For our first couple of nights in Milan, we we stayed at the Hilton Doubletree in the Certosa neighborhood. After our rumbling drive-through the streets of Milan, I was surprised to see the industrial neighborhood that this particular hotel is located in. I was expecting to do some shopping here, but this is a pretty quiet neighborhood of what seems to be mid-sized auto parts manufacturers.

Pulling up to the hotel I noticed the design was a little more like the Milan I expected. Lean, clean,  modern design, that surround an interesting walkway into the hotel lobby. At the front desk is Stefano and he's great to us with a warm smile and I happy disposition. We chat a bit, and I am amazed at how much English everyone is speaking. Understanding that this is an a high tourist area, But here, as in Brussels, and Nice and Paris last year, everybody speaks crystal clear English. On the one hand you appreciate it because the language differences do not exist. On the other hand, like our hotel Lu Feye Boigelot, you expect to have a little language discrepancy and struggle with your high school Italian.

We check in and head up to the room which is again Euro-modern. It's a good size, comfortable enough as a traveler hotel. Not full on luxury like Hotel Metropole earlier, but we are happy with the accommodations. Again, a bidet, smallish shower, little vanity area, but outside large closet space, fully functional TV, and a view looking back over northern Milan towards the mountains.

We head down to the lobby, and the lobby is spacious, and then we looked around the corner we realize it’s huge. Plenty of seating, a couple of communal bar tables with outlets for laptop work. Around the other corner there’s actually a men’s store in the lobby!

Alright, my first introduction to Milan fashion! Suits, jackets, shirts, ties, shoes and  a few accessories. I actually try on a couple of jackets, really nice fabric both in feel and fabric design, but unfortunately not quite my size. I ask the attendant if he had any others in the back, and unfortunately, no. Oh well, just the first night and I’m sure I’m going to find much more fashion once I get into Milan proper. We walk over to the area next to the men’s store which is a long bar, a great looking spot to have a Campari  or a pre-dinner Asti. There's a good size restaurant where they serve the breakfast in the morning and dinner in the evening. We managed to have dinner here Friday night. I don't know what I was thinking, but I left my phone in the room, and missed out taking photos of one of the better steaks I had this trip. Nancy had a salmon dish that was perfect, so thumbs up to the hotel for a wonderful dinner.

The hotel is located close enough to trolleys so it’s easily accessible to Milano Centro and other areas of Milan. One block to the east is the trolley stop for the Trolley Number 12 which takes you to Milano Centro and il Duomo. About a quarter-mile north is the stop for Trolley 14, which takes you to southwest Milan, Porta Volta park, which is pretty cool and Girabaldi train station. The Certosa Train station is half a mile or so, which equates to a 15 to 20 minute walk, or DoubleTree will provide a shuttle to the station. Although the area is a little dated, and not the glam house of Vogue and Elle magazine, the location is still quite comfortable and of very supportive of tourist travel. In the afternoon, and possibly perfect breakfast, if you want some local Milan faire, café Tom and Jerry is just a couple of steps up the block. Also, there is a small market about a five minute walk up Viale Carlo Espinasse. If you want to pick up local goods, you can get things such as cheese, crackers, fruit, wine and other goodies. Depending on your length of stay, I highly recommend heading over to the shop to grab some local goodies for the room.

By the time we check-out, we have grown quite found of our front desk staff. Stefano, Victoria, Gianni and the gang are so polite, so wonderful, and so helpful, it enhanced our experience to no end. We always felt safe and taken care, not like we were on our own in a strange land, but like we were hanging out with friends. I can't thank them all enough for making this an unforgettable experience.