any suggestions on a hotel in milan?

It would be good to know what area, comfort, price level you want. My recent experience is at the Speronari, a cheap but adequate one-star just off Piazza del Duomo.

well we are only staying for one nite...only bc we are flying out of there to go back home...but we have never been and would still like to see what milan has to offer...we dont want to stay close to the airport...(didnt want you to assume that since we are flying out of there that we want to be near the airport)....i think we could manage at least a 3 star...thanks

We stayed at the Carlyle Brera in Sept, 2001. Here's my review. We've since recommended it to friends who also enjoyed their stay.

It's a short taxi ride to the Cardorna station where you can hop the excellent "plane to the train" to get to Malpensa. It's a really easy trip. I think you're on the right track, spending your last night in the city rather than at the airport.