Excelsior Hotel Gallia, MilanThe Excelsior Gallia was conceived as a destination hotel and built next to the main railway station (Milano Centrale). Both buildings are masterpieces, though the hotel ended up being finished (in 1929) before the railway was ready in true Italian style. Although the beautiful Belle Epoque exterior remains, gazing gracefully across the Piazza Duca D'Aosta, the interior has been completely rebuilt and is a fantastic advert for contemporary Italian design. Marco Piva's creation is simply stunning.
When it was first built, it sat at the city limits close to open fields. Those have long gone but it is still some way out of the centre of town. The hotel helpfully provides a complimentary "taxi" service (in a Maserati naturally) which will drop off and pick up close to the Duomo. The rebuild included an excellent swimming pool, spa and fitness facility as well as adding a new wing. Having visited Milan a few times, and usually stayed at the Park Hyatt, we decided it was time to look at the opposition. The Excelsior is now managed by Starwood (as one of The Luxury Collection) which also has an excellent guest loyalty programme. DiningAs we were only in town for two days, we didn't get around to dining in the restaurant. We had breakfast both mornings however and were impressed with the huge range of fare on offer. You really couldn't want for anything. The bakery and breads were so numerous I couldn't list them. The gluten-free section was especially noteworthy. It is so rare for even luxury hotels to cater for special dietary needs so well.
There is of course the usual choice of eggs accompanied by bacon (central european style - crispy), sausages, and every garnish you could wish for. There is a smoothy bar where you can select your favourite fruits and vegetables. Detox with celery if you like, or stock up on vitamins. The fresh fruits were absolutely amazing for midwinter in Europe with really ripe pineapple, mango, melon, blueberries, you name it. The cold cuts and cheese section were equally impressive with three varieties of Pecorino alone. If I have any negative criticism, the service could be a little unreliable. Having to ask three times for hot water for tea is not really acceptable at this end of the market. A (moderate) complaint did illicit a grovelling apology but still it shouldn't happen in a luxury hotel. |
Atelier SuiteAtelier Suites are all individually designed and occupy corner positions with good views. The standard of furnishings is very high as is the quality of the amenities. 65 square meters allows room for the lounge, bedroom and bathroom all to be well proportioned. Ours also had a large walk-through wardrobe between the bedroom and bathroom. The rich chocolate brown marble that clothes the bathroom may not be to everyone's taste but it is undeniably top quality. We liked that the shower cubicle was not only spacious and plenty big enough for us to shower together but that it also doubles as a steam chamber. It even has a coloured light panel and you can choose the colour to suit your mood.
All rooms have Nespresso coffee machines and the suites are provided with a lovely leather amenity box containing teas, coffee and chocolates. Together with the welcome amenity of fruits (fresh and dried) we had plenty to snack on during our stay. The bed was extremely comfortable and we slept really well. The hotel will change the pillows if you have a preference. Spa & LeisureWow. Just WOW. This has to be one of the best hotel spas in Europe. It is achingly beautiful with lovely mood lighting effects throughout. The pool is about 20m long and even on Valentine's weekend we had it to ourselves for over an hour at times. Top tip - people go shopping on Saturdays so you can relax in peace. With a choice of saunas and steam rooms, a salt chamber to relax in - with walls of translucent quartz reminiscent of Roman era villas - and the piece de resistance - an absolutely fabulous private spa suite. If you stay here as a couple, make sure you book at least two hours in here to enjoy the sauna, steam bath, ice fountain and jacuzzi à deux. We tried the signature one hour massage for two as part of a special Valentine's weekend package which included the room and breakfast as well as a bottle of sparkling wine (turned out to be Ruinart Champagne) and a huge selection of fresh and dried fruits and nuts - including dark chocolate enrobed strawberries. If that doesn't get you in the mood, nothing will. Oh, there's also a very good fitness room with latest generation equipment. Excellent views too.
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Overall Impression
Really great location, right next to Milano Centrale railway station (there are express rail links from both Malpensa and Linata airports as well as mainline rail
destinations in the rest of Europe. Although it is not in the centre of town, the hotel provides a (very stylish) courtesy car service to the centre. It's actually rather nice alighting from a Maserati - just make sure you dress appropriately.
The exterior is a real piece of European heritage architecture, the interior a statement of Milanese design philosophy. The overall effect is extremely cool. Front of house service is excellent. The breakfast offering is superb though service could improve a little. The rooms are beautifully appointed with local materials and furniture. The spa and fitness suite is among the best we've experienced. Add all the benefits of Starwood Preferred Guest membership and it is a compelling package. We have already made our next reservation and will certainly be back as often as we can manage.
destinations in the rest of Europe. Although it is not in the centre of town, the hotel provides a (very stylish) courtesy car service to the centre. It's actually rather nice alighting from a Maserati - just make sure you dress appropriately.
The exterior is a real piece of European heritage architecture, the interior a statement of Milanese design philosophy. The overall effect is extremely cool. Front of house service is excellent. The breakfast offering is superb though service could improve a little. The rooms are beautifully appointed with local materials and furniture. The spa and fitness suite is among the best we've experienced. Add all the benefits of Starwood Preferred Guest membership and it is a compelling package. We have already made our next reservation and will certainly be back as often as we can manage.