Owned by Katara Hospitality, the Milanese landmark has recently undergone a meticulous multi-million Euro renovation of the historic building and added a new wing, restoring the hotel to its original splendour. Formerly known as “Palace Gallia”, the magnificent hotel is strongly rooted in the history of Milan while also overlooking the future of the city from its prime location in the heart of the emerging Porta Nuova district.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia is the latest gem to be unveiled by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide as part of a multi-million Euro investment with its owner partners to restore Europe’s most iconic hotels under The Luxury Collection brand.
Led by the Milan-based Studio Marco Piva, the extensive architecture and interior design project marries contemporary aesthetics with the hotel’s original Belle Epoque architectural style. The renowned design firm also curated the unique collection of more than 500 art pieces, including paintings, sculptures and pictures, specifically for Excelsior Hotel Gallia. The interiors feature distinct references to the stylish Milanese lifestyle and timeless elegance of the Art Deco era, brought to life by carefully selected furnishings that have been exclusively created by Italian designers and craftsmen.
The renowned design firm also curated the unique collection of more than 500 art pieces, including paintings, sculptures and pictures, specifically for Excelsior Hotel Gallia. The interiors feature distinct references to the stylish Milanese lifestyle and timeless elegance of the Art Deco era, brought to life by carefully selected furnishings that have been exclusively created by Italian designers and craftsmen.
Light dominates the spaces throughout the hotel through a play between natural and artificial lights, bringing to life the beautiful historical building and immense glass façade of the new wing. Guests entering the hotel are welcomed by the dazzling sight of the custom-made 30-metre Murano glass chandelier by De Majo, a waterfall of 180 light cylinders illuminating the eight-storey monumental stairwell.
Further along the ground floor, guests can relax in the Gallia Lounge and Bar where the Library and Cigar Room offer a warm ambience amidst silkscreened glass with patterns inspired by the Art Deco era. The public spaces have been fitted out by B&B Italia using aluminium, glass and marble, while the floors in the reception and lobby are paved with elegant brown antique granite with silver accent.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia comprises two main buildings – the fully restored historic palace and a modern new wing with a façade that resembles a delicate steel and glass curtain. The striking juxtaposition is inspired by the hotel’s luminous past and the emerging skyline of the Porta Nuova area, the up-and-coming city centre of Milan.
Following the renovation, Excelsior Hotel Gallia features 235 luxurious guest rooms fitted out by Cassina. This includes 53 suites of which the most opulent is the 1,000sqm Katara Suite – one of the largest Presidential Suites in Italy. Situated on the seventh floor, the Katara Suite, fitted out by B&B Italia and La Murrina, offers the epitome of luxury with two terraces, four bedrooms and a private spa.
The two-bedroom Gallia Suite creates a sophisticated private residence with historical columns and statues that overlook the renewed Central Station and the magnificent square. The other 51 suites revolve around five distinct themes: Design Suites, dedicated to a renowned Milanese designer or architect, namely Vico Magistretti, Achille Castiglioni, Giò Ponti, Luigi Caccia Dominioni and Franco Albini; Art Suites, which overlook the square and feature a large sliding panel with photos of the hotel’s historic façade; Atelier Suites evoke the ambiance of creative workshops. The hotel’s Signature Suites were conceived as art galleries with theatrical use of illumination, colours and artwork while the Executive Suites were inspired by the intriguing and elegant atmosphere of Milanese lofts.
Up on the seventh floor, the hotel’s destination roof-top mixologist bar and signature restaurant Terrazza Gallia is managed with the advice of the Michelin-starred Cerea family. Guests seated in the large, covered and heated outdoor terrace will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Presenting a modern reinterpretation of 1930s design, the Gallia Restaurant on the ground floor serves breakfast as well as caters for smart business lunches and private dinners. Gallia Lounge and Bar offers a casual ambiance.
Rooftop Pool, Indulgent Spa & Fitness Facilities Guests can enjoy indulgent treatments at Shiseido Spa Milan, the first Shiseido Spa in Italy. Spanning over 1000sqm across the sixth and seventh floors, this is the largest hotel spa in Milan.
The hotel’s historical Cupola on the seventh floor houses a modern multifunctional space equipped with the latest audio-visual technology and retractable seats that allow the room to be easily transformed, making it a spectacular and unique venue for hosting celebrations and events such as private concerts, weddings and movie screenings.
The ground floor of the new wing is dedicated to meetings and conferences, featuring 12 meeting rooms spanning across 1000sqm and 700sqm of foyer space including a grand ballroom with no columns and large windows that can host up to 400 people.
