The construction of the hotel, which was designed and built by Giuseppe Laveni and Aldo Avati, was finished in 1927, when, instead of the present day Piazza Duca d'Aosta, today headquarters to the Central Station, there was simply countryside and the outskirts of Milan.

Both the hotel and the Central Station should have been inaugurated simultaneously, however delays with the monumental construction of the railway made the hotel open its doors well before. As a result, this luxurious hotel with its elegant Liberty-style facade - today still under the protection of the Italian Institute of Fine Arts - stood out in all its majestic splendour.

The designers of the hotel wrote favourably about the hotel in the Touring Club Italiano publication in 1932. This publication was the main Italian national tourist publication and was founded in 1894 with a mission to offer members a chance to explore and learn about Italy. Extract:

"Favoured by so many...and so advantageously located as to ensure that its guests could be peaceful while still having easy access to the life of the city, the hotel is as comfortable and convenient for travellers as it is for tourists and businessmen, or people who want to have a long stay in order to take advantage of all of the attractions that Milan has always offered".

The owner of the hotel, Carlo Gallia, took lavish care over all the aspects of the business because he wanted to equal the best hotels in Europe. The Duke of Bergamo called the hotel 'truly regal' and it immediately became the most prestigious location in Milan.

Carlo Gallia, at the age of only 17, left the Gallia family to learn 'the art of the guest' and remained abroad for the next 15 years. He worked in several different European countries alternating tourist resorts and cities (London, Paris, Berlin, Lucerne, Monte Carlo, St. Moritz). Once affirmed in his profession, he then founded Excelsior Hotel Gallia.

Originally built in 1932, the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan is located in the heart of this vibrant, creative city and serves as the premier threshold to new Milan. An iconic and visually distinct landmark, with its listed Liberty façade, the hotel transforms effortlessly, from historic exterior to exceptionally, chic interiors, where authentic Milanese experience and evolution meld effortlessly, alongside fashion, design and gastronomy.

Ideally situated less than an hour from Milan airport and just minutes’ walk from La Scala Opera House and the ancient 15th-century Sforzesco Castle, the hotel is also supremely positioned moments from the fashion district that forms such an innate part of its ultra-stylish character. A stunning architectural feature, with impressive domed roof, the sleek, attention-grabbing interiors and modern new wing have been cleverly styled by local designer, Marco Piva, offering fresh, contemporary detailing, offset by timeless Milanese artisanal pieces and covetable Italian furnishings.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia exemplifies all that is special about Milan and its dynamic creative legacy. An established landmark in the center of the city, the hotel has a rich ancestry that combines fluently with a contemporary design that is seductively Milanese and demands undivided attention, reflecting the flair and finesse of this exceptional destination.

One of Italy's luxury furniture makers, Poltrona Frau, created beautiful custom pieces for all guestrooms. Cassina has also played a role in fitting out rooms and the hotel corridors. The stunning table lamps located in the rooms has been designed by Luceplan, while Fendi Casa was selected for the many others among the most prestigious areas of the hotel.

Light dominates the spaces throughout the hotel through a play between natural and artificial lights, bringing to life its glittering style.

An extensive selection of bespoke design lighting can be admired throughout the hotel. Zonca Illuminazione, Fabbian and La Murrina have created collections for the rooms and suites and De Majo has produced the staggering 30m Murano glass staircase chandelier which produces a waterfall of lights spanning all floors of the hotel.

Alongside the magnificent, iconic Katara and Gallia suites, the hotel offers an outstanding selection of 51 suites divided over several suite categories. Atelier suites have been designed to recall the mood of creative workshops and Signature suites have been conceived as art galleries with theatrical use of illumination, colors and artwork.

Panoramic suites feature a spectacular large sliding panel with beautiful photos of the historic hotel façade. Executive suites are particularly suitable for today's business travelers.

Terrazza Gallia has been fitted out in the finest detail by B&B Italia. From the bar counter - a stand-out piece created from melted aluminium - guests may walk out onto the terrace to admire the elegant design of Fendi Outdoor, Knoll and Varaschin, overlooking the Milanese skyline.

The restaurant has been created as a theater. Food is the main character surrounded by black, matched with bronzed steel which recalls the Art Déco style of the hotel. Admire chandeliers from La Murrina and the Tattoo lamp by architect Marco Piva showing a dramatic play on light.

B&B Italia focused on fitting public spaces using various special materials such as aluminium, glass and marble. This included the expansive 3000 square meters of brown antique granite with silver accent paving the floor of the lobby areas. The lobby pays tribute to outstanding Milanese architectures of the 30s such as La Scala Theatre and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele.

Average consumption rate of our guests p/night: 

• Water: 73.2 Gallons = 596 cups 
• Electricity: 0.19 KWH = amount of energy needed by a star-rated laptop to run for 10 hours 
• Natural gas: 25,000 btu = energy to heat a 400 square foot room at 70°F for 4 hours with 10°F outside

Pillars of our commitment to sustainability:

• Energy and water conservation 
• Waste minimization 
• Indoor environmental quality 
• Awareness and engagement 
• Sustainable meeting practices

We are involved in many global social responsability programs and institutions:

• Better World 
• Check Out for Children 
• Clean The World 
• Coca-Cola Sustainability Partnership

A green complimentary service:

• Connect your smartphone or tablet to the hotel Wi-Fi 
• Download the latest version of Pressreader app 
• Pick your favourite magazine or newspaper 
• Enjoy reading it.

• 25% less by 2020
• Our 30/20 by 20 strategy aims to reduce dramatically consumptions within 2020:
• 30% energy consumption and 20% water consumption
  

You as our guests represent a fundamental pillar for the success of this ambitious plan. Be aware that your contribution and your daily actions can make the difference to ensure a better tomorrow.

• Gambero Rosso for Ristoranti D'Italia 2022: Terrazza Gallia confirms the two forks

• L’Espresso Italy Guide for 2021: Three Hats for Terrazza Gallia
• Gambero Rosso for Ristoranti D'Italia 2021: Terrazza Gallia awarded with two forks
• 2021 World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards:
• Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan– Luxury City Hotel– Italy (Country)
• SHISEIDO SPA Milan– Luxury Fitness Spa– Europe (Continent)
• Europe's Leading Hotel Suite 2021: Katara Royal Suite at Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan, Italy
• Italy's Leading Hotel Suite 2021: Katara Royal Suite at Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Milan

• Gambero Rosso Milan Guide for 2020: Two Forks 85/100 points for Terrazza Gallia
• Forbes Travel Guide: Four Stars for 2020
• L’Espresso Italy Guide for 2020: Two Hats for Terrazza Gallia
• Identità Golose Guide for 2020: Excellence in service and hospitality for Terrazza Gallia
• World Luxury Spa Awards: Shiseido Spa Milan as Global Win in Luxury Fitness Spa
• World Travel Awards: Katara Royal Suite as Europe's Leading Hotel Suite 2020
• World Travel Awards: Katara Royal Suite as Italy's Leading Hotel Suite 2020
• Gambero Rosso for Ristoranti D'Italia 2021: Terrazza Gallia awarded with two forks