Italian hospitality company Starhotels has opened its first ecological property in the center of Milan, Italy. Known as E.c.ho. — which stands for ecological contemporary hotel — the hotel mingles contemporary design with environmental conservation practices.
Every element of the 143-room property has been selected and executed to reduce the hotel’s ecological footprint. Common areas feature abundant natural light thanks to ample windows and terraces. Guestrooms utilize materials, furnishings and fabrics certified to stringent environmental standards. Intelligent climate-control and lighting systems save energy, for example, while beds are made from recycled materials and FSC-certified wood and bathrooms offer taps that reduce water consumption.
Orto restaurant also includes ample windows and two walls with backlit murals that recall sunrise, noon and sunset thanks to changing light. Large light fixtures are made with thin leaves of wood to resemble flower petals. Orto’s menu showcases local, seasonal cuisine.
Five meeting rooms can accommodate 30 to 80 people, and the seventh floor features a fitness room.
E.c.ho. is located next to Milan’s Central Railway Station and just a few minutes from the city center.