Sheraton Milan San Siro

Milan, the fashion capital of the world, blends tradition with innovation on its stylish streets. From iconic boutiques to Milan Fashion Week, landmarks like the Duomo di Milano, panoramic rooftop restaurants and bars, and of course, Sheraton Milan San Siro. It’s right to say in Milan, sophistication meets culture, making it a captivating destination.

Located just about 5-minute from the prestigious San Siro stadium, home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan Football Clubs, the Sheraton Milan San Siro is a 4-star hotel within the Marriott Bonvoy brand. While slightly off the beaten path, as it’s about 30 minutes away from the airport, this hotel is a popular choice for business and conference gatherings, and you’ll see different airlines and their crews utilizing this hotel daily.

Getting There from the Airport:

Initially, I had concerns about reaching the Sheraton Milan San Siro due to its somewhat secluded location and the lack of a straightforward route. However, prior to our arrival in Milan, I managed to identify a more convenient route.

Upon our arrival at Malpensa International Airport (MXP) from New York to Milan in Emirates Business Class Boeing 777, we smoothly cleared immigration within a few minutes. Following this, we promptly collected our luggage and proceeded to the Malpensa Express train ticket office.

We opted for the Malpensa Express train from the airport to Milano Cadorna station, priced at €13 per person, followed by a short cab ride from the train station to the hotel, which totaled around €18 and took approximately 15 minutes. In total, our journey from the airport to the hotel took about an hour, with a combined cost of €31 for a solo traveler. This proved to be a significantly more economical option compared to the €110 quoted by the hotel for airport pickup or drop-off services.

Booking:

Our two-night stay, booked through Marriott Bonvoy, was set at €157 per night, a rate which I can confidently say was both fair and satisfactory. At the time of booking, the equivalent cost in Marriott Bonvoy points for our 2-night stay would have been 33,000 points, had we opted to redeem points for this stay. Though, the points rate later became 56,000 points a few weeks before our stay.

This points rate reminded me of my excellent points redemption I had at the Sheraton Lagos Hotel Ikeja where I was even upgraded to their Vice-Presidential Suite for being a Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador elite. Though about a year later, my next stay there was nothing to write home about.

Checking-In:

Before our arrival, the Marriott Bonvoy app indicated that we had already been upgraded to a Junior Suite on the sixth floor, which is the Concierge Level. However, upon arrival, there was a mix-up, and our room was later changed to a Junior Suite on the second floor.

We were warmly checked in by Alexandro, who took the time to inform us about all the available amenities and thoughtfully explained the benefits associated with my Marriott Titanium status.

The Junior Suite:

The interiors boast a contemporary Milanese design, exuding a chic 1960s vibe with a modern twist. Natural colors are used with luxurious textures and custom-made furniture, creating a stylish and inviting atmosphere.

The 1 Bedroom Junior Suite had a cozy king-size bed with top-notch linens and pillows, along with a nightstand and lamp on each side, making it feel inviting. Plus, there were power outlets and USB ports nearby for convenience.

At one end of the room, there were two chairs and a table facing the TV, along with a wall-mounted table and chair nearby. Additionally, there was a full-sized mirror mounted on the wall, which complements the space.

On the wall-mounted table, there was a Nespresso Coffee Machine, two complimentary boxed waters, and additional power outlets for convenience. The table also had its own chair, serving as a space suitable for dining or work purposes.

The bathroom in this Junior Suite at the Sheraton Milan San Siro is of average size and includes a walk-in shower, a single-vanity sink, toilet, and a bidet. The shower was stocked with environmentally friendly bath products from GILCHRIST & SOAMES, although I personally prefer the LE GRAND BAIN products. Additionally, there were two bathrobes and pairs of slippers available in the room for added comfort.

Hotel Amenities:

The Sheraton Club, located on the sixth floor alongside the hotel gym and spa, primarily serves as a relaxed area for eligible guests to enjoy coffee, water, or soda throughout the day, as breakfast and happy hour are offered at the Silene Restaurant downstairs. Additionally, one section of the lounge functions as a business center, equipped with a computer and printer for guest use.

My Titanium status granted me access to the spa, but we were unable to utilize its amenities during our stay. However, The Sheraton Fitness Center was well-equipped with a variety of workout equipment, including treadmills, free weights, and other exercise machines.

The hotel pool, situated on the lower level, was out of service during our stay. Given that it’s an outdoor pool and our stay was in January, which was winter.

As a gesture of elite recognition, the hotel management kindly delivered a welcoming note along with two boxes of candy and some small chocolates to our room. Though modest, this thoughtful addition truly made us feel valued for our loyalty to the Marriott Bonvoy brand.

Food & Beverage:

In my opinion, the Sheraton Milano San Siro could do better with its food offerings. On our first night, we tried to dine at one of the two restaurants in the hotel, but the service was disappointing, and the menu wasn’t appealing. Fortunately, we discovered Miyama, a Japanese restaurant located just next door from the hotel.

Complimentary breakfast buffet is offered for elites at the Silene Restaurant, but unfortunately, the food didn’t meet our expectations. The quality resembled that of a Hampton Inn or SpringHill Suites, with fruits that didn’t appear fresh and rotten bananas on display. Additionally, the scrambled eggs weren’t replenished despite it being barely past nine o’clock.

The next morning, I requested for breakfast potatoes to be replenished, and to my surprise, the chef brought out a tray from the fridge, scooped some into a bowl, and proceeded to microwave it, all right in front of me.

The Silene Bar & Restaurant, designated as the venue for Marriott Bonvoy elites’ breakfast and happy hour, has been meticulously designed to cultivate a welcoming and communal atmosphere. The space exudes warmth and sophistication, with stylish elements that enhance the overall experience for guests.

More from this trip: The Emirates Lounge New York JFK

Elites Happy Hour:

The food and beverage offerings for Marriott Bonvoy elites during the happy hour were not particularly impressive on our first night, so we opted not to attend the next evening. However, it’s worth noting that this assessment is subjective, and the food may appeal to other guests with different tastes.

Related: The Westin Singapore

Something Worth Mentioning:

One of the standout features of the Sheraton Milan San Siro is its complimentary shuttle service to the city center, providing convenient access for guests. With two time slots (9:30am & 10:30am) available, we opted for the 10:30am shuttle with a return pick-up at 6pm.

The journey takes approximately 30 minutes from the hotel to Duomo Milan, a magnificent cathedral that stands as a symbol of Milan’s rich history and architectural prowess. Surrounding the Duomo is the bustling Piazza del Duomo, a vibrant square teeming with activity and lined with shops, cafes, and historic landmarks. Visitors can admire the intricate Gothic façade of the cathedral, explore the nearby Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, and soak in the lively ambiance of this iconic area of Milan.

Verdict:

The Sheraton Milan San Siro offers certain commendable features that make it a compelling choice for travelers. The hotel boasts modern Milanese design elements, spacious accommodations, generous elites recognition and upgrades, and convenient amenities such as the Sheraton Club and well-equipped fitness center. The complimentary shuttle service to the city center added an extra layer of convenience, which allowed us to explore Milan’s attractions with ease.

However, there are areas where the hotel could improve. The food offerings, particularly during breakfast and happy hour, did not meet our expectations, but despite these shortcomings, the Sheraton Milan San Siro offers a comfortable and enjoyable stay experience. With its convenient location, modern amenities, and friendly staff, I personally wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again, especially if the price is right.