The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, in Milan, Italy, was officially inaugurated on May 12, 2015.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has unveiled the multi-million Euro full restoration of Excelsior Hotel Gallia as part of a Starwood’s continued strategy to invest in the creation and restoration of its luxury portfolio. Owned by Katara Hospitality and situated in the heart of the city’s rapidly emerging Porta Nuova district, Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a glittering reflection of Milan’s rich culture, sophisticated style and vibrant scene. This historic hotel has been one of the most prestigious hotels in Milan since 1932 when it first opened as “Palace Gallia”.
Led by the award-winning 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 unique furnishings that have been exclusively created by Italian designers and craftsmen.
All of the hotel’s elegant furniture is made in Italy, including several that were in collaboration with artisans and designers in Milan.
Specially commissioned light installations and lamps were created for Excelsior Hotel Gallia, including an impressive 30-metre-high Murano glass chandelier – a dazzling waterfall of 180 light cylinders illuminating the heart of the eight-storey historical stairwell.
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.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia features 235 luxurious guest rooms, including 53 suites, of which the most opulent is be the 1,000sqm Katara Suite, one of the largest Presidential Suites in Italy. Situated on the seventh floor, the Katara Suite will offer the epitome of opulent luxury with two terraces, four bedrooms and a private spa.
The destination roof-top bar and signature restaurant on the seventh floor offers a panoramic view of the city alongside remarkable epicurean experiences and classic Italian hospitality. The restaurant and bar on the ground floor is designed in a contemporary reinterpretation of the 1930s. The hotel also features a sophisticated wine cellar ideal for an intimate lunch, aperitif or show cooking for small groups.
Guests will be able to enjoy and indulge in the Shiseido spa, which spans over 1000sqm across the sixth and seventh floors.
Excelsior Hotel Gallia also features an indoor “Promenade”, a 100-metre walkway with small boutique windows from the famous Montenapoleone Street, the heart of the Milanese fashion district.
The hotel’s historical Cupola on the seventh floor houses an exclusive multifunctional room equipped with the latest in 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.