Living isola

Living isola Overview

First Impressions

Living isola caught me off guard in the best way possible. Tucked into Via Alessandro Paoli, this apartment-style hotel sits in one of Milan‘s most up-and-coming neighborhoods — honestly, the Porta Nuova area has transformed so much in recent years that even locals do double-takes. The building itself has this clean, minimalist vibe that feels very Milanese without trying too hard.

The Neighborhood Advantage

You know what I love about staying here? You’re actually living like a local in Isola, which used to be this gritty industrial area and now buzzes with young professionals and creative types. The Garibaldi station is literally a few minutes’ walk — I mean, you can practically roll your suitcase there without breaking a sweat. Plus, you’ve got the Bosco Verticale towers looming nearby, and trust me, they’re even more impressive up close than in all those Instagram photos.

The Space

The room I stayed in felt more like a proper studio than a hotel room — there’s something refreshing about having actual space to spread out. The kitchenette comes in handy, especially since there’s a Carrefour just around the corner where you can grab fresh pasta and wine for way less than you’d pay at hotel restaurants. The design keeps things simple and functional, which I actually appreciated after a long day of sightseeing.

Getting Around

Here’s where this three-star place really wins — the metro connections are fantastic. You can hop on the purple line and be in the Duomo area in about fifteen minutes, or take the green line straight to Centrale if you’re catching trains to other cities. The whole Corso Como nightlife scene is walkable too, though honestly, I found myself enjoying the local bars in Isola just as much.

Why Guests Love It

Living isola works because it strikes this balance between being affordable and actually useful. You’re not paying for fancy amenities you won’t use, but you get the essentials done right — decent Wi-Fi, reliable hot water, and a location that puts you in the middle of Milan’s modern energy. The staff keeps things low-key and helpful without hovering, which fits the whole independent vibe perfectly. It’s the kind of place where you can easily imagine spending a week, not just a quick overnight stay.

Living isola Accommodations

Reviews of Living isola

• Exceptional – David from Georgia – 10 November 2025 (10/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: Clean

• Not worth price – Anonymous from United States – 21 September 2025 (5/10)

  The location was fine. The pictures of how to find the key lockbox a few blocks away were helpful. Welcome package was nice but fit for two and we were group of four.
  
  What could be improved: The AC was not working though it was set and locked at 21c. The master bath shower handle spray broken. Guest bath light bulb burned out. Closet with shelves line a pantry useless and light bulb flickering. The kitchen sprayer on faucet not working correctly. Frustrating for the
  price. No top sheet on bed, only blanket. Too hot in 80 plus degree weather. Management was told of issues.

• Very good – Analía from Argentina – 21 September 2025 (8/10)

  El departamento está muy bien ubicado cerca de las estaciones Milano Centrale, Puerta Garibaldi y de la estación de subte Gioia. Está muy bien equipado con frigobar, lavavajillas, lavarropas, cafetera, platos y cubiertos. Nos dejaron agua mineral, cápsulas de café, azúcar, té, sal y pimienta.
  
  What could be improved: La cama era extremadamente baja y el colchón también, parecía una colchoneta para acampar. Le dijimos al administrador, pero nos respondió que no podía hacer nada y que nadie se había quejado. Había una sola mesita de luz, del otro lado de la cama había que dejar las cosas en el suelo.
  Dejaron 1 rollo y medio de papel higiénico para 7 días, para 2 personas.

• Decent but a bit overpriced – Mujtaba from Pakistan – 15 November 2024 (7/10)

  Good quite location, near the metro.
  Good Italian restaurants in the neighbourhood
  Apartment was decent with all the necessary amenities.
  Wifi is super fast 👍
  
  What could be improved: One of the shower heads in the bathroom doesn’t work, (i think the water pipe is not connected)
  Could do with an updated TV

• Really nice stay – Sara from Italy – 8 March 2024 (8/10)

  The position, very easy to get and to move from there. It was a quiet and private apartment, with all the needed equipment.
  It was also warm, due to central heating, very nice for a winter stay!
  
  What could be improved: Maybe the cleaning of the bathroom could be a litte bit more accurate.
  All the apartment tends to accumulate smell of humidity, so maybe there is need to improve somehow the air changing, almost in bathroom that has no windows.

• Ottima posizione , spazioso – Silvia from Italy – 9 November 2023 (7/10)

  Posizione ottima !
  Wi-Fi eccellente
  Spazioso , nelle giornate fredde è partito il riscaldamento .
  
  What could be improved: Bagno con water disabili da migliorare
  Letto troppo morbido per i miei standard .

• Exceptional – Vadim from Serbia – 11 September 2023 (10/10)

  Very nice and cozy apartment. Not so far from city center. Good service and managers, especially Alessia.

• Apartment was perfect especially for families. Perfect location near to all main place in Milano. You can easily walk to – Nadir from Azerbaijan – 30 July 2023 (10/10)

  Everything was perfect Location
  
  What could be improved: Nothing

• Superb – Abdullah from Saudi Arabia – 5 July 2023 (9/10)

  The location
  
  What could be improved: One of the beds wasn't comfi

• Very good – Francesca from Italy – 7 May 2023 (8/10)

  Posizione, servizio di prenotazione e check-in
  
  What could be improved: Nulla

Surroundings

Facilities