this place blows me away each time. The rooms are all unique with their own little touches, which just makes it more fun on every visit. Each time a pleasant surprise awaits me, though I must say I'm honestly in love with the brass and the black stone bathrooms (I can't remember the suite numbers now, sorry!). And the bar having massage chairs and aromatherapy rooms? EXQUISITE, absolutely exquisite! Anyway, this is definitely the place to stay in Milan, and very central, and it's definitely the place I'll be on my next trip.

Also, the booking agency speaks perfect English and is very prompt, so if you don't speak Italian, you can do this all yourself with a really user friendly site and don't have to go through cousins! And of course the hotel staff itself is well versed in more than two languages!

Here's where I booked: www.italiancollection.com/en/hotel-straf.html

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The wine region of Lombardy with tens and tens of cantines. Combine the best of both worlds and stay in the tranquil Oltrepo, while visiting Milan during the day or night.

www.duepadroni.it

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Only 20 minutes away from the Duomo, this hostel is by Idroscalo, with its swimming beach and lake.

It's a really social hostel with a cool Italian bar and is opposite the 'rolling stone' nightclub if you want to go out.

Lots of good freebies - breakfast, linen, wi-fi and a city map.

www.hosteldiablo.com/

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A football bar in the home of Calcio. This small sports bar has a lively atmosphere, showing football and rugby to a predominantly Inter Milan crowd, although they accommodate all supporters and carry games from Britain and elsewhere.

Via Procaccini, Milan (off Corso Sempione) www.blogfromitaly.com/four-four-two/

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