At the beginning of January, we were on our way back from Pozzuoli heading to Germany. We made a stopover at the Bed & Breakfast La Borasca in Casalpusterlengo , south of Milan. A quiet spot, ideally suited for a break on a long drive. The next morning, we set off northward from there. We made it as far as the southern Milan area before things came to a halt after about 30 kilometers: our second breakdown in a short period of time.
Why Linate was the obvious solution
Our car broke down that Sunday morning in January. We were towed and eventually ended up at a repair shop in San Donato Milanese. In moments like these, reliability is what matters most. We needed a solid place to stay on short notice within easy reach, and we spontaneously chose the Crowne Plaza in the Milan Linatearea. The location is not tourist-oriented but functional: excellent transport connections, a business environment, and short distances to everything. For our situation, that was exactly what we needed. The hotel is a large, distinctive building that immediately stands out in the area around Linate. From the outside, it is no beauty, almost a genuine concrete block. The nearest metro station is a few minutes' walk away, from which it is easy to get to central Milan.
From the moment one enters, it is clear that the hotel caters to international guests and business travelers. The lobby is generously designed and flows into an open lounge and bar area. There, one encounters travelers from many countries, people between flights and appointments. Despite its size, the operation feels calm and professional. Especially in an unplanned stressful situation , such a structured environment is reassuring, as it quickly conveys a sense of being taken care of. English is naturally spoken, though throughout our stay we communicated exclusively in Italian with the hotel staff, which worked very well.
Rooms: spacious, quiet, very clean
Our room was noticeably larger than expected, very clean, and in excellent condition. The furnishings are modern and functional, with a comfortable bed, a well-usable work area, and a spacious bathroom. Particularly important to us was the quiet. Despite the proximity to the airport , hardly any traffic noise was audible. After the stress of the breakdown, that was exactly what we needed: close the door, settle in, unwind.
The hotel features both a bar and its own restaurant. We had dinner there and were pleasantly surprised. The cuisine is classically Italian with an international touch, nothing experimental but consistently solid quality. After a long day full of logistical challenges , that was ideal. I ordered (as always) Tagliatelle al Ragù and got exactly what one hopes for in such a moment: a good, warm, well-prepared dish.
Breakfast good, but pricey
On one occasion, the breakfast buffet was sampled. The selection and quality were convincing, with sweet and savory options as well as hot dishes. The price for two people came to just under 40 euros. For the second morning, that felt too steep, so it was skipped. The hotel's orientation toward the business segmentis clearly evident here.
Our own vehicle remained at the repair shop in Milan. Through ADAC, a rental car was arranged, which was picked up at the airport from Sixt. From there, the drive back to the hotel was straightforward. Parking directly near the property was easy to find. After two nights, the morning departure in the rental car back to Solingen was finally underway.
Crowne Plaza Milan Linate: not a classic vacation hotel
The Crowne Plaza Milan Linate is not a classic vacation hotel but a large, professionally run business property. That is precisely why it is an excellent choice for unplanned stopovers. Comfort, quiet, efficient processes, and good infrastructure made our unintended stay considerably more pleasant. Nights like these are never planned, but when they become necessary, it is a relief to have a hotel that delivers reliably.