NH Collection Milano Porta Nuova

Don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case don't judge a hotel's interior by its exterior. From the street, NH Grand Hotel Verdi looks slightly cold and sterile, but inside the former apartment building has been completely renovated into a warm and modern upper-middle-range property. Earth tones and contemporary furniture warm up the lobby. Black vase-like sculptures and abstract art on the walls add interest to the space and draw the eye upward. Pendant-style lampshades hang over the dark wood reception desk. White orchids and green apples are homey touches. The scene is generally quiet as most guests leave for the day to work and explore in the nearby city center of Milan.

The NH Grand Hotel Verdi is located right in the sweet spot between the hustle of Milan's center and the quiet of a good night's sleep. The Porta Garibaldi train station and subway line two are a short walk away. It's a hike to the Duomo -- expect a 25-minute walk. There are many shops and restaurants within walking distance, though the neighborhood does get quiet in the evenings. Like most hotels in Milan, there's a daily charge for parking.

There are 100 rooms and suites at the NH Grand Hotel Verdi. What used to be private apartments are now spacious hotel rooms (without kitchens, unfortunately) that are so large, even the most standard room feels like a suite. Decor is modern with clean lines and earth tones along with the occasional pop of color, like a lipstick-red bench and ottoman. Flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles are standard. Shower/tub combinations and single sinks are the norm in the bathrooms. Suites have double sinks and larger bathtubs. Some of the sofas look shabby and could be replaced, but cleanliness isn't an issue. One floor of the hotel is devoted to smoking rooms.

Features at NH Grand Hotel Verdi focus mainly on business travelers. There's a meeting room with audio visual equipment and a desktop computer and printer for guests to use. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. The smallish fitness center holds Technogym cardio equipment and a weight bench. The healthy choices breakfast buffet (which is free) gets high marks, as does the hotel's on-site restaurant, open for lunch and dinner, which emphasizes Italian and international dishes. There's a full bar and espresso machine open throughout the day and into the evening. Private dining can seat up to 50 people. If your pooch fits in your bag, it's more than welcome -- at no extra cost. There's no spa.