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Excelsior Hotel Gallia - Italian luxury in Milan

By Elijah D Published 7/14/2023
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Excelsior Hotel Gallia

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

Milan is arguably the fashion capital of the world, and you'll find plenty of evidence to support this all around the city. The FORTLOC team was in town to film our Milan city tour, and of course, we needed suitable accommodation.

Reception Area

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

The hotel is also close to plenty of restaurants (not to mention the in-house ones), so we had high hopes that we'll have an enjoyable stay and a good night's rest following three days of filming in Nice and the long drive from the French Riviera to Milan.

Unfortunately, we arrived in Milan well after dark and completely exhausted, so there was no opportunity to wander around. We also had an early start the next day, so jumping into bed early was important.

Main Staircase

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

Despite the "mixed personality" of the exterior, there's no confusion about the styling on the inside. The furnishing is remarkably tasteful with design choices so alluring that you could just sit and stare at the different features for hours.

As you would expect, the doormen were swift with helping with the luggage, and check-in was very pleasant and prompt. As I walked towards the elevator, I couldn't help but admire the beauty of the staircase. I would have walked all the way up to the 6th floor (where my room was situated) if I wasn't exhausted from the journey to Milan. But I would have plenty of time to enjoy that staircase in the next two days (stair climbing is my favorite form of exercise).

Front Entrance

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

Rooms

The Excelsior has a total of 235 rooms, including 53 suites exquisitely designed to match the city's haute couture reputation. Those who decide to spoil themselves have breathtaking suites to choose from. Some of these suites feature designs from renowned architects/ designers Giovanni Ponti and Achille Castiglioni. These include the Signature suites featuring up to three bedrooms.

If you're in the mood for the ultimate luxurious experience, you need to go with either the Gallia Presidential or the Katara Royal suite. The Gallia Presidential is a single bedroom, 1291sq feet suite with spacious dining and living areas and two bathrooms complete with an oversized tub, separate shower, bidet, and double vanities. Perfect for the traveling executive.

Executive Suite

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

The dining area has a panoramic view of the city you're sure to appreciate, but if you're still wondering if you're getting your money's worth, note that this suite also has a solarium with a whirlpool. There's a total of four bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms finished in marble. Also noteworthy is the presence of a butler to help with your needs.

I didn't stay at the Katara Royal, but my room, an Executive Suite, was very impressive. This was a great room to end the day after being on the road for hours. There was a large desk in a corner with a leather-wrapped work area to accommodate my laptop and the 24-inch monitor I travel with (laptop monitors are too small for my work). There was also a well-stocked mini bar above the desk that was nicely hidden away. The light fixtures had simple but elegant designs.

Executive Suite Bathroom

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

The room was at the corner of Via Luigi Galvani, and I could hear the trams go by a few minutes after settling in. I was a little concerned about this, but it turned out to be a soothing sound that helped me get a good night's rest. The bathroom, accessible via a spacious walk-in closet, was finished in tan marble and appeared to have more room than you'll ever need (not that I'm complaining). The heated floor was a great touch too.

Amenities

Gallia Lounge and Bar

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

I met with some members of the crew here while we waited for our dinner reservation, and I could easily have spent the whole night there. Since we had canceled the Como trip scheduled for the next day, it didn't sound like a bad idea. However, I still needed an early night after a full day of filming, so I resisted the urge.

Gallia Lounge and Bar

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

Wine enthusiasts have an additional option with a wine cellar available for tasting Italian and international wines with the guidance of the hotel's team of sommeliers. You can also book an exclusive dinner for four or cooking classes in the private room.

It's easy to get carried away with delicious pasta while in Milan, so you will appreciate the hotel's fitness center to prevent you from leaving Italy a lot heavier than when you arrived. If you choose not to take advantage of the Katara Royal suite, you could still spoil yourself at the Shiseido Spa Milan on the sixth and seventh floors.

The 1000-square-meter spa complements its top-notch spa treatment with a panoramic view of the city center. Golf lovers should also try out the virtual golf facility to practice their swings. With its alluring purple lighting, the indoor swimming pool is something you want to take advantage of for a relaxing evening swim or dip in the hot tub.

Excelsior Hotel Gallia at night

Image: FORTLOC/Khalid Bari

However, the film crew convinced me to visit the city instead of retiring to my tiny hotel room in Monza after a day at the track. I'll save that story for another day, but that brief visit inspired me to return to Milan for an encore. Staying at the Excelsior made this visit even more memorable. If you have any reason to visit Milan, be sure to put this hotel at the top of your list of places to stay.




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