This was a new IHG hotel for me and it was nowhere near Linate airport, despite its name. There wasn't even a shuttle and it was quite a challenge with public transport unless you have a head for that sort of thing (like me!). I was able to arrive and leave from San Donato Milanese suburban train station, much to the bemusement of the check-in staff. It's totally doable but it's the sort of urban wasteland train station that, at night, you might expect the horror clown to show up at (remember those videos?). If you come by car there's loads of free parking around the hotel, especially by San Donato Milanese station, so don't get sucker punched by the hotel offering their parking for a significant upcharge!


Exterior of the Crowne Plaza Linate airport as I approach it from St Donato suburban railway station


Reception area of the Crowne Plaza Linate airport

The Crowne Plaza Linate is another of those hotels displaying faded grandeur, typical of the Crowne Plaza brand. But in fairness, none of the public areas of the hotel were run down or faded at all, despite the feeling that Crowne Plaza exudes. The hotel is in a high rise with a lobby, bar area, restaurant and conference rooms with lots of space. I enjoyed my short stay at the bar enjoying my free platinum member drink, but prices at the bar were far too high: you're not going to knock back more than one small beer here before reality kicks in. Staff at check-in were pleasant and helpful, despite being somewhat old school, and they spoke English impeccably.


Bar area in the spacious ground floor of the hotel


The breakfast buffet was really good at this hotel

As a Platinum member I was offered an upgrade to a a Superior room, followed by a double upgrade to a Deluxe room and was given the opportunity to view the rooms because I checked in so early. Oddly, I chose the Superior room because I felt that it had the edge over the Deluxe room. In truth, both rooms were pretty small and I hesitate to think what a standard room was like (probably the same size). The room was comfortable enough, but I really didn't sleep that well in it - it was ok, but nothing more. The bathroom and shower facilities were good enough and soap, shower gel and conditioner were provided by Antipodes. I booked a rate which included breakfast and it was a pretty decent spread, with hot and cold items and the usual muesli options, with various fruit juices and a surprisingly good coffee machine (given what they're usually like). It was a good stay, but would I go back? Not sure...


Interior of my so-called Deluxe bedroom


Showing the flat screen TV and the main exit to the room