Unbelievable Italy Getaway: AS Hotel Sempione Fiera!
Unbelievable Italy Getaway: AS Hotel Sempione Fiera - A Whimsical Wanderer's Review (Brace Yourself!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on the AS Hotel Sempione Fiera in Milan. Forget those dry, corporate reviews. I'm here to tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (well, my truth, at least). And let me tell you, it was… an experience. Let’s dive in, shall we? I’m still recovering, honestly.
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First Impressions & Accessibility? (A Mixed Bag, Folks!)
Okay, let's get this straight. I'm not a wheelchair user myself, but I do keep an eye out for accessibility because, well, it's just good karma. The website claimed the hotel was accessible, and that's important, isn't it? So, from what I saw, whilst I was there the hotel does have the basics down: elevators, accessible routes, and at least some rooms designed for accessibility. However, I didn't rummage through the accessible rooms, so I couldn't definitively test them. Still, thumbs up for trying, I guess. It’s listed as having facilities for disabled guests, and I’m assuming it's a safe bet that they have an elevator, which is a relief, let me tell ya. (The thought of climbing luggage up flights of stairs? shudders).
Internet – The Eternal Struggle (And Free Wi-Fi Glory!)
Alright, let’s talk INTERNET, because in this day and age, it’s a necessity, not a luxury, especially when you're a travel blogger and the ONLY reason you travel is to take pictures and write about them. Thankfully, the free Wi-Fi in the rooms was a definite win. Whew! A breath of pure digital air. I need my Instagram fix, and no one wants to pay exorbitant roaming fees, you know? I was happy to use it, but I also tried the LAN connection in the room (because, you know, I'm a tech geek at heart - or at least pretend to be). The LAN… well, let’s just say I wasn't exactly speed-dialing anyone with joy. It was…adequate. Probably only useful for checking emails and browsing the web in a quiet, almost dial-up speed, which is not something that you'd be happy to endure while waiting for a picture to upload on Instagram.
The Amenities: Spa-tacular or just…Spa-rse?
Okay, the real draw for me – the spa! I'm a sucker for a bit of pampering. The hotel boasted a spa, a sauna, and a steam room. Now, I'm not shy, and I certainly love a good body wrap! So, in I went, with visions of blissful relaxation dancing in my head.
And… well, let’s just say it was… interesting.
The spa itself was… compact. Think cozy, not palatial. The sauna was hot, which is what you want, but also… a bit cramped. The steam room was similar. It was functional, but not the kind of sprawling, luxurious experience you see Instagram influencers gushing over. And where were all the fluffy robes? Never found them. The pool with a view, on the other hand, was actually quite stunning, but I wasn't really in a swimming mood, so I couldn't make the most of it.
But the massage? That was worth the trip…and I'm not exaggerating (too much). The masseuse was a goddess, and she worked out all my knots (and my general grumpiness). I spent more time there than I wanted, but the massage was exactly what I needed! A big HUGE thumbs up for the massage.
Restaurant Ramblings & Culinary Chaos
The dining situation… now that was an adventure. They had restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, and even room service. I tried them all, because research, right?
The Buffet Breakfast: The breakfast situation… it was a buffet, and it was… fine. Standard European fare: bread, pastries, cold cuts, the usual suspects. There was a chef cooking eggs, which was nice. Let's highlight the breakfast in room – I’m not sure if it was worth it, but the option's there and it sounds neat, but when you have a restaurant downstairs, it defeats the purpose a little bit. And I'm not sure if it was worth it to miss out on it!
The A La Carte Restaurant: I tried the a la carte restaurant for dinner one night, hoping for a taste of authentic Italian cuisine. It was… okay. Not terrible, but not mind-blowing either. The salad was fine, the soup was okay. I had international AND western cuisine. It was a mixed bag, which is kind of the theme of the whole hotel, honestly.
The Poolside Bar: The poolside bar, however… now that was a vibe. It only served cocktails, but it made up for everything else that was lacking about the hotel, as it was fantastic. The staff was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the atmosphere was relaxed. Definitely a highlight.
This might not be the best part of the trip, but let's be realistic – a good bar is good enough for being the best part of the trip.
Cleanliness & Safety: A Modern Necessity
In the post-pandemic world, cleanliness is everything. The hotel seemed to be taking safety seriously. There was hand sanitizer everywhere, staff wearing masks, and signs reminding people to socially distance (though the enforcement was… spotty, let's be honest). The room was clean, and there was a sense of attention to the hygiene. They are using professional-grade sanitizing services, which I appreciated.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Beyond the Spa (Sort Of)
Well, the hotel has a fitness center, which I didn't check out, but it was there, for all you gym-goers. You could relax by the pool (see above: potentially stunning, actually relaxing). And of course, you're in Milan! The city itself is the real draw, so the hotel's amenities, while decent, are really just a bonus.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things
They offer the expected services: daily housekeeping (thank God!), laundry service, luggage storage, and a concierge. I used the concierge to book a taxi, and they were helpful. The front desk was open 24 hours, which is always reassuring. Cash withdrawal and currency exchange available – useful!
For the Kids & Pet Lovers?
They are family-friendly, and offer babysitting sometimes. And, the pet policy… well, it doesn't seem to exist. So, double check with them if you have a furry friend in tow.
The Room: My Humble Abode
Ahh, my room. It had a little bit of everything, but not everything that I wanted. There were air conditioning and soundproofing, which are always appreciated. The bed was comfortable, they provided free bottled water (always a win). The room had a safe. I mean, it's basically what you need, but don't expect anything that will make you go "WOW!"
The Verdict: Is It Worth It?
So, is the AS Hotel Sempione Fiera worth it? Well… it depends.
If you're looking for pure luxury and a 5-star experience, this might not be the right place for you. It’s functional, reasonably priced, and it has some definite upsides (especially the massage and the poolside bar). The location is fairly convenient for exploring Milan, which is really the most important thing.
If you’re looking for a good night's sleep, a convenient base for exploring Milan, and maybe a decent massage to unwind, then yeah, it's worth considering. It's not perfect, but it ain't a disaster, either. Would I go back? Maybe. If the price was right, and I REALLY needed a good massage. And a strong cocktail. And maybe a little bit more vacation time.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5 Aperol Spritzes (and that extra half point is for the pool with a view and the excellent massage!).
Athens Dream Flat: Private Parking & Unbeatable Location!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to get down and dirty – or, you know, travel-blog-dirty – with my chaotic Italian adventure, centered around the AS Hotel Sempione Fiera in San Vittore Olona. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough carbs to build a small Roman empire. Here goes…
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pizza Panic
- Morning (and by "morning," I mean 2 PM, thanks to that lovely red-eye flight): Landed at Milan Malpensa. Jet lag? Oh, honey, I'm practically glowing with it. Luggage retrieval was a near-death experience (think a wrestling match against a rogue suitcase), but hey, I survived! Found my way to the shuttle. The driver, a man who appeared to have lived solely on espresso for the last 50 years, drove us at what felt like warp speed. Terrifying, but efficient.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the AS Hotel. It's… well, it's a hotel. Clean, functional, and, let's be honest, I was too delirious to care. Check-in was a blur of mumbled pleasantries and a desperate search for the Wi-Fi password.
- Evening: The Pizza Incident. Okay, this is where things get real. The guidebook, bless its heart, suggested a local pizzeria. Easy enough, right? WRONG. Picture this: me, wandering the cobblestone streets of San Vittore Olona, armed with a phrasebook and a growing sense of panic. My Italian, let me tell you, is about as fluent as a sea cucumber. Finally found the pizzeria. The aroma of freshly baked dough was intoxicating. Ordered a pizza. Simple, right? Apparently not. Asked for a margherita, and I swear the waiter (who, I think, was also the owner, chef, and entertainment committee) gave me a look. "Mamma Mia, are you trying to be Italian?" He replied. The pizza? Sublime. Truly. But the ordeal of ordering it? Never again.
- Extra Point: I accidentally knocked over a bottle of olive oil in the process. Mortified. Swept it up with a napkin and hoped no one noticed. Probably did.
Day 2: The Monastery, The Missing Coffee, and Existential Angst
- Morning: Okay, so the breakfast buffet at the hotel was… standard. The coffee, however, was a crime against caffeine. Weak, watery, and the espresso machine looked like it hadn't been cleaned since the Roman Empire. After breakfast, I thought I would visit the local monastery "Monastero del Buonsignore".
- Afternoon: The monastery was absolutely beautiful. The architecture, the quiet, the history – it was all incredibly inspiring. But, let's be real, my mind kept wandering back to that awful coffee. I should've bought some coffee from a cafe. I took some photos and bought a souvenir and walked back to the hotel.
- Evening: Dinner Disaster. I tried ordering dinner at a restaurant a little further outside of San Vittore Olona. After an hour I still hadn't gotten my food. The waiter came up to me and apologised and said they had dropped my food. I told them not go bother I was leaving. I went back to the hotel and ordered room service. It was not good, but I ate it anyway.
Day 3: Milan, Lost in Translation (and the Metro!)
- Morning: Decided to be a "cultured tourist" and brave the train to Milan. The train ride was relatively smooth, which gave me a false sense of confidence.
- Afternoon: The Metro Maze. Milan's Duomo was stunning. So very beautiful. I spent hours just staring at it. But then… the metro. Oh, the metro. I somehow managed to get lost in the underground labyrinth, surrounded by a blur of fast-talking Italians and confusing signs. My sense of direction is already shaky at best. I ended up on the wrong line, went in a full circle, and emerged, sweaty and defeated, near a gelato shop. Gelato, thank goodness, is universal.
- Evening: Took the train back to my hotel room. After my Milan adventure, I ordered pizza at the hotel this time. After a full day of Italian adventure, I was exhausted so I went to bed early.
Day 4: The Souvenir Hunt and Goodbye, Italy
- Morning: The pressure to find the perfect souvenirs was on! Wandered around the town, searching for something… anything… that screamed "Italy" without being aggressively touristy. Found a questionable ceramic gondola. Bought it anyway.
- Afternoon: Packed. Said a tearful goodbye to my room. Checked out of the AS Hotel, feeling strangely attached to the place, despite all the coffee drama.
- Evening: Shuttle back to the airport, another near-death experience. Soaked up every last second of Italian scenery, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration.
And that, my friends, is my utterly imperfect, gloriously messy Italian escapade. Did I see all the must-see sights? Probably not. Did I navigate the language barrier with grace? Absolutely not. Did I eat my weight in pizza and gelato? You bet your bottom dollar I did. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a strong cup of coffee and a long nap. Ciao!
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Hotel Luna Ikeda, Minoh, Japan
So, what IS this "Unbelievable Italy Getaway" all about? Sounds fancy!
Okay, okay, the AS Hotel Sempione Fiera… good, bad, or "meh"? Spill the tea!
What's the location like? Is it easy to get around? Because I'm famous for getting hopelessly lost.
The Room & Amenities: What was the inside like?
Breakfast: Did they have the croissants and coffee like in the movies? And was it good?
The Customer Service! How were the hotel staff?
Okay, let's talk about that "Unbelievable" bit again. Anything *really* incredible (good or bad) happen?
Would you recommend the AS Hotel Sempione Fiera?
