Hotel Milano Scala is the practical, well-placed option for visitors who want to be in the middle of things without paying five-star prices. It stands on Via dell'Orso in the Brera quarter, about three minutes on foot from Teatro alla Scala and about six minutes from Piazza del Duomo, which puts most of the classic first-day sights within a short walk. It is a four-star hotel with 62 rooms, ranging from classic and superior rooms to junior suites and suites, so couples, solo travellers and small families can all find a suitable layout. Facilities are those of a compact, well-run city hotel: air conditioning and free Wi-Fi, a gym, a bar and lounge, an art gallery element, a rooftop terrace and an on-site restaurant called La Traviata, a nod to the opera next door. The rooftop terrace is a pleasant place for a drink after a day of sightseeing. Breakfast is available for an extra charge and is served early on weekdays and a little later at weekends, so check the rate you choose to see whether it is included. The district is one of the most attractive in Milan for walking, with small galleries, wine bars and bakeries along the neighbouring lanes, and the Pinacoteca di Brera is a short stroll away.
The location is the main reason to choose it. From the front door you can reach the Galleria, the Duomo, La Scala and the Pinacoteca di Brera without needing a metro or taxi, and the Quadrilatero della Moda is just beyond. In the evening you are surrounded by restaurants and bars, but the street itself is quiet enough for a good night's sleep, although ground-floor and street-facing rooms can pick up some noise.
Living in it
The rooms are comfortable and functional rather than extravagant. Sizes vary, as in most central hotels in older buildings, so if you need space, consider a junior suite or suite. The art-gallery theme and the rooftop terrace give the public areas some personality, and the staff are used to helping with opera tickets, restaurant bookings and directions. For the best rates, travel outside fashion weeks and Design Week, when prices climb across the city.
Who it suits
First-time visitors, couples, opera and art lovers, and anyone who wants a central mid-range base. It is a good alternative to the luxury hotels in the same quarter, and it offers more character than a standard chain. If you prefer a grander setting, the Bvlgari and Mandarin Oriental are nearby, and for a budget-friendlier stay close to the Duomo, the Gran Duca di York is another option.
Why stay here
- ✓62 rooms and suites
- ✓Three-minute walk to La Scala
- ✓Rooftop terrace
- ✓La Traviata restaurant
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Gym
- ✓Air conditioning and free Wi-Fi
- ✓Art gallery in the hotel
Good questions
How far is it from La Scala and the Duomo?+
About three minutes on foot to La Scala and around six minutes to Piazza del Duomo.
Does the hotel have a restaurant?+
Yes. La Traviata is the on-site restaurant, and there is also a bar and lounge and a rooftop terrace.
Is breakfast included?+
Breakfast is available for an additional charge on many rates. Check what your rate includes when you book.
