Milan's design district grew up in the old factories of Via Tortona, and nhow Milano is its hotel. It occupies a former industrial site once used by General Electric, and it has been turned into something between a hotel and a design gallery, with interiors by Matteo Thun and Partners and design work by Daniele Beretta. There are 246 rooms, and the public spaces include art and design installations, with experience itineraries across four floors, a loft, a VIP lounge, a fitness room and a penthouse. Dining and drinking are handled by a restaurant with an international menu and the nhow Bar, which serves cocktails. The location is the real reason to choose it for design-minded travellers. Via Tortona is the centre of Milan Design Week, the huge annual furniture and design fair, and the street is lined with showrooms, studios and cafes, so you are among the people and brands that shape the event. The nearest metro is Porta Genova on the green line, and tram 14 also serves the area, which connects you to the Duomo in a short ride. The Navigli canals and their aperitivo bars are a short walk away, so evenings are easy. The atmosphere is creative and urban, a contrast with the formal luxury of the centre.
Because Via Tortona is the focal point of Design Week, the hotel is extremely busy and expensive in April, when the fair takes over the district. For the rest of the year, it is a more relaxed, creative neighbourhood with excellent restaurants and bars, a short walk from the canals. If you are not travelling for the fair, visit in another month for better prices and a calmer street.
Living in it
The rooms are modern and stylish, and the building's industrial past gives public spaces a generous scale. If design matters to you, take time to explore the installations and the floors with art itineraries, and ask what exhibitions are on. The loft and penthouse offer more space for groups or longer stays. Check facilities such as the fitness room and the bar hours when you book.
Who it suits
Design and fashion fans, couples who prefer a creative atmosphere to a classical one, and visitors who plan to spend evenings on the Navigli. It is less convenient for those who want to walk to the Duomo, as the district is outside the historic centre, although the metro and tram make it easy. For a classical central base, choose the Gran Duca di York or the Milano Scala.
Why stay here
- ✓246 rooms in a former industrial site
- ✓Interiors by Matteo Thun and Partners
- ✓Art and design installations
- ✓Restaurant with international menu
- ✓nhow Bar with cocktails
- ✓Loft, VIP lounge and penthouse
- ✓Fitness room
- ✓Porta Genova metro and tram 14
Good questions
Where is nhow Milano?+
At Via Tortona 35, in the design district. The nearest metro is Porta Genova, and tram 14 also serves the area.
Why is it famous with design fans?+
It occupies a former General Electric site, with interiors by Matteo Thun and Partners and design work by Daniele Beretta, in the heart of the Design Week district.
Is it near the Navigli?+
Yes, the canals and their aperitivo bars are a short walk away.
