The Excelsior Hotel Gallia is a testament to the legacy of the Gallia Family, pioneers in Italian hospitality. The family’s deep-rooted connection to the industry dates back to the early 20th century when Carlo Gallia, a visionary hotelier, sought to create a grand establishment that would reflect Milan’s growing prestige as a cultural and economic hub. In 1932, his dream became reality with the opening of Excelsior Hotel Gallia, an Art Deco masterpiece. Strategically located on the western edge of Piazza Duca D’Aosta, directly across from Stazione Centrale, the hotel has welcomed royalty, celebrities, and cultured travelers for generations. Over the decades, it has maintained its status as one of Milan’s most prestigious hotels, blending historical charm with modern luxury. Every detail of the hotel reflects Italian craftsmanship. The interiors feature exclusively Made-in-Italy furnishings, with many pieces created in collaboration with Milanese artisans and designers. A standout element is the collection of over 500 unique art pieces designed by Studio Marco Piva. The hotel’s spacious rooms and suites offer comfort while the Spa and Fitness Center provide breathtaking views. The highlight is the Rooftop Pool, where guests can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Milan’s skyline. Through generations, the Gallia family vision has remained unchanged: to offer unparalleled hospitality experience that celebrates Milan’s rich history and culture.
Here, the hotel's general manager, Gianrico Esposito shares in detail what makes the renowned hotel just so special (it's Shiseido Spa is a real gem, for example), and why Milan is considered a "shopper's dream."
The signature room at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is the Katara Royal Suite. Could you tell me what makes it so special?
The Katara Royal Suite is one of the largest and most luxurious in Europe, spanning about 1,000 square meters with four bedrooms. It sits on the seventh floor and has two expansive terraces that are not only great for relaxing but offer versatile functionality as well. One offers incredible panoramic views of the city, with a private dining area perfect for entertaining and cocktail parties, while the other transforms into a solarium with a pagoda spa with a whirlpool and steam shower.
Inside, the suite is outfitted with sleek, modern furnishings by B&B Italia, sparkling Murano chandeliers, and sunlit spaces. Each bedroom is luxuriously furnished with chandeliers, custom beds and other beautiful décor as well. I love how each space is flooded with natural light, especially the marble-lined living and dining area that connects directly to the terrace for a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. There’s even a private elevator and a discreet entrance for the ultimate VIP feel. The Katara suite is the epitome of Milanese sophistication.
What is the starting rate for the suite, and what kind of guest packages can you build around it?
The Katara Royal Suite starts around €20,000 per night. Because the suite is one-of-a-kind, we strive to reflect that spirit in the guest experience as well. Our team tailors every stay and experience to the guest’s preferences. We love crafting unique events— I often recommend private dinners using the full in-suite kitchen, made with seasonal ingredients from the nearby markets and paired with local wines curated by our sommeliers. Ultimately, our goal is always to weave the Milanese spirit throughout the entire experience, integrating a sense of place that is so essential to The Luxury Collection ethos.
The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan has been granted countless awards and has been distinctly acknowledged by Forbes Travel Guide with a rating of four stars. What do these distinctions and highlights mean to you and your guests?
Every award is a huge honor and a reminder to continue elevating our standards of excellence. Above all, it’s incredibly rewarding to see our efforts resonating with guests. Our team is so passionate about delivering thoughtful touches and personalized service, and these distinctions are a testament to the hard work of the Excelsior family.
What is one feature that you think first time visitors will find surprising?
People are always amazed by how we blend Milan’s Belle Époque roots with contemporary Italian design. From the architectural grandeur of our Gallia Health Club & Shiseido Spa to the fact that so much of our furniture is handcrafted by Italian artisans and designers—there’s a real sense of old-world charm meeting modern luxury.
The Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is located at the beating heart and transit nexus of Milan, adjacent to Stazione Centrale, known for its rich, cultural and historical features. What sights, shops and restaurants should visitors check out during their visit?
Milan is a shopper’s dream, whether you’re strolling through the Quadrilatero della Moda or exploring boutique ateliers. Our concierge team, members of Les Clefs d’Or, which recognizes the highest level of service in the hospitality industry, can set up exclusive visits to local craft shops and hidden gems like the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana or the Boschi Di Stefano House Museum. And if you love architecture, you shouldn’t miss the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio or the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. History buffs should also travel to the end of Via San Marco, where they can see the original lock system designed by Leonardo Da Vinci that revolutionized hydraulic engineering forever.
The hotel itself has a variety of dining options to choose from, whether it be a quick drink or a delicious dinner. Tell us more about what guests can expect when choosing their experience.
Terrazza Gallia, our rooftop restaurant and bar, is run by two brothers, Vincenzo and Antonio Lebano, in partnership with the three-Michelin-starred Cerea family. The Lebano brothers are from Campania, where they show an appreciation of nature by showcasing high-quality seasonal ingredients and utilizing all its parts to create something magical. Their dishes combine classic Italian flavors with modern techniques, nodding to the slow food roots of Campania by utilizing from local producers and minimizing food waste whenever possible. The Spaghetti ‘Miseria e Nobiltà’, which celebrates humble ingredients like bread and shrimp heads and transforms them into a luxuriously flavorful dish, is the perfect example of their culinary philosophy.
For a more laidback option, Gallia Lounge & Bar on the ground floor celebrates the Italian social ritual of eating together with Italian shared plates. There’s nothing better than friends and family sitting together, enjoying food and wine around the table, and having a good time. That spirit of hospitality and connection is what we hope to foster. there. We also have the Wine Cellar, which is not only a great spot for private meals and wine tastings but also where guests can learn to make risotto, pasta and other Italian classics under the guidance of our award-winning chefs.
Dania Lucero Ortiz is Town & Country’s Fashion and Accessories Director, handling all things style, jewelry, and more. For more than a decade Ortiz has scoured the market for trends, unique artistry, and new designers to create editorial pages with a strong point of view. Previously she served as Fashion Director at Michael Kors, as well as in various editorial positions.
