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The most old-fashioned of three moderate hotels on a block near the Castello offers smiling service, bright, large rooms with worn but solid old furnishings, and 10 per cent off the next-door restaurant. Rooms get smaller as you go up each floor, so try for the ground floor.

The town’s oldest hotel sits on the little port square – ask for a room overlooking the water. The low prices also include half-board.

The nondescript Manzoni may have only half the class of top-notch neighbours, but it’s also half the price. Save your funds for the boutiques, for this is the epicentre of Milan’s top shopping district. Don’t bother paying extra for the suites, which are only slightly larger than the other rooms.

With 18 meeting rooms, a well-equipped business centre, a floor of Executive rooms, and a location straight down the street from the Fiera, the Milan Marriott was built for the business traveller. If only it were nearer the centre for some sightseeing when the meetings are over.

The austerity of this cement-grey hotel is relieved by the personal touch brought by family management, though many rooms are rather on the small side. Facilities include meeting rooms with secretarial services and ISDN lines.

This beloved old pensione may be turned into a boutique hotel in years to come.

This modest one-star hotel is hidden two blocks behind the Duomo and has a few quirky touches, such as huge stone sinks, moulded door frames and stone balconies, but otherwise is fitted with beaten-up modular furnishings and prone to a grumpy management.

Milan’s rather institutional hostel is located out of the city centre, near the San Siro stadium. It has a nice garden, however.

Staying at this tiny hotel on a residential street off Corso Buenos Aires is like moving in with friends. The high-ceilinged rooms are large and kitted out with spare but homey furnishings. Only one of the eight rooms has a private bathroom.

An exclusive Neo-Palladian stunner sitting on a panoramic perch above its own regal gardens and beach. Antique furnishings and exquisite dining.