Grand Hotel Et De Milan - Milano, Italy     

1. It's a fabulous hotel set in the heart of the city. 2. Paying ?12 for a cup of tea sours the experience. 3. On balance I wouldn't go back.

I have stayed here a number of times in recent years. Key is the location - cannot be improved (although it can be noisy as reported by some). The key to this place is that it is THE grand old hotel of Milan and is of considerable importance in the history of the city (Verdi, Callas et al - the connection to La Scala is very strong) but it is not a 5* establishment. The rooms vary and come in different shapes and sizes and some are much better than others. I personally find most of them perfectly adequate (4* standard) and enjoy the atmosphere (compared to the Park hyatt for example) but I can see some may be put off if they come with very high expectations. That said, it is usually quite a bit cheaper than 4Seasons, Bulgari or Park Hyatt. On the issue of breakfast: don't waste your money (this is true for any hotel in Milan). Walk 50 yards into a bar and you will get much better for half the price. I find this a good choice but know it's not a deluxe hotel - rather a first-class piece of history. Probably not suited for most American travellers who look for modcons rather than atmosphere.