If you’ve heard of Monza, and you haven’t been here yet yourself, it’s most likely in connection with Monza’s Formula 1 track, which is considered one of the world’s fastest. But there’s quite a bit more to Monza than being the home of Italian F1 Grand Prix. Conveniently located, ten minutes by train from Milan, Monza has been wonderfully sought after historically (which led to the city withstanding 32 sieges, but also to a wealth of wonderful architecture, which survives today). One of our recommendations for the best places to stay in Monza overlooks the Royal Villa of Savoy, an incredibly grand structure often described as a smaller version of the palace of Versailles. The Hotel typifies our preferences here, we like a traditional hotel, or a chic conversion, though Monza also has plenty of less unique accommodation.

If talk of Monza’s dramatic history has piqued your interest, base yourself close to the historic centre. Here you’ll find the wonderful Romanesque-Gothic liquorice allsort cathedral of Saint John, the medieval church of Santa Maria in Strada, the terracotta-coloured Arengario, or civil hall, and the impressive Royal Villa. There are also a number of excellent museums, one housing the city’s most famous treasure, the Iron Crown, supposedly made from one of the nails from the crucifixion.

If you’re here for the racing, the best places to stay in Monza will be close to the Parco di Monza, which is a huge park, about twice the size of Central Park, and home to many attractions, including the formula one track. If you haven’t timed your stay with a race, you might be lucky enough to book a tour of the track.

If you are planning to visit for the Grand Prix, don't forget to get organised and book in advance. The best places to stay in Monza will be booked up at least a year ahead!

The Best Places to Stay in Monza

For a Special Occasion

• Monza’s Hotel de la Ville is a local institution, run by the same family for multiple generations, and overlooking the Royal Villa of Savoy. The hotel has 70 rooms and suites, with a good range of shapes and sizes, and decor! Some of the property’s furniture collection has been with the hotel for as long as the family who own it, and there are some really beautiful antique pieces and impressive oil paintings. However there are plenty of rooms decorated to more contemporary tastes, so feel free to ask for the sort of thing you prefer. The restaurant, the Derby Grill is fantastic, run by a chef who believes in local, season cuisine. The America Bar has plenty off charm too. A real treat of a base for exploring Monza.

For a self catering apartment or villa

• If you're travelling as a family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Monza’s nearest international airports are Milan’s airports: Linate, Bergamo Airport and Malpensa Airport. Milan Linate is only about 15 minutes drive from central Monza, or about an hour by bus or train; Milan Bergamo is about half an hours drive, or about an hour and three quarters by public transport; and Milan Malpensa is around 45 minutes away by road, or about an hour by train. Milan’s Centrale Station is only about ten minutes by rail from Monza’s station, so it’s very easy to get to Monza by train.
• If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• The most popular time to visit Monza is during race meetings. If you’re not here for the circuit, and you’re just looking for pleasant weather, then you can expect dry, warm weather between May and September, with high temperatures in July and August. November and April are rainy, but pleasant. Easter and Christmas are always wonderful celebrations in Italy, and if you go during the lead up to these major celebrations you can expect extra events and local colour.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Milan, which is just to the south of Monza.
• Or you could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in the Lombardy region
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.