5 reasons to stay at Excelsior Hotel Gallia – Milan

Αn elegant hotel perfect for a getaway a la milanese

Walk through reception and you emerge into a luxurious world that combines contemporary style with old time glamour. Excelsior Hotel Gallia has a majestic grandeur and at the same time the appeal of a modern hotel “of-the-moment”.

With its iconic Liberty façade dominating the first impression on the exterior, the hotel transforms smoothly from a historic and visually distinct landmark to an exceptionally chic interior space where authentic Milanese experience and evolution meld effortlessly, alongside fashion, design and gastronomy.

No matter how good the first impressions are, they are just the tip of the iceberg (in a good way) -there is so much more to discover on the inside.

During this process, one might end up with many reasons to fall in love with it -below find my personal top 5:

5 reasons to fall in love with Excelsior Gallia Hotel in Milan:

1. The history (and the aura)

Excelsior Hotel Gallia has always been one of the most prestigious hotels in Italy, ever since its official opening on 29th February 1932. This architectural gem of belle époque sophistication is an iconic landmark of the city, it being the hotel of choice for Italy’s social elite since the very beginning. Today, it’s vivid history continues to breathe into it through every detail. A stunning architectural feature, with impressive domed roof, attention-grabbing interiors and modern new wing have been cleverly styled by local designer, Marco Piva, offering contemporary detailing, offset by timeless Milanese artisanal pieces and covetable Italian furnishings. The old and the new blend in the most magical way.

2. The coveted location

Situated less than an hour from Milan airport and just minutes’ walk from La Scala Opera House and the ancient 15th-century Sforzesco Castle, it is safe to say that the hotel has an ideal location. But there’s more: just moments away from it, one finds the famous fashion district which forms an innate part of its ultra-stylish and fashionable character.

3. The view and the rooftop

Except from its iconic facade, the Excelsior Hotel Gallia bears one of the city’s most elegant rooftops. Terrazza Gallia has been fitted out in the finest detail by B&B Italia. Guests walking out onto the terrace are welcomed by a jaw-dropping view and an eclectic selection of fine furniture by Fendi Outdoor, Knoll and Varaschin, overlooking the Milanese skyline.

4. The design

Just moments after stepping into the hotel’s majestic lobby, one finds himself in somewhat of a temple of italian design. Art deco elements blend in with Italian coolness in the most refreshing way, eye catching details and pieces of art occupy every corner, waiting to be noticed and admired. Marco Piva started by studying the original materials and surfaces and used a number of strong references from 1930s Milan architecture: the La Scala Theatre, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, villa Necchi Campiglio, Milanese courtyards.Then, he infused them with fashionable up- to-date furnishing made by Italian craftmenship. The hotels has also a unique collection of more than 500 art pieces designed by Piva including paintings, sculptures and pictures.

5. The Murano chandelier

In a hotel where contemporary design is a major part of its identity, guests are taken aback by a (not so) hidden treasure: the most impressive chandelier I have ever seen. I simply couldn’t stop photographing from any angle possible this jaw-dropping piece, producing what seemed like a waterfall of lights upon the eight-story monumental staircase of the hotel. I was told afterwards that it is a 30 metres high Murano glass chandelier that was especially made for the Excelsior Galia by De Majo. In fact, it looks more like a work of art than just a piece of furniture and stands as a trademark of the hotel’s modern era.