The Hotel Excelsior Gallia is one of Milan's most prestigious luxury hotels, embodying the glamour and sophistication of Italian hospitality. Located in the heart of the city, near the iconic Milano Centrale railway station, this landmark has been a symbol of refinement and exclusivity since it first opened its doors in 1932. Recently renovated to merge classical elegance with contemporary luxury, Hotel Excelsior Gallia offers a stunning blend of Milanese heritage and modern design.
Historical Overview
Built in 1932 by renowned architect Giò Ponti, the hotel was originally designed to reflect Milan’s rising reputation as a center for art and fashion. Throughout the years, the Excelsior Gallia hosted international celebrities, diplomats, and dignitaries who were drawn to its distinctive art deco-inspired architecture and unparalleled service.
In 2015, the hotel underwent a significant renovation by the renowned Milanese architect Marco Piva, transforming the property into a modern sanctuary that honors its rich history. Piva’s design approach retained the original art deco features while incorporating contemporary Italian design elements that have brought new life to the hotel. Today, the Hotel Excelsior Gallia stands as a testament to Milan’s legacy as a city of elegance, style, and innovation.
Architectural Brilliance and Design
The hotel’s stunning architecture and interiors are an homage to Milanese culture and craftsmanship. The facade, with its elaborate stucco and marble detailing, has been meticulously restored to preserve its 20th-century charm. The interiors of the hotel showcase Italian opulence, with intricate marble, polished wood, and luxurious fabrics sourced from Milan’s best artisans.
A key highlight of the renovation is the Gallia Tower, an additional modern wing that complements the historical structure. The design of this new wing, featuring glass walls and sharp angles, provides a striking contrast to the art deco-inspired architecture of the original building.
Key Design Features
- Lobby and Atrium: Entering the Hotel Excelsior Gallia is like stepping into a palace. The lobby is adorned with gleaming marble, large chandeliers, and exquisite artworks that set the tone for a luxurious stay. The soaring atrium is a visual masterpiece with an interplay of light, glass, and intricate metalwork.
- Staircases and Chandeliers: The hotel’s signature staircase is a sculptural work of art, sweeping upward beneath custom-made chandeliers by Venini, a famed Italian glassmaker. These grand light installations feature Murano glass, each piece handcrafted to add a touch of Venetian craftsmanship.
- Gallia Lounge & Bar: Designed to offer a luxurious yet welcoming space, the Gallia Lounge & Bar is highlighted by elegant furnishings, soft lighting, and an impressive array of Italian spirits, wines, and cocktails.
Luxurious Accommodations
The Hotel Excelsior Gallia offers 235 luxurious rooms, including 53 suites, each thoughtfully designed to combine Milanese heritage with modern comforts. The design in each room and suite reflects the same high level of craftsmanship found throughout the hotel, with custom furnishings, Italian marble, and tasteful accents that celebrate Milan’s artistic traditions.
Accommodation Options
- Premium and Deluxe Rooms: These rooms offer views of the cityscape or the Piazza Duca d’Aosta, complemented by plush bedding, Italian marble bathrooms, and luxurious amenities.
- Junior Suites: Spacious and stylish, the Junior Suites are equipped with separate sitting areas and large windows, allowing for an abundance of natural light and stunning city views.
- Signature Suites: Inspired by Milan’s fashionable heritage, these suites are individually decorated with elegant furnishings and unique color palettes, offering guests a more personalized experience.
- Gallia Presidential Suite: This grand suite features a spacious living area, a dining room, a private terrace, and lavish details throughout. The Gallia Presidential Suite is perfect for those seeking a premier stay in Milan.
- Katara Royal Suite: Among the largest hotel suites in Italy, the Katara Royal Suite occupies 1,000 square meters and offers four bedrooms, a private spa, and its own terrace with a jacuzzi. This luxurious space offers an unrivaled level of comfort and privacy, ideal for distinguished guests and large families.
Gastronomic Delights at Terrazza Gallia
Dining at the Hotel Excelsior Gallia is a culinary journey that combines traditional Italian flavors with modern innovation. Terrazza Gallia, the hotel’s acclaimed rooftop restaurant, offers guests the opportunity to savor exquisite dishes while enjoying panoramic views of Milan’s skyline.
Terrazza Gallia - Rooftop Dining with a View
Managed by the Michelin-starred chefs Enrico and Roberto Cerea, Terrazza Gallia’s menu celebrates the flavors of Italy, with a focus on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include classic Milanese risotto, seafood selections, and expertly crafted pasta, each paired with wines from the hotel’s extensive wine cellar.
The rooftop bar is also a popular gathering place, known for its sophisticated ambiance, chic decor, and a cocktail menu that combines classic Italian cocktails with innovative creations. Terrazza Gallia offers both indoor and outdoor seating, allowing guests to enjoy Milan’s charm and elegance from above.
Wellness and Spa Experience
The Shiseido Spa at Hotel Excelsior Gallia provides a serene sanctuary where guests can unwind and rejuvenate. This luxury wellness center, spanning over 1,000 square meters, includes an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, and treatment rooms offering a variety of therapies inspired by Japanese and Italian wellness traditions.
Key Wellness Facilities
- Indoor Pool: Located on the sixth floor, the heated indoor pool offers a relaxing environment with expansive city views.
- Gym and Fitness Center: The state-of-the-art fitness center includes the latest equipment for cardio, strength training, and yoga, ensuring guests can maintain their wellness routines.
- Personalized Treatments: Shiseido’s spa treatments incorporate Japanese beauty principles, including signature massages, facials, and body treatments, each designed to promote relaxation and balance.
Business Facilities and Events
Hotel Excelsior Gallia is equipped to host a range of events, from corporate meetings to elegant weddings. The hotel’s conference facilities include seven meeting rooms and a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 450 guests. Each space is elegantly decorated and fully equipped with modern technology, making the hotel a popular choice for both business gatherings and grand celebrations.
The hotel’s events team offers comprehensive planning services, ensuring each occasion is executed flawlessly. With its iconic location and sophisticated settings, the hotel provides an unforgettable backdrop for both intimate and large-scale events.
Exploring Milan: A Gateway to Fashion and Culture
Located just steps away from Milano Centrale railway station, Hotel Excelsior Gallia offers convenient access to Milan’s top attractions. Guests can explore nearby sites, such as the famous Duomo di Milano, the Sforza Castle, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Additionally, the hotel offers exclusive access to personal shopping services for those wishing to explore Milan’s vibrant fashion scene.
- Fashion and Shopping: Milan is renowned as one of the fashion capitals of the world, and the hotel is within reach of the high-end boutiques in the Quadrilatero della Moda district, home to prestigious brands like Gucci, Prada, and Versace.
- Art and Culture: Art lovers will enjoy proximity to the Pinacoteca di Brera and the iconic Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, both located a short distance from the hotel.
- Day Trips to Lake Como: Guests looking to explore beyond the city can easily take a day trip to Lake Como, which offers breathtaking landscapes and charming lakeside villages.
A Destination for Luxury and Refinement
Hotel Excelsior Gallia is not just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience that captures the essence of Milanese elegance and hospitality. With its stunning architecture, luxurious accommodations, and top-notch amenities, the hotel offers a perfect blend of Italian heritage and modern sophistication. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, a stay at Hotel Excelsior Gallia provides an unforgettable journey into the heart of Milan’s cultural and artistic heritage, making it a destination in itself for the discerning traveler.
