Designed by Italian architect Simone Micheli, this glass tower is filled with ultra-modern sculptural furniture juxtaposed by birch trees that stand in the middle of the soaring lobby and birch-tree wallpaper to match. The front desk and lobby bar are made of lime-green lacquer, and much of the hotel’s furniture -- including the chairs in the restaurant and bar -- are in the same bright hue. The Tondo Restaurant sits next to a wall of glass and has giant fly sculptures hanging from the ceiling. It’s an impressive space, particularly for lovers of modern, industrial design.

The hotel is located in a deserted suburban area near the Autostrada A4, next to a Porsche dealership and a multiplex cinema. It’s convenient to Expo Milano 2015 exhibition center (a 10-minute drive away), and the hotel runs a free shuttle to and from the Expo on a set schedule, with advanced booking recommended. There’s also a free shuttle in the mornings and evenings to the Milano Certosa train station (otherwise a 10-minute walk), and to the Bovisa train station, which is a 10- to 15-minute drive. It’s not as convenient to the Duomo, which is a 25-minute drive, or 50 minutes via bus. Malpensa Airport is a 30- to 40-minute drive.

The 280 rooms come in double, triple, and apartment-style configurations with kitchenettes. Rooms look out over the city and have flat-screen TVs, minibars, and safes. The spaces are filled with light woods and modern white furniture, with purple- and gold-tinged lighting outlining the mirrors and ceilings and fluorescent green lacquer cabinets, the backs of which are covered in olive wallpaper. The bathroom sinks sit right next to the beds, beyond which are shower stalls with frosted glass, which might be off-putting for guests who want more privacy. 

The hotel’s Betulle Restaurant serves breakfast for a fee, while the Tondo Restaurant -- the on-site grill and pizzeria -- serves lunch and dinner and stays open late. The Lounge Barn, also open late, serves drinks and snacks. Room service is available. The spa offers beauty treatments in a dimly lit, soothing space, and has a heated indoor pool surrounded by funky lime-green sculptures, with a hot tub that’s connected by a small slide. There’s also a sauna and a small fitness center with low, blueish lighting containing cardio machines and free weights. The property also has seven meeting and event rooms with a 380-person capacity. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property and laundry and dry cleaning services are available.