During a recent visit to Milan, we chose Hotel Carrobbio for our 3 night stay in the fashion capital of Italy. The small hotel is located in a one way street off the main drag of Largo Carrobbio in an old sheltered district that was once full of carriages, hence the name carrobbio.
Arriving in the evening after an eventful day at Lake Como, check-in is efficient. Our superior double room decked in warm tones, matching drapes and soft lighting creates an inviting and homely ambience.
A table and chair occupy a small area in one corner and serves as a good spot to store our suitcases away from the bed.
The wardrobe with hanging space and drawers is a little awkward to get to, particularly when one of us is occupying the plush chair in front of the desk/dressing table downloading photos or getting ready to go out.
The bathroom is narrow and long, extending the width of the room. It has a modern look and the fittings are in very good condition. The shower screen is small but this is what you can expect to find in most Italian homes and hotels.
Our room has a little balcony with rolling shutters but the view leaves little to be desired. Located at the rear of the hotel, it is very quiet and overlooks the glass-covered dining area below.
Breakfast is included in the room rate. Served on the lower level in a continental buffet style, there is a choice of pastries, cakes, toast, jams, cheese and cold meats. If you like a sweet start to the day, the variety of cakes won’t disappoint.
Coffee and tea orders are taken on arrival and served at the table. On the first day, I had the worst coffee in Italy when the waitress wrongly assumed I wanted a watered down caffè americano. She soon rectified it with a good caffeine hit in the form of a strong espresso.
Wifi is available in the room and in designated areas at additional cost.
Service at Hotel Carrobbio can be slow at times. Their business-like manner may be interpreted as being a little standoffish particularly when they’re busy at reception. Answering a telephone and handing out room keys are mutually exclusive so be prepared to wait. When you’re checking out, it is best to allow sufficient time as the queue can be long and moves very slowly.
Overall, our hotel stay was pleasant. We spent considerable time in the room as we were both fighting off a cold and found it a comfortable and quiet place to get some repose. Breakfast was satisfactory though the décor is a little tired as is no match to the rest of the hotel. On the night of our arrival, we had a drink in the hotel bar, an expensive experience we did not repeat as there are a few bars in the area where you can enjoy an aperitivo in a convivial atmosphere.
While the location of Hotel Carrobbio is a mere 10 minute walk to the Duomo, I found the graffiti-ridden neighbourhood lacking in charm. There aren’t too many restaurants around if you like to venture out for a passegiata and find an eatery that tempts you. Pane e Vino, a wine bar, restaurant and food shop is located around the corner which serves anything from breakfast to light meals and dinner in elegant and modern surrounds (review to come). Pane e Acqua, where we enjoyed a fabulous dégustation dinner is a twenty minute stroll from the hotel.
The welcome message on the television screen is a nice touch.
Hotel Carrobbio
Via Medici 3
20123 Milan
Italy
Too bad you were unwell though it looks like you picked the right hotel for a restful stay.
It’s awful getting sick on holidays. At least we had the opportunity to rest for a bit before continuing with the rest of the trip.