The best cheap hotels in Milan

This smart and surprisingly quiet hotel in a beautiful 20th-century building couldn’t be more centrally located – right near the Duomo – and the comfortable rooms are spacious and well-equipped. Service is also exceedingly friendly; you’ll be greeted with a welcome drink and a smile. Each of the 27 air-conditioned guest rooms come with a desk and a mini-bar, plus a large-sized bathroom with shower, tub, or both; some have their own small terrace. Though breakfast is available only through room service (at an extra charge), there are plenty of cafes in the area to grab your own. 

This former industrial space turned hotel is filled with modern art and sleek contemporary rooms. It’s also in a fun location near the Navigli canal district. The 246 modular guest rooms are all white with pops of colour; only junior suites and up come with desks and mini bars. There’s also an in-house restaurant and bar – the latter by famed designer Karim Rashid – as well as a small gym and hammam (steam bath). Massages are available in the rooms after a hard day of Milan shopping. 

Mood? Colourful fun palace. 
Location perks? In the hip Navigli district known for its canals and nightlife. 
Budget range? A variety of price options.  
Time Out tip: Try one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes for a fun, fast way to navigate the city.

Only a 15-minute drive to the centre of Milan, Hotel Borgo Nuovo provides is an elegant and stylish outpost. It's situated in a charming environment, away from the city noise, and offers a place to rest your head in luxury without hurting your wallet. The rooms mix a contemporary comfort and atmosphere with vintage items and rustic decor crafted by locals. There are options for standard rooms, suites, or superior rooms, all featuring jewel tones for opulence, and are equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar and cosy beds. The hotel also offers services such as the gym, terrace and sunroof, massages, pilates and a swimming pool. 

Mood? Understated elegance. 
Location perks? Leafy surroundings and views of the Milan skyline. 
Budget range? Wallet-friendly.  
Time Out tip: The hotel is just 700m away from Chiaravalle Abbey, one of the first examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. Don’t pass up a wander around. 

Within walking distance to both the Duomo and Navigli (about 10 minutes to each), this clean, comfy hotel has a convenient location and a low price for Milan. The 37 simple guest rooms, with wood floors and plaid curtains, include air conditioning and mini-bars, while deluxe rooms come with a coffee maker, a bathrobe and slippers, plus complimentary soft drinks. Unlike many Milan hotels – especially ones this well-priced – the continental breakfast is free, which adds to the great value of this hotel.

Mood? Simple and convenient.  
Location perks? On the edge of the residential Ticino district and very strollable to many of Milan’s prime sights.
Budget range? Wallet-friendly.  
Time Out tip: The hotel is just 700m away from Chiaravalle Abbey, one of the first examples of Gothic architecture in Italy. Don’t pass up a wander around. 

Directly opposite Milan’s central train station, this boutique hotel with a hip vibe has fun public spaces enlivened with street art and funky sculptures. The small but stylish guest rooms feature black-and-white cinematic photos on the walls and a cool feel. The fun extends to the Clash Restaurant, which serves up international dishes, while at the lobby bar a DJ spins tunes 'til late in the evening. Two terraces – a fifth-floor space with sun loungers and a twelfth-floor rooftop terrace – as well as a garden outfitted with oversized bean bag chairs are perfect places to rest after a hectic day of sightseeing. 

Mood? Fun-loving city haven.  
Location perks? The perfect spot for traveling elsewhere in Italy or for getting around the city. Besides the train station, there’s easy access to the metro, trams and buses.
Budget range? Spans all budgets.  
Time Out tip: Though there’s an extra charge for the breakfast, it’s a lovely spread that can be worth the cost to fill up on all the pastries, fruit, yoghurt, eggs and more.

Though this contemporary hotel near Milan’s Central Station is a bit less ‘budget’ than some, if you can swing it, it’s worth paying a little bit more for amenities such as a small gym and an in-house restaurant; there’s also a stunning spa with underground baths, though day use costs extra. The hotel’s striking façade features windows lit up in many different colours, which you can control from a switch in your room. The 140 guest rooms, boasting warming neutral tones with plenty of dark wood, all come with desks, minibars, air conditioning and slippers. The main restaurant Rivington serves New York-inspired plates, and there’s also a café for lighter fare.

Mood? Luxurious and fashionable. 
Location perks? Perfect for travelling elsewhere in Italy or for getting around the city.
Budget range? On the pricer side. 
Time Out tip: For wonderful views of the Milan skyline, don’t miss the rooftop bar and lounge.

Though you won’t find a lot of extras at this little hotel located directly above a McDonald’s, it’s really all about the location—on the edge of the hip Navigli canal district. Décor is fun and bright, with lots of black, white and red, and though there’s no real lobby, you’ll likely be out trying all the wonderful restaurants and bars in the area to mind too much. Guest rooms, heavy on the wood and with photographs of Milan on the walls, come with showers only; some rooms have balconies to people-watch the cool kids roaming below. There’s also a small bar if you can’t be bothered to go out for a drink—though wandering the jam-packed streets is half the fun.

Mood? Cheerfully simple.  
Location perks? The hip Navigli district has the highest concentration of bars for aperitivi in town. 
Budget range? Mid-range. 
Time Out tip: Hotel Milano Navigli is just down the street from the much fancier Hotel Dei Cavalieri, where you can find a magnificent rooftop restaruant with city views.

Literally down the street from Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece ‘The Last Supper’, this charming family-owned 19th-century guesthouse is furnished with antiques and has a private courtyard perfect for relaxing. The 16 comfortable guest rooms feature patterned bedspreads and hardwood floors, as well as spacious bathrooms and there are a number of single rooms ideal for solo travellers. Though amenities are few (no minibars, restaurant or gym), service is warm and attentive, and a lovely breakfast spread is included in the price.

Mood? Romantic idyl.  
Location perks? Cadorna Station is a five-minute walk, from where you can take the Malpensa Express to and from the airport, or a subway to easily get around town. 
Budget range? Easy on the purse strings. 
Time Out tip: The Superior Double room has its own lovely private garden, perfect for savouring a cup of coffee in the morning or a glass of Prosecco at night.

Though the out-of-the-way location won’t win any awards for convenience, this simple, modern property prides itself on being organic, from the eco-friendly lights to energy use from renewable sources; even the breakfast focuses on zero-mile foods. Guest room colours and décor are inspired by nature, from forests to glaciers, and come with air conditioning and minibar; bathrooms include showers only. There’s a small wellness area with a sauna, relaxation room, and showers – but it costs €10 extra per hour to try it out.

Mood? Eco-friendly glamour.  
Location perks? The area is good for travelling elsewhere in Italy or for getting around the city. 
Budget range? Extremely reasonably priced. 
Time Out tip: If you reserve your room directly on the hotel’s website, for an extra €10 charge, you can choose a room with either a Jacuzzi tub or a small terrace.

An easy walk to both the main train station and Corso Buenos Aires for shopping, Hotel Mediolanum Milan features a clean, modern design with bright rooms and quirky art. The 51 rooms have boldly coloured wall accents, paintings, chairs and bedspreads, along with desks and parquet floors; all come with mini-bars and air conditioning. Controls in the superior and deluxe rooms let you adjust the colours of the lights depending on your mood to ‘balance your chakras’ – a fun touch. The included buffet breakfast offers a good selection to start your day off right.

Mood? Multi-coloured zen.  
Location perks? Stroll to the Corso Como area for more trendy eating and shopping options (about a 20-minute walk).
Budget range? Various budget options. 
Time Out tip: Cat lovers should make a beeline for the Crazy Cat Café, just down the street, where you can cuddle with a kitty while sipping your cappuccino.

Located right next to Lima Metro Station, on Milan's busiest shopping street, UNAHOTELS Galles Milano is a top pick for those who love the hustle and bustle. All rooms are air conditioned and some include access to the indulgent breakfst buffet. You'll also find wellness facilities from a gym to a sauna, Turkish bath and indoor pool. You can even get a massage if you need some extra TLC after after carrying those heavy shopping bags. 

Mood? Simple yet sophisticated.   
Location perks? Shop 'til you drop without having to carry your bags back too far. 
Budget range? Reasonably priced. 
Time Out tip: Check out the rooftop restaurant La Terrazza, serving international favourites and Italian classics. 

Stay less than a five-minute walk from Milan Central Station by booking a room at Spice Hotel. There are plenty of ways for guests to get around, with the hotel offering direct access to buses, airport shuttle and the metro. While you're not gallivanting across town, spend some downtime in your ultra-comfy air conditioned room or enjoy a homemade breakfast before heading out for the day. 

Mood? Chic convenience.   
Location perks? Multiple transport links for making travelling round the city a breeze.
Budget range? Various budget options. 
Time Out tip: Make the most out of being in the centre of Milan.