Stayed for a couple of nights - is not as expensive as options tight downtown but is 10 minutes by taxi. Is in the heart of Chinatown so don't be surprised ! Several nice cages and restaurants around and the staff were all very helpful

Very nice hotel. I loved it. The room was perfect, the staff was helpful and kind, the breakfast amazing with tasty freshly squeezed orange juice, good cakes, and pleny of everything a I like.
Use a number 2 tram from end of road to Doumo, Castle or to Navigli area for E1.5.

Hotel is fairly easy to find from the centrale station. Take the No 1 tram to republlica and then jump on the No 37 bus to stop - procaccino messina. We opted for the 48hr travel card that you could buy on the plane and this was well worth it as you can use all types of public transport.
The first time you use it you have to validate the card in one on the machines on the bus/tram/train but then you dont have to have it out again unless you use the underground. As long as you have it with you in case you get stopped. We didnt see anyone checking tickets however if you get caught without one it is 100Euro fine.

The area as we found with most of Milan actually is quite degraded but I did not feel unsafe. The hotel staff said that it is unlikely to get trouble as a lot of people are in Italy without papers so they cant afford to get into problems.

The hotel itself was like a pure oasis, staff were extremely helpful and spoke english if you wanted to. Our room was lovely, clean and the biggest bed I have ever seen in my life.
The weather while we were here was cold and wet but the rooms were boiling even with the window open. I wouldnt recommend the hotel in summer unless you get a room with working aircon. We didnt eat here but heard the food was ok. There are plenty of lovely cafes and resturants nearby and the best and biggest pizza I have ever had. If I was ever going to return to Milan it would be for one day for that pizza. Ask Andrei the barman for directions.
Andrei was extremely helpful and fun person to speak with.
We did not rate Milan and wont return but if you end up here and you stay at this hotel heres a couple of recommendations for you.

1st - Use public transport dont get ripped of by taxis. Its easy, clean and cheap. It also allows you to see the real side of a place.
2nd - try to order in italian or if you get a non english menu dont panic just pick something all the food is lovely.
3rd - stand up in a cafe and drink your drink like the locals do (it will save you paying double).
4th - Talk to Andrei about where to go and have a drink in the hotel bar. Try one of his made up cocktails - you will have a great night but might struggle to get up for breakfast :)
5th - Read the reviews on the city as most if it is a building site and you dont want to waste your time visiting something thats surrounded by hoarding.
6th - take a long time with your meals, order wine and enjoy.

We have recently spent a three day break in Milan. On arrival at the Hermitage Hotel we were greeted by very helpful staff who had excellent English. They were extremely helpful and assisted us with our very dodgy map reading every day and evening!
Our room was big enough and hosted three immaculate single beds which were changed, not just made, on a daily basis. Our towels were also changed daily even though we had hung them up to use again. Breakfast was very substantial with the offer of bacon, eggs, toast, jam, ham, cheese, fresh fruit etc. And copious amounts of coffee for our hangovers!
The service from all staff was excellent. We had an iron and ironing board delivered to our room, which we kept for the whole stay, within five minutes of our request.
The bar staff were exceptional. Andrei was like our tour guide from a distance! We asked for a recommendation for a nice restaurant for a special birthday and we were very pleasantly surprised. Andrei recommended the Brellin restaurant which is situated on the canal. It was a stunning building inside and out with beautifully served food and wine (approx 25 euros per main meal and 30 euros for a bottle of Pinot Grigio).
We fancied a chinese on our last night as the Hermitage is situated in China town. Andrei pointed us towards 999 Chinese Restaurant where we spent a very pleasant evening eating good food and drinking with the very friendly owner. This is only two streets away from the Hermitage and well worth a visit.
On our first night we were extremely pleased to learn that the Hermitage were hosting a jiving session where we were invited to buy a drink and help ourselves to the beautiful spread of food. This evening was a blast watching some very experienced jivers and enjoying the large buffet made up of some stunning dishes. We left the hotel to go out and explore but ended up back within half an hour due to the fact that the staff and jiving session were well worth staying in for even though this was our first night!
The trams were very regular and with the purchase of a 48 hour ticket, they are all the transport that is needed.
This holiday was amazing from start to finish. The hotel was immaculate and well worth recommending to others. Andrei was the icing on the cake!!!