THE HOTEL
In keeping with its location bang in the fashion and design centre of Milan, this hotel doubles as an ever-changing exhibition or gallery space. It’s in the former General Electric factory and its original slate-grey iron columns in the corridors and cement floors have been preserved. From the moment guests enter through its dramatic digital tunnel entrance, they are treated to a visual feast of creativity and design. Even the breakfast buffet is a work of art. Every six months the hotel’s public areas are transformed with new artwork. It’s a 15-minute walk from the Navigli canal district, which is lined with lively bars and restaurants. The hotel is part of Minor Hotels’ nhow brand, a collection of hotels in Europe inspired by their location and intended to become landmarks in their own right.
THE CHECK-IN
The wow factor is created from the very start with the wave-shaped video wall along the tunnel entrance, which makes it more like entering a contemporary art museum than a hotel. Its giant digital displays can be configured to suit a launch, or an event, or even a catwalk show. Once inside, the wow factor continues with brightly-coloured bucket chairs, a popcorn machine and contemporary telephone booth for private calls. Fun black and white headshots of the young hotel staff are displayed around a light box that says ‘nhow team’. The team behind the gold-laminated reception desk made us feel welcome and after a bit of form filling we were in the lift to our premium room. The corridors are also lined with contemporary art, with each of the four floors having a different theme, which changes every few months. The corridors were dimly lit. In fact, on a few occasions we walked straight past the door to our room!
THE ROOM
The 244 rooms and suites come in four different colour palettes. Ours was a contemporary white and graphite grey with splashes of bright yellow in the curtains and nhow’s signature orange on the cushions. It was fairly minimalist but with homely touches like the designer bedside lamps and a little table and chairs. Large walk-in showers come with nhow branded toiletries.
THE FACILITIES
The highlight of this hotel is Vertigo, its rooftop pool and bar area. It’s an Instagrammer’s dream, with two shallow circular pools and a 28-meter suspended infinity pool, all of them painted in nhow orange giving the water an orange glow. Swimming is allowed until 6pm and in the heat of the summer we appreciated the chance to cool off with a dip and a cocktail before dinner, although the infinity pool is narrow so we had to take it in turns to do lengths. The whole rooftop area can be hired for private events. The ground floor bar and restaurant are also a riot of colour, dominated by oversized steel chandeliers by Catellani & Smith. The breakfast buffet is immaculately presented and there’s a special table display of dainty pastries and sweets, which changes reguarly. The smoothies and the chocolate brownies were a highlight of the breakfast menu. Kids will love them. There’s a small fitness room too, which is open 24/7.
THE BUSINESS
When it comes to meetings and events, there is something for every occasion here. Some of the more quirky options include The Penthouse by Matteo Thun, a striking 280 sqm two-level, loft-style space that’s all white, with original iron beams, vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with city skyline views. It’s the perfect backdrop for fashion shoots, creative meetings and VIP gatherings. Apparently Brad Pitt is among the celebrities who’s had the pleasure of staying here. There’s also a bathtub with glass spyholes so you can spy on the lower-level below. Another venue, T35, is a multi-level event space with its own entrance on Via Tortona. It has a panoramic terrace with giant plant pots holding palm trees, a fully-equipped independent kitchen and DJ sets, so it’s popular for parties. The largest of the hotel’s 12 meeting rooms can host up to 600 guests.
THE VERDICT
Be prepared for a sensory overload from the start and thanks to the ever-changing art installations, guests will get a different experience each time they visit. If you have clients in the creative industries looking for a memorable space to hold an event, this is the place. Make sure you check if the rooftop pool will be closed for any private events during your stay. We came back for a dip one afternoon to find out it wasn’t open. The staff were very apologetic and assured us that closures are rare.
THE DETAILS
Rooms from €200 a night, including breakfast. Pets are welcome for an extra 35€ per night.
