Airport Lounge Milan: Sala Montale Lounge Malpensa Airport (MXP) Review

Mr Plane Guy
Apr 26
7 min read

Updated: Apr 29

Airport Lounge Milan: Sala Montale Lounge Malpensa Airport (MXP) Review

By Travel Expert and Airport Lounge Champagne Tester Mr Plane Guy

If you’ve ever landed at Malpensa Airport after a long-haul journey like mine – SIN-AUH-MILAN, followed by a trek to Stansted and onward to Surrey – my travel math went wrong! you’ll know the difference a decent lounge can make.

This time, I tested out the Sala Montale Lounge at MXP Airport, armed with both Priority Pass and LoungeKey AND AMEX (because yes, I carry them all). What did I find? A lounge with good intentions and some great Italian touches, but not without its flaws.

Let’s break it down.

Location and Access

The Sala Montale Lounge is located airside in Terminal 1 of Malpensa Airport, past passport control. Head toward the B gates, then take the lift or stairs up to the mezzanine floor. You’ll spot it nestled above the departure concourse.

Opening Times

Generally open daily from 06:00 to 22:00, though this can vary slightly depending on flight schedules and seasonal shifts.

How to Access the Lounge

Priority Pass
LoungeKey
Paid access at the door (subject to space)
Access may also be granted via certain premium airline tickets or credit cards

👉 Click here to book your Priority Pass and enjoy exclusive lounge access worldwide!

Travel Tip: If you have Priority Pass, you can access the Sala Montale Lounge at a reduced for of £24 as part of your membership. This makes it a great deal for frequent travellers!

First Impressions and Ambience

Let’s start with the not-so-great part.

The receptionist was blunt. A quick scan of the QR code, no small talk, and a flat “No showers today” when I asked if I could freshen up. No explanation, no courtesy. Just a no.

This would have been fine on an ordinary day. But after 24 hours in the same clothes, my body clock fried and a full workday ahead in London, I really needed a hot shower.

That aside, the actual lounge space was pleasant. Light-filled, quiet, and stylish in that minimalist Italian way.

Natural Light and Design

Floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views of the airfield. Not only do they look great, but they also help adjust your circadian rhythm if you're flying long haul. It was exactly what I needed to get my body back in sync with European time.

The atmosphere inside the lounge is calm. No music, no televisions blaring news or sports. Just the soft clink of cups, coffee machines hissing away, and the occasional Italian “tutto bene.”

Food and Beverage: Simple, Good, and Italian

Food at the Sala Montale Lounge doesn’t try to be extravagant, but it hits the right notes, especially if you enjoy a bit of Italian flavour in your layover bites.

Breakfast Offerings

Fresh croissants (excellent)
Chilled yoghurts
Fresh fruit selection
Mini sandwiches with Italian cured meats
Cheeses and small cold cuts

It’s not a full buffet or à la carte service, but what’s available is clearly made with quality ingredients and well stocked.

Wine and Drinks

The lounge offers a nice variety of Italian wines, both red and white, which are self-serve.

A modest selection, but nicely curated
No bar area or bartender, which could be a letdown for cocktail lovers
Proper Italian coffee machines that make strong, satisfying cappuccinos
Juices, water (still and sparkling), and a range of soft drinks available

There are no cocktails, no signature drinks, and no bar counter, but the wine was chilled, and the espresso was spot on. That’s a win in my book.

Amenities and Facilities

Here’s where things dip a bit.

No Showers

This was the biggest disappointment. After a 24-hour journey, a shower was my top priority. The lounge is supposed to have them, but on this occasion, they were "not available today." Whether this was due to maintenance or staffing, no one said. Just a flat refusal.

It’s a small thing with a big impact for long-haul travellers.

Charging Facilities

There appeared to be no obvious charging stations. My phone was hanging on at 12%, and I needed to pull up my Ryanair boarding pass. I had to hunt for a power socket near the wall, not ideal.

In 2025, that’s a miss. Every lounge should have visible, accessible charging options.

that reminds me, check out this article

A Gadget That Helps You Avoid a Fine at Ryanair Check in

Luckily I had mine! Grazie!!

Family Room and Smoking Room

There is a family area, which looked quiet and suitable for children and parents to relax away from the main seating zones. There's also a smoking room, which is fully enclosed and thankfully doesn’t affect the air quality in the lounge.

Seating and Lounge Zones

This is where Sala Montale Lounge shines a bit brighter.

The seating layout is thoughtfully designed with a mix of:

Lounge chairs
Dining-style seating
High work stools and desks
More private nooks for those needing a quiet spot
A few large TV screens (muted), mostly playing silent news or flight info

There’s a pleasant amount of space to move around, and the high ceilings paired with natural light make it feel more open and relaxed than many airport lounges.

Ready for Take Off

As airport lounges go, Sala Montale Lounge at Malpensa is solidly average. It ticks several boxes, especially when it comes to natural light, food quality, and seating variety. But it misses some crucial details like no shower, no power, and no real sense of hospitality at reception.

Would I go back? Yes, but with only with my Priority Pass getting me in for a much cheaper rate! Grazie Prego.

It's definitely a cut above the gate area and a peaceful space to wait. But it lacks the refinement and warmth of lounges like Martello in Dublin or the Vienna Lounge (see my Vienna review here).

What Works Well

Clean, stylish space with great light
Good food options with Italian character
Quiet atmosphere and comfortable seating
Priority Pass and LoungeKey accepted
Excellent airfield views

Where It Falls Short

No showers (even though they advertise them)
No obvious charging points
Unwelcoming reception
No bar or hot food

If you're flying through MXP Airport and have time to spare, the lounge is a decent place to unwind. Just don’t count on a full spa experience, or even a phone charge.

Check out.....

24 Hours in Milan: The Ultimate Guide

Getting from Malpensa Airport to Milan City Centre

So you’ve landed at Malpensa. Now what?

Malpensa Express (Train)

Duration: Approx. 50 minutes
Cost: €13 one-way
Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Destination: Milan Centrale, Cadorna, or Porta Garibaldi stations
Tip: Buy tickets online or in the station, and don’t forget to validate them before boarding

Airport Bus

Duration: 50–60 minutes
Cost: €10–12
Runs frequently throughout the day
Drops off at Milano Centrale or other city points
Less comfortable during peak traffic, but dependable

Taxi

Flat rate: €104 to central Milan
Time: 45–60 minutes depending on traffic
Ideal for groups or if you’re luggage-heavy

Rideshare or Private Transfers

Uber and other car services are available
Prices fluctuate based on time of day and demand
Good for comfort and convenience if you don’t want to navigate public transport

Check out the deals below with Get Your Guide, they are super well organised and trustworth! Download their app before you jet off its a game changer!

Ready for take off

The Sala Montale Lounge at Malpensa Airport won’t dazzle you, but it delivers on most of the basics. With a few improvementsmainly showers and charging points, it could be a much more premium experience.

But as it stands, it’s a decent space to decompress before or after your flight, especially if you're connecting or recovering from a long journey. Just don’t arrive with high hopes, a dead phone, or shampoo in your carry-on.

Safe travels, CIAO!

Yes, there are ways to get into The Sala Montale Lounge (or other Airport lounges) without paying full price:

Credit Cards: Some premium credit cards like Amex Platinum and HSBC Premier World Elite offer lounge access as a perk. Priority Pass & LoungeKey: If you fly frequently, investing in a membership can save you money on lounge visits worldwide.

👉 Click here to book your Priority Pass and enjoy exclusive lounge access worldwide!

Want to save on lounge access? Get 30% off Priority Pass and unlock over 1,400 lounges worldwide. A small kickback goes to support this blog , thanks for fuelling my next cappuccino.