IH Hotels Milano Watt 13: Milan's Chicest Hidden Gem?
IH Hotels Milano Watt 13: Milan's Chicest Hidden Gem? Or Just a Pretty Tile? My Messy, Honest Review.
Okay, so I'm back from Milan. And yeah, I hit up the IH Hotels Milano Watt 13. "Chicest hidden gem," the brochure chirped. Let's unpack that, shall we? Because frankly, after navigating the Milanese metro system with a suitcase that definitely wasn't carry-on, "hidden gem" almost felt literal. Finding the place was an adventure in itself!
Accessibility & Getting There:
- Accessibility: Alright, let's be real. I wasn't rolling in on a wheelchair, so I didn't fully test the waters. But the hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. There’s obviously an elevator, a huge plus for someone who'd just spent four hours lugging crap around. I'm assuming things are relatively accessible, but for a truly comprehensive accessibility review, I'd need to hear from someone who actually needs those features.
- Getting Around: The hotel does offer airport transfer, which I'm kicking myself for not taking. The Milanese taxi drivers…let's just say they have opinions on luggage. Also, free car park [on-site], something that matters a lot to me.
First Impressions & the "Hidden Gem" Factor:
Walking in, the vibe is… well, it tries to be chic. Think minimalist lines, a lot of polished concrete, and a vaguely industrial feel. "Hidden gem"? Maybe. It's definitely not on the main tourist drag, which can be a good thing, but it also means you might spend a bit more time on public transportation. That brings up the next question, is it worth the extra hassle?.
Checking In & Out (or: The Art of Impatience):
- Contactless check-in/out: Score! I'm all about efficiency, especially after a long flight (or a harrowing metro ride).
- Express check-in/out: Even better. Less time standing around, more time exploring and collapsing into bed.
My Room: The Good, The Bad, and the "Where's the Plug?"
Here's where things get real.
- The Good: My room (Non-smoking, Air Conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Blackout Curtains - Thank you, gods!) was generally comfortable. The beds were comfy, and the shower pressure was decent, which is a win in my book. Extra long bed? - a small but necessary luxury. They had bathrobes, too! Plus… wait for it… free bottled water! (Yes, I’m easily pleased).
- The Bad: Okay, here’s the kicker… Sockets near the bed? Yes, one near the bed. ONE. In the age of phones, tablets, and charging everything, it was a travesty. I had to choose: charge my phone and read a book, or watch that on-demand movie. That's where things got difficult. The room decoration was…fine. Clean, if a little sterile. The desk in the room felt like a tacked-on afterthought, which is not really great, also, the internet access – LAN may have been available, but I didn't see it. I wanted that Wi-Fi [free], and I wanted it now.
- The "Ugh": The window that opens was a nice touch, but overlooking what? I think it was another building, or maybe an alley and it felt that the room was not very bright at times, so it would have been nice to open the blackout curtains and have something beautiful to face.
Dining & Drinking (or: My Carb-Loading Adventure):
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was… acceptable. Loads of options and the staff, in general, was accommodating. I loaded up. (It’s a vacation, right?). Asian cuisine in restaurant with Asian breakfast, I didn't try it, but interesting.
- Restaurants: There is an a la carte restaurant and buffet in restaurant available, but I only ended up eating at the restaurant for breakfast. The prices seemed a little high.
- The Bar: I did spend a glorious hour at the bar one evening. They make a decent Aperol Spritz. Happy hour? Yes, please.
- Room Service (24-hour): Glorious. Absolutely glorious. I ordered pizza at 2 AM one night. No regrets. Thank you, IH Hotels, for understanding the late-night cravings of a jet-lagged traveler.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (or: Where's the Spa?!)
Okay, here's where the "chic" starts to feel a little… underwhelming.
The Spa: The hotel does have a spa/sauna, including a steamroom. I, however, didn't get a chance to try it. I was too busy… exploring Milan, I guess? (Translation: I was too lazy and full of pizza to venture). But it exists! If you're into that sort of thing, you might get your zen on. Pool with view, I could have used that more!
Fitness Center: I did peer into the fitness center once. Looked… functional. I'm not a gym rat, but if you are, it's there.
Cleanliness & Safety (or: Did I Survive?)
- Cleanliness: Everything in the hotel seemed impeccably clean.
- Safety: Felt safe and secure. CCTV in common areas and security [24-hour] gave a peace of mind.
The Staff & Service (or: The Italians, Bless Their Souls):
The staff were generally helpful and polite, but at times I felt they were a bit… distracted. The front desk was also very helpful and they were ready to attend to any need.
The Bottom Line: Chic Gem or Shiny Pebble?
Look, the IH Hotels Milano Watt 13 isn't bad. It's comfortable, clean, and the location, while a little out of the way, isn't terrible. Some people would say that is a good starting point. However, the "chic" factor? I think it comes down to your definition of chic. It's not a place that wows you with its personality. It's not going to be mentioned on every corner of the city. It's a place that is good to stay at and maybe find a nice restaurant.
Would I go back? Maybe. If the price was right and I was looking for a clean, comfortable basecamp with a good breakfast and 24-hour room service. But if I'm after a place that oozes character and has a mind-blowing spa, I’d keep looking.
GK Resorts Sidhbari: Unbelievable India Getaway You Won't Believe!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your pristine, Instagram-filtered Milan itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL, baby. We're talking IH Hotels Milano Watt 13, and a whole lotta… well, let's just see what happens.
Milan, Italy: A Messy, Wonderful Romp (and Maybe a Nap or Two)
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and a Pizza Pilgrimage
Morning (ish) - Arrival & The Holy Grail of Hotels: Flight lands. Whew. Always feels like you've been stuffed in a sardine can with wings, doesn't it? Dragging the suitcase (the one that always weighs more than you think) towards the IH Hotels Milano Watt 13. Seriously, that name rolls off the tongue, doesn't it? Fingers crossed the AC works. Italian hotels, you never really know. The check-in guy, bless his heart, greets me with the world's most enthusiastic "Buongiorno!" which, after 12 hours of travel, feels slightly aggressive. Thankfully, the room's decent. Clean. Good. That's all I ask.
Afternoon - The Jet Lag Monster Strikes… or Actually, It's Just Me: Right, so the plan was: hit the ground running, soak up the Italian vibes. Reality? I'm fighting the urge to curl up on the bed and weep/sleep simultaneously. Okay, ten minutes. Just ten minutes, I tell myself. (Spoiler: it was an hour.) Woke up feeling like a wet sock. Still, gotta rally. Coffee, stat! And, of course, a gelato or two… you know, for "energy."
Evening - Pizza, Praise Be! So, I stumbled out. I'm wandering around, looking for food, and the pizza craving hits me like a freight train. I find this little place – Pizzeria XYZ (insert a local pizza joint here, I'm too lazy to look up specific names right now). Place is buzzing! The smell of baking dough and oregano is intoxicating. I squeeze into a table, order the Margherita (classic, baby, can't go wrong), and bam! Pure, unadulterated pizza bliss. The crust is perfect, the sauce sings, the cheese… oh, the cheese. I devour the whole thing, completely unapologetic. This, my friends, is why we travel.
Day 2: The Duomo, Canals, and a Near-Disaster with Parmesan
Morning - The Duomo & Me vs. Tourists: Okay, the Duomo. Magnificent. Seriously, breathtaking. I mean, you've seen the pictures, but standing there… it's different. The sheer size, the intricate details… I get jostled by the biggest and oldest tourists I have ever seen when taking a picture of the cathedral and get shoved out of the way. Trying to take a picture is a battle, dodging selfie sticks and rogue elbows. But hey, I got a good shot… eventually.
Afternoon - Canals and a Slightly Embarrassing Incident: Navigli district. So charming! Waterways, colorful buildings, and oh, the aperitivo! I find this little bar with outdoor seating. Perfect for some people-watching. Order a Negroni, which, let's be honest, I probably don't actually like, but it's Milan, so you have to, right? The conversation isn't the most natural. Also, I order a plate of cheese. They brought out a HUGE wedge of parmesan. I tried to shave off a piece – and basically, launched half a block into the air. It landed with a thud on the street, right in front of some very stylish Milanese people. I'm pretty sure I turned as red as my Negroni. I just, I just… I blame the jet lag. I think about parmesan on the street, and I cringe.
Evening - Dinner Disaster… or Maybe Not? I have a reservation at a place that, according to the reviews, is AMAZING. I got lost getting there. Of course, I did. And when I get there, the place is packed, and… the "amazing" risotto isn't that… amazing. It's a little bland, a little… meh. Feeling a bit deflated. But, in true me fashion, I order a second helping of the parmesan cheese from the breadbasket. I devour it and call it a win.
Day 3: Art, Shopping, and an Unexpected Moment of Zen (and Possibly a Stolen Nap)
Morning - Art Attack and the Unbearable Rightness of Being: Pinacoteca di Brera. Yes, the art. I'm not an art expert, but even I am impressed. Caravaggio. Wow. Just… wow. I stand there, transfixed, staring at the painting. Suddenly, I'm okay. I feel a little bit better. Maybe I'm starting to "get" this whole art appreciation thing. I bought a postcard.
Afternoon - Shopping & the Siren Song of the Sale: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is pure eye candy. The architecture! The designer shops! The crowds! I browse, feign the effortless style of the Milanese, and then… I see a sale. That's right. A SALE. My inner shopaholic awakens. I fight the urge to buy a ridiculously expensive handbag that I absolutely don't need. I win. Barely. I come away with a cool scarf. I count that as a win.
Evening - Finding My Inner Peace (Eventually): I want to watch the sunset. So, I go to a little park. I find a bench, and stare at the sky. It's beautiful. The trees, the flowers, the stillness. I just breathe. I think about the entire trip and how amazing it is. And suddenly, the world's okay. I'm okay. And then… I fall asleep. I sleep for like an hour. I wake up, slightly disoriented, and then I eat some gelato. It's the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Day 4: Departure – Saying Arrivederci, With a Few Regrets (and a Promise to Return)
Morning - Packing, Regrets, and a Final Espresso: The dreaded packing. I have way too many dirty clothes, and souvenirs, and I have no idea how to fit it all in my suitcase. I'm already regretting not buying that handbag. The airport is too crowded. I grab a quick espresso and a cornetto. One last taste of Italian life.
Afternoon - Goodbye, Milan (For Now!) The plane takes off. I look out the window at Milan, shrinking below. I leave. I'll be back. Because even with the occasional mishaps, the jet lag, and the near-parmesan-disaster, Milan? It's magic. And I am ready to do the whole thing over again.
