Hotel Review: Ostello Bello Grande, Milan

You're in central Milan, on a small street just off busy Via Torino, one of the city's main shopping arteries. It's a ten-minute walk from the Duomo and a 20-minute walk from the Navigli, Milan's lively canals lined with trendy bars. The surrounding streets are home to boutiques and family-run restaurants, while nearby Corso di Porta Ticinese is lined with independent stores and vibrant bars.

By plane: there are direct flights to Milan Malpensa from London (1 hour 50 mins) and Manchester (2 hours 5 mins). The hotel is an hour's drive from Milan Malpensa. There are also direct flights to Milan Linate from London (1 hour 50 mins). The hotel is a 35-minute drive from Milan Linate. Book flights to Milan.

The atmosphere is decidedly cool and laidback, with mismatched furnishings, wacky wallpaper designs and vintage knick-knacks dotted here and there. Vibrant splashes of colour add lively touches, while books and musical instruments are scattered around for guests to read and play whenever they fancy. It's the kind of place that makes you feel at home the minute you walk through the door.

The multilingual staff are young and energetic, ready to share their top tips on the city's hidden attractions and coolest hangouts. The lively bar hosts regular cultural events, from live music gigs to theatre performances, and there's plenty of entertainment, from PS3 and Nintendo Wii to board games and table football, as well as hammocks on the communal terraces.

• Live music
• Bar
• Library
• Shared kitchen
• Pet-friendly
• Free Wi-Fi

Dorms are neat and tidy, with parquet floors and bunks with individual locker space. Each bed has its own reading light, USB port and plug socket. The rooms are simply furnished but are brightened up with fun touches, including fun wallpaper designs, vintage mirrors and second-hand dressing tables. Both dorms and doubles have private ensuite bathrooms.

Room types: Private rooms, Shared rooms, Family room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower and toiletries, free ear plugs, free Wi-Fi

The ever-popular bar buzzes in the early evenings when locals and guests flock here to enjoy the very reasonably priced aperitivo. Baristas shake up drinks that are served with tapas-style dishes to stimulate the appetite. Breakfast is continental, with cereal, fresh fruit, eggs, ham, jam, honey, croissants and juices. The kitchen is stocked with complimentary food for guests, from pasta to fruit and veg.

Bar: free water, tea and coffee. Open 24/7.

Kitchen: free fresh fruit, breakfast buffet, Italian aperitivo and tapas.